| Bruce's Latest Adventures! |
FUN AT WHITE ROCK MOUNTAIN ARKANSAS!
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Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Alley Springs is one of Missouri’s Ozarks gems. It is a place with both interesting sites and stunning beauty. 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork rivers and 80,000 acres in southern Missouri have been preserved. The park has hundreds of springs, caves, trails and historic sites such as Alley Mill. Great for canoe, swim, boat or fish! #beautifuldestinations #travel #adventures #travelphotographer #tourism
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This is a picnic ground and trail head for Mill Pond. It is also a national forest interpretative site. It has historical markers that even show photos in some cases that shows you this site’s evolving history. The breach in the dam is clearly seen from the footbridge.
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This is an overlook at the border dam. One side of the dam is in Canada, the other side, America. The visitor’s center is unmanned and its bathrooms were unlocked. Did give you what you most wanted, a nice view.
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This is the town of Metaline Falls. It is a shell of its former self. Used to have a number of paper mills and other large industrial complexes. They are now gone and the railroad no longer stops at the depot. It has become a museum. The bar/grill made me a great breakfast!
Lots of false front buildings. These photos are just a small portion of the old downtown. The Washington Hotel is still standing but closed was the number one stop for people disembarking from the trains. And until a few years ago, it still operated a nice restaurant.
8/4/23
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Wanted to share with you good news: September 9th I will be in the Black Hills for a book signing.
Where: Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor's Ctr.
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
160 West Main Street, Lead South Dakota 57754
605/584-3110
https://sanfordlab.org/slhvc
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This photo is Sunlight Basin from the top of Dead Indian Pass. #solotraveler
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Photos are Shoshone Canyon, Cody dam. At a rest stop with a nice view, weather is perfect. Now I’m driving up Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. It is a gorgeous road. Headed for Dead Indian Pass. A spectacular view. After that heading down into the Sunlight Basin. May camp there, don’t know. I will camp at the first place that I like. It is 70 degrees here. Higher up, it will be cooler! May be there for 3 days, maybe 10.
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Here is an aircraft boneyard next to a highway rest stop just outside of Greybull Wyoming. It’s really neat and a must stop! Going to Cody Wyoming
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Was on Highway 14, climbing the Big Horn Mountains. Two-Thirds the way up at a scenic pullover. It’s quite a drive, Horizon is hazy from Canadian fire smoke. Going camping.
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Left Cheyenne Wyoming, on the road again. At a highway rest stop on I-25 in Wyoming. I have been driving all interstates so far on this trip. It is easy driving and lots of rest stops. After today, no more interstate. I’m heading for the Big Horn mountains tomorrow, I already see snow!
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This photo that says nowhere is actually a gas station in Sydney Nebraska which is also the world corporate headquarters for the Cabela Company. Sydney is not a large town but it still has a Hilton and I stayed there last night. Today I’m in Cheyenne Wyoming, enjoyed lunch at Little America.
#roadtrip #travel #author #writer #adventure #Nebraska #cabela #cheyenne #Wyoming
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Visited Kearney Nebraska today, having lunch. The haze is back, thick and you can smell it. Stopped to see a customer, Stagecoach Gifts. It is their 50th year in business! They bought 3 titles totaling 8 books of mine!
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In River City Iowa getting fried chicken because they were out of steak. Kept stopping on the way here at places I’ve been to before but they were all out of business! Lots of places out of business in KC, St. Joseph, Rockport, Mound City. It is beyond sad. It just wasn’t restaurants and hotels, it was also warehouses and apartment complexes. I’m now in Percival Iowa.
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2 MONTH ROADTRIP 2023
On the road for a few hours now. Heavy traffic in both directions on I-70. Ran into rain west of Boonville. Now between St. Joseph and Kansas City, the rain has removed the haze from the sky. The haze is from the smoke fires from Canada. I’m at a highway rest stop on I-29 just south of St. Joseph MO. Going to look for a place to have dinner now. #travel #writer #highway #adventures #adventuretravel #adventureawaits #roadtrip
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| Roadside rest stop on I-29 South of St. Joseph MO |
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Briana McPherson Shop Mgr. with author Bruce A. Raisch displaying Show Caves of the Ozarks
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| Show Caves of the Ozarks at the Missouri History Museum |
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Fallsville Arkansas is a tiny ghost town. It is on the Arkansas map but is actually what is referred to as a paper town. Shows on the map as a town but when you get there you wonder why they put it on the map. Have passed through this location for a good number of years now. The one building that shows it is for rent is a recent rehab. It had been vacant on the other times that I had passed through.
Do not enter any of the buildings in Fallsville. Many are dangerous and all are privately owned. There are occupied homes surrounding this abandoned core. Be respectful of all private property. Also do not add to any of the road litter here. It’s one reason why visitors aren’t welcome. Be a good tourist, leave only footprints and take only photos.
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In Leadville CO there is a wide variety of restaurants. The Treeline Restaurant has a nice menu, a wine list and service with a smile! You can eat outdoors by the fire pit or enjoy their rooftop patio. https://treelinekitchen.com/
#vacation #roadtrip #colorado #travel #scenery #tourist #history #food #event #entertainment #restaurant #wine #outdoors #patio
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The St. Elmo General Store is a ‘must stop’ in town. They are also one of my newest customers! They sell drinks, snacks and ice cream with the souvenirs and their autographed copies of Haunted Hotels of the West. The store is easy to find. It’s the only hangout in town and it is located at the chipmunk crossing. The chipmunk crossing is a both cute and unique tradition of St. Elmo. It was there when I first visited in 1998. The boards that everyone is sitting on and using as a makeshift picnic area are the shattered remains of a pre-1900 building. Caution – feeding chipmunks by hand risks a bite and a rabies shot. They also have a nasty habit of pooping on you. #vacation #roadtrip #colorado #travel #scenery #tourist #history #ghosttown
http://www.st-elmo.com/index.html
https://www.facebook.com/St.ElmoGeneralStore/
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St. Elmo is a nice place to walk around. Have good walking shoes, water and a camera. Don’t forget that you are close to 10,000 feet; the air is thin. Bring your own food too, no place to eat. No place to buy hot food and sit and eat. This is one of the better and more intact ghost town than you can visit, using the family car.
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Here is a video of my visit to the Ghost Town of St. Elmo Colorado. It was Tuesday, August 9th and the weather was gorgeous. If you are not used to an elevation of almost 10,000 feet, it will be easy to get out of breath. This was my third visit to St. Elmo going back to 1998. One of the better ghost towns to see, well worth the visit. https://youtu.be/0MJQkXiOY38
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January, 2023 - News Flash: had a severe pain issue last night bad enough that I wound up at VA ER at 1:30 a.m. The pain issue turned out to be a broken and separated left shoulder. Now here’s the weird part, the Dr. informed me that it’s an old injury and has been broken for years. That means I’ve been hiking, camping, climbing and canoeing with a broken left shoulder. Still have been enjoying life though so don’t take this as a complaint. Live well my friends, enjoy life. Happy New Year!
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Fun in Kellogg Idaho. First a cable car ride to the top of a mountain, there we had a huge lunch. The restaurant is great. Then, rode an open chair-lift ride and then the cable car ride back down the mountain. Beautiful skies and a fun day, June 22, ‘22.
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Northwest Colorado Dinosaur Fossil Country. Also an area of beautiful desert mountain buttes.
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An historical rest stop off of Highway 40 in Western Colorado. This was also my lunch stop for the day. The train cars on the siding were a nice bonus.
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This is downtown Cheyenne Wyoming. It can be a lot of fun on summer weekends. Then they have vendor booths, and free live entertainment in the Plaza. Makes for a fun Friday or Saturday night. The Albany is the best restaurant in town. Their special is prime rib. The railroad depot is still in operation and also contains a museum, and a nice restaurant/bar.
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Ashley National Forest in Northern Utah, late May 2022. This mountain snow forced me to leave northern Utah. Drove down to the Wyoming dessert prairie to get out of the snow.
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It has rained every day for part of the day since I have been in the State of Washington. In fact they are starting to have floods that washed out a road or two locally. I’m told the rain will stop sometime today. Also I’m going to start wearing my revolver on my hip. More bears and cougars where I’m going. Strapping on my Smith & Wesson 38 noise maker. Camping at Canyon Creek.
Get out of this motel and back to camping
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I’m in a hotel for the night in the town of Colville, WA, 8,000 people. $18.87 before tax & tip for breakfast, gas is $5.29 and the list goes on for higher costs.
Had a good time at Leo Lake NF camp ground. Only 8 sites, all full. They have grizzly bears, timber wolves, pack wolves, cougars and hogzillas. They also have 400 lb. black bears like the one that appeared in my camp. He was 30’ or less from me as I was walking towards the van. He was next to the trail. I chased him off by yelling "bad bear" twice. He covered 30’ in less than 2 seconds so I’m glad he ran away from me.
Reported it to the ranger when he showed up and he said what kind of bear was it? That’s when I knew they also had grizzlies. A local told me they have 1400 lb. grizzlies.
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Bobcat walked right past me and let me photograph it at will. Can you say, “here kitty kitty”. Photo taken while primitive camping one half mile from Gray Springs in the Boston Mountains of Arkansas.
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Adventure News! 2022
Have already rented 3 different mountain cabins and one lodge. Have rented them before I even planned the trips that they would be on. Had to do it this way. These rentals are booking up too early. Almost everything is booked up till July already.
Two of the cabins are in Idaho and rented for June. Snow could be a problem. The 3rd cabin and the lodge I rented for April is in Arkansas on White Rock Mountain.
BEAVER CREEK CABIN, Boise National Forest
MAGEE RANGERS CABIN, Idaho Panhandle National Forests
WHITE ROCK MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
Planning two trips, one in the Ozarks in April and leaving for the west 3 months or more in May.
Finding many things are already rented. If you don’t have your camping or hotel reservations made soon, you might not be able to get it at all this summer! Started making my reservations in December and having a great deal of difficulty.
Got me my mountain! Rented the Deer Ridge Lookout Tower! Just 26 miles of the Canadian border. Supposed to have great views and lots of bears!
Looks like it will be a busy tourist summer. Hope you enjoy!
Anybody out there ready for a road trip?!
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Pictures of Many Glacier Lodge at Glacier National Park Montana. This is the lodge I stayed at on this summer’s trip. Had a suite with a lakeside balcony. Later I’ll show photos from the balcony. This was the first time I ever got a room at a park lodge. It’s on the road from the Lodge that I experienced the grizzly bear attack.
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Spotted a moose and her calf while taking a boat ride at Many Glacier Lake, July ‘21. The moose was teaching her calf to swim. She also kept us from getting to dock the boat for about 20 minutes. This was in Glacier National Park, Montana.
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Road trip animal photos:
These are some of the more interesting and only slightly domesticated animals I saw on my last road trip. I’ve seen a cat on a leasch before but it is rare. The two dogs are half wolf. Of course it didn’t stop me from petting them in their own vehicle. Came across the owl and its owner in Farson Wyoming. The owl is a trained movie bird and has at least 35 film credits – I forgot to ask for its autograph. The owl was neat, worth the $10. The owl is copyrighted!
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This little store on the edge of the Badlands was one of the many fun “little stops” from the trip. The place is lots of fun and they are also a customer.
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Many National Parks are full and turning people away. Also National Parks have not completely re-staffed since covid, especially with seasonal workers. Most have not been allowed to bring back their over-seas guest workers. This is causing shortages and problems for any tourist or taxpayer actually trying to use the park.
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I’m in Teton National Park, going to Togwotee. So many places aren’t open or just open for some meals. One place was only open for breakfast & dinner, they can’t get staffing.
Mosquitoes are alive and well in the Teton National Park. Had another fox in my camp last night. Saw it walked down the road and went underneath my van. Then it checked out my camp. I had been in the van the whole time. Wouldn’t think such a big white box would make such a good animal blind. Got out of the van and the fox didn’t run away, it came closer, wound up feeding it bing cherries. I would roll them to the fox and it would sniff them out. It seemed to have enjoy them as much as I was.
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Lots going on! Had tire trouble, went to 4 places that were too busy to take care of it. Went to a 5th place called “Peerless Tire” They are on East Lincoln Avenue and they are angels! In their tire shop, they were even giving shelter to an injured bird. Saw the clerk open the door for it.
Had a difficult time getting a hotel room the other day, and the heat was bothering me. Nice lady by the name of Becky at the Area’s Holiday Inn Express gave me an early check-in and a room on the 1st floor. Sweet lady and a wonderful hotel to stay.
A lot of US Banks are closed out here from the Covid pandemic. But I called one US Bank and they told me that since I am an existing client, if I knocked on the door, they would let me in.
Everywhere I went in Cheyenne, someone was doing something nice for me. Hope to have the prime rib special at one of my favorite restaurants. It is called The Albany. I will let you all know if it is still open and if the food is still the same. Tomorrow I see a client in Laramie Wyoming and then head for the Northern Rockies of Colorado. Hope to do two to three days of camping.
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For the month of May - I went over my goal for 1,200 books sold this month by 1. The original goal was 800 books sold. I hit 1201 with the last sales stop of the day and it is the 31st. You don’t cut it closer than that! But it is the most books I’ve ever sold in a month and by more than 2:1, feels great!
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Checked into the same travel lodge that I have been staying at in Rapid City, SD. The staff was all excited because the room they alleged is haunted, #183, was available and they wanted to check me into it. The room is allegedly haunted by an air force man that committed suicide because his bride stood him up at the wedding. She gave no notice or reason and he took his life.
The floor is also supposed to be haunted by two children who were abandoned by their mother at the hotel. The children allegedly run up and down the second floor sidewalk balcony. Guests will call and complain about children running and making noise. Staff does not know what to tell them when there aren’t any children here.
The staff also debates with each other who will get stuck cleaning this floor.
All these are stories from the staff at this hotel. I have not done my usual research and checked them out at City Hall but the staff seems pretty sincere and seemed genuinely worried when they share their stories.
When I first walked into the room, the staff had not prepared it yet so I walked into the bathroom to check it out and then heard a loud noise in the main room. It sounded like my suitcase hit the bed, then hit the floor hard. The only problem is my suitcase is in the van. Checked out the main room and could not find a source for the noise.
Should be an interesting time sleeping. Thinking of calling out to the airman and telling him to leave me a message while I sleep tonight. I will let you know how things turn out.
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Happy Memorial Day! Last night had a star-filled sky. Only second time I’ve seen the stars on this trip. Best weather yet of the trip this morning! Had to break frequently for animal life in the road. First time was a turkey, second was two fawns, third time was two puppies! All animals and the van are safe. Right now sitting in the shade at South Dakota’s Petrified Forest. Waiting for the gift shop to open, in the meantime getting myself a free tour. The Petrified Forest here is actually very good, something to see. Had breakfast two days in a row at the Cheyenne Crossing. That’s just outside Lead, SD. Great restaurant stop. The owner is David, really nice guy.
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These two places are in the same town. They are also both sales stops for me on the same day. Just part of the job. Keystone South Dakota, the Keystone Museum and Mt. Rushmore!
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Sales are great, 140 books sold today, 100 just to Mt. Rushmore today! I love it that they sell my books at Mt. Rushmore, means a lot to me. If the weather clears tomorrow, I’ll go camp at the top of Warren Peak. I don’t care how cold it gets, I just need to be able to see the road. Right now it is 40 degrees and misting, it will drop to the low 30’s tonight!
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Made it to Flag Mountain last night to watch the lunar events. Was surprised, no other people came up with the idea. I wasn’t totally alone, I was serenaded by a pack of coyotes. From the look-out at Flag Mountain I could simultaneously see the sun set in the west and the moon rise in the east. Pink clouds skirted by the moon. I know it is a stereotype thing to say but they did actually look like cotton candy! Took photos, but I doubt I caught the magic. Was at almost 7,000 feet. Temperature dropped to 34 degrees there last night! Today I saw a duck with 7 ducklings in downtown Keystone SD!
Sales are great, the weather is lousy. Places are booking up like crazy for Memorial Day. If you have an RV and plan to use it this summer, I highly suggest making reservations. RV camps are packed. Last night marked the 10th day and 1,400 miles that I have been on the road. Just 90 to 100 days to go! Hope you are there with me at the end of the trip!
Spectacular view up at Flag Mountain, area has been damaged by a forest blight and the access road is in particularly poor condition right now. Best not to use your little family car on this road. The predators here are bobcats, black bears and cougar, so nothing for me to worry about.
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It's a Small World!
Went to the Historic Blue Bell Lodge (Custer SD) for breakfast this morning. While walking around in another room, I heard a man sneeze in the main dining room. I yelled out, “Bless you”. I heard a female voice chuckle and say, “Thank you”. I walked back in the main dining room and the lady thanked me once again. While nodding to the gentleman across the table, she said, “My husband always sneezes in threes.” I replied, “I usually do too”.
From there a long conversation started. The couple was from Carroll MO, turns out her husband is originally from St. Louis and surprise upon surprise, small world, he graduated from Affton High School. From there I told them my story of hitchhiking in Saudi Arabia and getting a ride from Mark Lynch, another Affton alumni. The couple from Carroll has recently purchased and restored a Historic 1815 log cabin. They have moved it and reconstructed it on their property in Carroll MO. I have invited them up to dinner in September at the Lemp Mansion and even promised them a tour. They bought 3 copies of my books.
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Left camp in Halsey NE at 7:31 this morning, drove in fog. Was looking for a restaurant to have breakfast. 155 miles later, I found one. Did pass 2 speed traps along the way. Finally reached chow in Murdo, SD. Also saw the sun for the first time in 3 days. After breakfast, visited a customer, the Pioneer Auto Museum – a must see! Over 250 historic vehicles including the Dukes of Hazard car. Has a gift shop and diner attached. If you are on I90, this is a great stop.
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I stopped driving and am camping in the Nebraska National Forest. It’s not a joke, it is a man-made forest in the Central Nebraska. I usually stop here. It is a pretty little corner of Nebraska. Tomorrow I’m headed to South Dakota.
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Checked into a Super 8 Motel in Percival, Iowa. Campground was closed and everything was wet! Clerk at the front desk recognized me and asked for an autograph. In the end she wound up buying 2 of my books: Ghost Towns of the Black Hills and Haunted Hotels of the West. Up to 715 sales for the May month. This location was flooded out 2 years ago. Some buildings still have water stains from the flood.
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May 16, 2021
I left early this morning to head West for a 3-1/2 month book/road trip. I’ll keep you all posted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLeoarSJDIM
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Interview with Brian Kelly at KMOX
https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/total-information-am-weekend-312/bruce-raisch-375208689
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White Rock Mountain Arkansas - A great experience
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Took another road trip and had lunch in Hermann, Missouri. Ate at the Concert Hall and Barrel Tavern. Good food and great service. Lots of people were out and having a good time. Herman Missouri, like Washington Missouri also has an Amtrak Depot. They make for fun day train trips. You should check into it!
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Road Trip to Washington, Missouri! Cold weather fun!
Lunch was at Sugarfire Smoke House, great food and great view of the River!
Photos include, Missouri River, The old water plant, old freight depot.
Factory where they made Douglas MacArthur’s corn cob pipe!
They are still in business and are hiring!
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Latest planned adventure, I rented a fire lookout tower for a short portion of my summer road trip. Its location is in Montana along the Idaho border and it is named Sex Peak Lookout. … You got the name right, the surveyors were just having fun, either that or they had run out of names. It’s a tough place to rent. Great view and great spot to camp. Glad I had it reserved. Enjoy the photos, I’ll take more when I’m there. Just part of the job.
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234433
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Took a spur of the moment country drive. Just came across this place in Washington County Called Bootleg Access. It’s on the headwaters of the Big River. Made for a nice picnic stop. On the way back, stopped at a road-side produce stand. Nice little trip. Highly recommend it for anybody who can. Give yourself an afternoon in the country. Of course, take only pictures and leave only footprints. The memories will last for a lifetime. Enjoy!
https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/bootleg-access
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Donald Head, my godfather, has asked me to write a Forward for his reproduction of the book “Propaganda”. This kind man has even dedicated his work to me. Previously I had dedicated my 4th book, Haunted Hotels of the West, to him.
Now Don Head has returned the favor and to that I say “Thanks”.
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Road trip to Marceline MO to pick up books. Stopped for a picnic on the way at a road-side park. There were a lot of other picnickers enjoying the great weather day! Everybody maintained social distance. Stayed the night in Macon MO - everyone was nice. Restaurants were still closed, had fast food take-out. Driving there was definitely cheaper than having the books delivered. Unlike my old pick-up truck, this van has no problem handling a heavy load.
Check out my YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP3ixgWXPT8&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR3KgtbYWOF4 GyGHbrO49etb29mYQAMCBPk1W-b89RpercpiOFx0d4vK8K
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Due to the Coronavirus pandemic currently sweeping
the globe, I have been writing more articles for Patch.
What you can do to help the economy - keep it rolling!
Also I have been producing YouTube Health & Safety
Covid Tips.
Check them out and let me know what you think!
Would love some feedback!
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Still hope to canoe this spring. Missouri is scheduled to open May 4th. Then it’s a county by county, city by city matter. Called Two Rivers Canoe, they may open May 9th. If so, I’ll go. Easy to maintain social distancing while canoeing. Are campgrounds or B&B's open? Call ahead. May is a beautiful time to float. Rivers are flowing well, the bugs and crowds aren’t out. I highly recommend the Jack’s Fork River. For beginners the lower portions of the river is an easy float.
Alley Springs and Two River Canoe rentals serve this stretch of river and both give good service. Two Rivers Canoe is at a public campground (also called Two Rivers). So you can float back to your camp or your car. Too easy! At the half point of the float is a bridge. You are at the town of Eminence. Get out of your canoe and walk into town. There are 4 or 5 good cafes in town. Do lunch there. We call it the ‘Credit Card Float’. It is a lot of fun and way too easy.
I highly recommend:
Two Rivers Canoe Rental
Canoe & kayak rental service
https://www.brookdalefarmsinc.com/canoe-rental
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I have some photos of Rockerville to share with you from 2012.
Enjoy the memories!
June 6, 2019 Ghost Town Announcement:
The majority of Rockerville, South Dakota has met the bulldozer blade! The victim of a good economy and development.
They took out most of the old tourist town and even a couple of the pre-1900 cabins and sheds!
This site is in my book, Ghost Towns of the Black Hills. There are still a couple of things to see but most of it is gone. There was a pile of old cabins and sheds waiting to be burned at a later date.
A shame to see history gone up in smoke.
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What better way to celebrate a grey Friday the 13th then to have lunch at a Haunted! B&B. Come join me for my latest adventure at the Lemp Mansion.
Also, check out my 2 videos:
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Got a response from the National Forest Service on my pioneer Ozark graveyard discovery and would like to share it with you.
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“Thanks for the call. Sorry it’s been a while since we last spoke. We have made progress toward identifying this cemetery. It actually was not ever recorded as an archaeological or historical site, but there was mention of it made in multiple records that we have. I have not come across a name associated with it, but we are not alone in assumption that its presence is likely why the drainage is called Graveyard Hollow. If that is true, this is indeed an old cemetery. I am confident that it is not Native American. It is most likely a historic era family cemetery. We will be doing some non-destructive inspection of the cemetery this spring. I will keep you posted when we have made progress.
Mark Twain National Forest”
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I will keep all of you informed about the inspection of the cemetery. I have requested to join the expedition. I will keep you all posted about that.
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There are no gravestones, they are oblong mounds of piled rocks. The graves had been decorated with plastic flowers, circa 1970. Graves are much older than the plastic flowers. Land became Federal around 1970, somebody probably went in and marked/decorated the graves one last time. That's part of the mystery. Went looking for it because an old map showed the area with the name of Grave Yard Hollow. Took a chance there was something in the name.
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Interesting day, went to the (haunted) Lemp Mansion to make a book delivery and stayed for lunch. It was good food and great service. My friend Pat and I ate in the dining room next to the old Aviary. It was an early lunch and we were the only people in the two rooms.
At one point during the meal, we both heard noises coming from the aviary room. Sounded like somebody came in and sat at a table. Pat leaned back in her chair and peered into the other room. Then, without looking at me, softly uttered, “There’s nobody there.” I stood up, took one step and looked out the entrance way that emptied into the main hall, just in case the person exited the aviary this way – they hadn’t. I walked around but could not find any person or source for the noise.
I took my friend Pat on a tour of the old place. This included the basement. Of course, only idiots in horror movies go in the basement of a haunted house.
The basement was closed at the time but I obtained permission to show my friend around. This is easy for me. First, places like it when you put them in a book, Haunted Hotels of the West, pages 62-69. Second, I use to give ghost tours here. The basement has lots of history like suicides and a large vault that has been converted to cold food storage.
We were just about to enter Billy Lemp’s old party room when a dark shadow figure left through a different entrance. My friend waited while I searched in vain for the reason for the shadow. Always an adventure walking around dark basements. Nothing or no one was found.
Upon returning, a shrug of my shoulders was all the communication needed. Have been to the Lemp many times in the past, all I experienced were cold spots and orbs on my camera.
Well, there’s always a first time.
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THE BEAR TOOTH HIGHWAY EXPERIENCE
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June 6, 2019 Ghost Town Announcement:
The majority of Rockerville, South Dakota has met the bulldozer blade! The victim of a good economy and development.
They took out most of the old tourist town and even a couple of the pre-1900 cabins and sheds!
This site is in my book, Ghost Towns of the Black Hills. There are still a couple of things to see but most of it is gone. There was a pile of old cabins and sheds waiting to be burned at a later date.
A shame to see history gone up in smoke.
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Took a spur of the moment, spring trip. Went to Hawn State Park to check out dogwood and other spring blossoming trees. Large coyote pack in the middle of the camp ground late at night. They added to the atmosphere. During the day went hiking, looking for different springs. Great little trip. Lots of birds out, would have been a great day for a birder.
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I am now working on book #7.
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Have scheduled signings for this summer season:
July 26th, Thursday - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chris' Book Corner, 322 State St, Weiser, Idaho 83672
Phone: (208) 549-8191
July 29th, Sunday - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pat's What Not Gift Shop
in the Ghost Town of Silver City, Idaho
August 11th, Saturday - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum
500 West Walnut, Rawlins, Wyoming
Phone: (307) 324-4422
September 13, 2018 - Elms Health Care Center
410 Ball Park Rd., Ponca, NE 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
October 13th - St. Charles City-County
Library's 9th Annual Local Author Open House
427 Spencer Road, St. Peters, MO
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
October 27 - Books Galore 411 W. Main,
Festus, MO 63028 - 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
November 3rd - 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
St. Louis Indie Book Fair
3453 S. Jefferson Avenue
******
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Visited Meramec State Park and the now closed Lone Hill Onyx Cave!
Beautiful hiking area.
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I will be attending the 3rd Annual St. Louis Indie Book Fair Friday, November 3rd from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov 4th from 12 to 5 p.m.
Fifteen authors will be there as well. This event will be held at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. A high traffic turnout is expected at this location. On Friday we'll be part of the Grand Center Gallery walk and on Saturday there are several performances and events scheduled to keep the traffic flowing.
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| St. Louis Indie Book Fair |
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Interview with Black Hills Visitor Magazine for an article
series about ghost towns in the Black Hills (Evergreen Media).
Article:
https://blackhillsvisitor.com/learn/history/author-area-exploring-ghost-towns-with-bruce-raisch/
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Book signing event at Rose's Bookhouse
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My books make excellent gifts
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| Samantha loves Show Caves of the Ozarks |
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Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7, 2016
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It was a humbling experience and very worthwhile. It was attended by over 30 people. Very patriotic with a great love for country. The grey skies were very appropriate. Presented by the Saint Clair County Historical Society and the Fairview Memorial VFW Post.
******
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Enjoy the sites of the Cahokia Mounds Illinois
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Enjoy the photos of the Ghost Town of Berwyn, Nebraska.
Founded in 1886 as a Union Pacific Railroad town.
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I was driving in Yellowstone, came around a corner and there was a male buffalo walking along side the road. I decided to be extra cautious. At the camp fire ranger lecture the night before, was about the dangers of buffalo! So they had me convinced not to get near.
The road was too narrow without allowing me to pass him without a safe distance. There was no shoulders, it was cliff on one side and off the cliff on another side. It's a large male buffalo, they only come in one size .... large, just leisurely zigzagged up the road.
I got tired of taking pictures of his butt so I put the camera down. So he decides to cross the road so I figured I could get a picture of him broadside. As I'm trying to turn on and adjust my camera, a driver in a loud diesel truck comes the other way. The driver was going fast but he slowed down in time but he kept going which pissed off the buffalo.
The buffalo is starting to sway back and forth and switching that tail and snorting, all the danger signs they told us at the camp fire the night before. So he's mad but doesn't have anyone to be mad at now. That is, until he turns around and looks at me. At that point he put his head down, pumped up his hump and started snorting more. He's thinking about charging me! And I had nowhere to go. I felt like a State Farm commercial! At the last second he calmed down, turned and walked away. Worst part was I didn't get a good picture of it. It was just a half hour ago and I'm still getting my breath back because I had one ton of buffalo starring me in the eye.
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2016 EVENTS
Going to the Sun Road
Glacier St. Mary's Boat Ride
Bear Tooth Highway
Yellowstone
Thunder Mountain, Idaho
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July 24-25 - Rented Webb Mountain Lookout, Montana
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August Book signings
Red Lodge
Tumbleweed
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Montana Ghost Town Society Convention, Missoula Montana
Sept 9 to Sept 11th
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Book signing Saturday, May 14th from 5 to 8 p.m.
Hastings Bookstore, 2233 Missouri Blvd., Jefferson City, MO
Please let all your friends know and hope to see you there!
**********
St. Louis Indie Book Fair
The second annual St. Louis Indie Book Fair will be held on Saturday, May 7th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Louis Public Library, 1301 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. I will be there autographing all 6 titles!!
******
May 28, 2016- BOOK SIGNING
Black Hills Books & Treasures Rich & Diane Gross, Proprietors
112 S. Chicago St., Hot Springs South Dakota
605/745-5545
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I will be the guest speaker at a Skype event, discussing my books and experiences with Path of Souls Paranormal. from Albuerque, NM. April 16th about 2 p.m.
**********
Boat Ride in a Cave - The Lost Sea Adventure, Sweetwater, TN
Deep inside a mountain near Sweetwater in Eastern Tennessee is a remarkable body of water known as The Lost Sea. Listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as America’s largest underground lake, The Lost Sea is part of an extensive and historic cave system called Craighead Caverns.
******
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February 12th - Zip Line in a Cave
Louisville Mega Cavern
MEGA ZIPS- 2 1/2 hour thrilling and exhilarating adventure into never before seen sections of this man-made cavern.
Underground adventure rich in history, geology, mining, recycling, green building technology, and just simply HUGE in scale!
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| Zip Line Rope Bridge |
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| Rope Bridge Challenge |
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St. Charles City-County Library District’s Seventh Annual Local Author Open House! Thursday, November 19th at the Spencer Road Branch Library,
427 Spencer Road, St. Peters, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
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Such a GREAT turn out at The Book House Halloween
Storytelling Festival. Friday night, October 30, 2015.
Met a lot of nice people and enjoyed telling stories.
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Whistle Stop Book Signing at the
Douglas Wyoming State Fair Grounds,
August 15th, 3 to 5 p.m., at the author's booth.
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Book Signing Event at Red Lodge Books & Tea
Book Store · Toy Store · Tea Room
Friday, August 14th from 4 to 6 p.m.
16 Broadway Ave. N., Red Lodge, MT
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Ziplining in Wallace Idaho - Quite a View!!!
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Book Signing Wednesday, June 24th
Hastings Book Store
Idaho Falls, Idaho
4 to 6 p.m.
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Book Signing Pat's What Not Shop
Silver City, Idaho
Father's Day, Sunday, June 21st
11:30 a.m.
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Booksigning at Hastings Book Store, 10539 Overland
Boise, Idaho - Friday, June 19th from 5 to 8 p.m.
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Booksigning at Hastings Book Store, 680 East Boise
Saturday, June 20th from 3 to 7 p.m.
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I will be the guest speaker at the Chouteau deBoise once again! June 18th at 1:30 p.m.
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I will be the guest speaker at the Salmon Creek Gracious Retirement Living center,
4890 N. Cloverdale Road in Boise, Wednesday, June 17th at 11:30 a.m.
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Book Signing Event - Saturday, June 6th -
I will be at The Paperhouse
822 Main Ave, Saint Maries, ID 83861
from noon to 3 p.m.
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I'm on a mountain pass in Colorado above Steam Boat Springs. A buck walked through my camp last night, I just sat still and watched him walk through. Attacked by a humming bird this morning, I didn't even have red on. Lots of dead trees everywhere, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Idaho. One fell down last night and it was a loud crash, not that far from me.
On my way to Wyoming for camping.
This was my 9th state and the odometer just went over 210,000.
Going to spend the weekend in the Medicine Bow Mountains, dispersed camping.
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Please pass the word and come out, bring a friend!
I will be participating in the St. Louis Indie Book Fair
This Saturday, May 9, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Nebula 3407 S. Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63118. Several other authors will be there displaying their work. Authors reading their work will be heard throughout the day. I will be reading at 4:00 p.m. It should be a great turn-out.
I WILL BE THERE WITH ALL SIX TITLES!
MY ADVENTURE/TRAVEL BOOKS MAKE GREAT MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS.
GIVE THE GIFT THAT LASTS, I WILL AUTOGRAPH & INSCRIBE.
Thanks to all who participated, enjoy these photos taken!
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Great time at the Hastings Book Signing. Thanks for all those who came out.
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BLOG TALK RADIO FEATURING BRUCE RAISCH
Doing another fun Friday night show, this Friday the 13th. 8 p.m. CDT
Wendy Schindler of Mystic Moon Cafe Radio has been requesting more shows and I finally found the time to schedule a show. The show will be on Dreams, and a pair of unsolved mysteries, along with the normal updates and call-ins.
You are invited to join in the fun. For any of my business clients, you may email me back and request a “Plug”. I’ll do my best to give you a “Shout Out” during the program.
 646-716-6207 is the call number.
Other topics will include:
The incredibly creepy and gruesome case of Elisa Lam.
An abandoned lifeboat at world’s end.
More details on the link :
If you get a chance, check out the topics and join in with questions or comments on my show.
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Washington State Park – Desoto, MO - MISSOURI'S PETROGLYPH SHOWCASE
The main area with the vast majority of Petroglyphs was closed to the public. Walked around the outside of the area and found a small number of other Petroglyphs. Was exciting to find ones not marked by the park!
Nice picnic lunch. On the downside, the State has been allowing the old Arrowhead Lodge to run down.
Has lots of amenities. http://mostateparks.com/park/washington-state-park
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Enjoying the sites at the Mastodon State Park
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Had a great time being funny at the Hastings Halloween Booksigning! Thanks to all those who came in!
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| I climbed Mt Elbert 14,433 Ft |
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Book signing in Silver City Idaho.
Pat's What-Not Shop, Pat Nettleton, Owner.
My assistant, Patricia Cracchiola was there.
It was a beautiful day.
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No matter what angle, you have to admit, seeing
Mt. Rushmore takes your breath away!
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Below are "friends" I met along the way.
Great wildlife!
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Ring Lost, Ring Found
here is the link for the story.
Thank you again.
Alexandra Lehnert
Reporter/Anchor
K2TV
Newsroom: 307-472-1850
Cell: 970-313-6362
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JUNE 6th - JOIN ME! THIS Friday
6:00pm Pacific, 7:00pm Mountain, 8:00pm Central and 9:00pm Eastern
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysticlands/2014/06/07/
friday-night-frights-with-bruce-a-raisch-at-the-historic-occidental-hotel
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Tonight Bruce will be calling "live" from the Historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo,WY!!
We'll talk about the newest release of the movie "Godzilla", the latest on Flight 370, and some ghostly experiences at the Occidental! Here is the link and/or please
Call in to speak with the host -
(646) 716-6207.
Looking forward to talking to everyone. Thanks!
Bruce will also be talking about, Vinland - America’s “other” lost colony. Sources used, Oxford U &
National Geographic Society.
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PERFECT FATHER’S DAY GIFT - FOR THAT SPECIAL MAN IN YOUR LIFE!
All 6 of my books make great keepsakes!
Ghost Towns of Wyoming
Ghost Towns & Other Historical Sites of the Black Hills
Ghost Towns of Idaho – The Search for Eldorado
Haunted Hotels of the West
Show Caves of the Ozarks
Underground Treasures of the Black Hills -
Tour Caves, Mammoths, Mines, Museums & More
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Let the Adventures begin:
May 20, 2014 - On the road, in York Nebraska - I will be in the Black Hills tomorrow. Watching the Animal Planet that shows cougars have been infected by a virus in this country that’s causing them to be more aggressive. I will have Smith & Wesson on my hip in camp.
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I will be at the Hastings Book Store, Friday, May 16th from 5 to 8 p.m. telling stories and autographing books, all 6 titles. Please join me at their Jefferson City MO location, Hastings Book Store, 2233 Missouri Blvd. - (573) 635-7225
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Another great book signing at the Book House! Thank you to all who attended, March 1, 2014.
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I am currently hosting a Blog Talk Radio Program called, Friday Night Frights.
Here is the link to my first guest appearance:
I will be hosting every Friday night starting February 28, 2014!
The number to call in to the show is: 646-716-6207.
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St. Louis legend, the Crucifixion in Cell #8, it’s a true story. Went to St. Louis City Police Academy and saw it. 1930 it was found on a cell wall one morning by a janitor. Here are photos, it’s a real piece of art. I will be talking about this and more unsolved mysteries on my talk radio blog Fright Night Frights.
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| Bruce at All on the Same Page Bookstore |
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| Latest & Newest Customer |
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| Book Signing Event |
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Webster Groves Public Library First Annual Missouri Writer's Expo
The Friends of the Webster Groves Public Library, in cooperation with the Webster Groves Public Library, would be hosting, The First Annual Missouri Writer's Expo. Thirty regional authors will promote their work, sell their books and meet with the public. The event will be held on Friday, November 8, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. 301 E Lockwood Ave, St Louis, MO 63119 ~~~~~~~~~~
I will be speaking at this event.
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Cave Restaurant and Resort
Richland Missouri
Stopped by and had an excellent dinner.
Gary was there.
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Wednesday I will be telling Ghost Stories at the Elms Hotel & Spa, Excelsior Springs, MO
Just NE of Kansas City, MO
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Took a little Ozark trip - Started at Onondaga State Park
Arranged and took a special tour of Onondaga Cave. Got to explore normally closed sections of the cave with the Park Naturalist (Michelle), took my assistant Pat. Sections viewed included the Missouri cavern section and the submarine room. Involved lots of walking!
These are both areas that have been off of the regular tour for decades and they have lots of history in them. You view the ruins of entrance works for Missouri caverns as you enter Onondaga State Park. We were underneath these ruins on the tour. We also saw three rare cave salamanders in this section of the cave. Also the old boat dock and lots of bats. Lots of fun. I plan on going back, want to explore the lost tour trail of Missouri Caverns that I found.
People should not worry about these old sections of the cave tour because the State has arranged that you see the very BEST of the caves. Thank you Michelle!
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3 day Float
Lots of birds of many kinds; bald eagles, and sandpipers on the gravel bars, everything but the turkeys the turkey hunters were looking for.
Met a group of turkey hunters/fisherman, 2 worked for outdoor magazines, gave us a paddle after we got stranded. We were launched out of the torpedo tube.
Lots of spring foliage, growing in front of our eyes as we went. It would hide some of the caves. Jam-up was great! River was high, fast, tree choked, challenging, and slightly dangerous!!!
Went from stranded to returning early. Then sold books to the canoe concessioners, Harvey’s Alley Spring Canoe Rental, Shane & Kim Van Steenis.
These are nice people, good service, supply store, use as a camp, and they will shuttle you. Canoes, kayaks, rafts, tubes, shuttles, general store, located at Alley Spring National Park and campground on the beautiful Jacks Fork River in Eminence, Missouri. Website: www.harveysalleyspring.com Toll free: 1/888-963-5628 - 573/226-3386
Pretty bug free! No mosquitoes, few bugs bothering us (small ticks) hurt my leg, required first aid. Many helped us. Back Packer beef stroganoff is a success! Life vest over a canoe rental type proves its worth.
River had canoe enthusiasts from Wisconsin and Indiana. It is a popular, well known but still little used river. It is known to the experts but not to the general public. The Upper Jack’s Fork is only really floatable, April and May, the river is really challenging.
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April 13, 2013, I have a speaking engagement for the Daughters of the Revolution.
I will be talking about my writing career, my books and adventures.
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April 13, 2013
I really enjoyed being the guest speaker for the
Daughters of the American Revolution -
Mary Hempstead Lisa Chapter, DAR -
Annual Fundraiser Luncheon at the
Cuisine d'Art
Their Fundraiser included the Sweet
Dreams Pillow Project -
Honoring US Soldiers and
Their Family
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Welcome 2013!
I am currently at my country home in the Ozarks.
Will be planning my next adventures, road trips,
latest blogs, new photo updates as well as
short stories and research developments.
Plans will also include press releases, radio
and TV interviews.
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| Family Place in the Ozarks |
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September 25, 2012, photos of myself and a group of Rhodes Scholars doing a dig at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The Mammoth Museum and Dig Site is show-cased in my newest book, Underground Treasures of the Black Hills, Tour Caves, Mammoths, Mines, Museums & More.
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| Bruce inside the lab working on a mammoth bone |
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| Inside the lab at the Mammoth Site |
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| While in "The Dig" being barefoot helps protect the bones from damage. |
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| Dr. Larry Agenbroad, site paleontologist and Bruce Raisch |
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| So far thremain of 60 mammoth and mastadons have been uncovered |
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| Inside the dig pit at the mammoth site |
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| It's hard work but what little kid doesn't like to play in the dirt |
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| Black Hills camp site |
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| Lunch stop in Wyoming Black Hills |
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| Medicine Bow Peak as seen from camp |
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I've been waiting for a decade & 1/2 to climb Hell's Half Acre, and finally I achieved that dream.
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Tell the World that at 12:15 Sunday I entered the Pacific Time Zone and that
I will be at this time zone for the next 3 weeks. (July 29, 2012)
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| Bruce at Bonne Terre Mines |
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| Bruce While on a Personal Tour of Meramec Caverns |
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| Entrance to Cemetary at Medicine Bow, WY |
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| Casino Subway in Hot Springs SD |
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Not Exactly Monte Carlo
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| Free Taco With Oil Change in Lead, SD |
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| Happy 4th - From Bruce & Staff |
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Happy Birthday America!!!!!!!!!!
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No matter where I go on this trip, they are talking about the flood.
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Thursday, June 9, 2011
I29 closed at Council Bluffs IA
will still probably close near the MO border at Hamburg
2 completely different places!
I29 may be closed thru August - that one stretch at Council Bluffs &
Hwy 2 cutoff at NE City may also be closed until the end of August -
that's going to make detours tough and be hard on businesses
some areas will be flooded until January.
The North Platt River at North Platt City may go over its banks tomorrow
Will be in Cheyenne in 3 hours
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New from the Road
This makes my 17th Western trip.
Hwy 2 out of Hamburg IA was flooding
one lane closed
entire highway will be flooded 6/9/11.
If levee breaks as feared, Interstate I29
will be closed in several stretches.
Tonight, camping, Central Nebraska,
expected temperature 51 degrees.
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May, 2011
Currently researching caves for my next book Tour Caves of the Ozarks.
Please enjoy these photos, they are in addtion to what will be featured
in the book.
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| Cave Pearls & Rimstone Dams |
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April, 2011 - Happy Easter!
Currently attempting to do field research for future book, Tour Caves of the Ozarks.
The heavy spring rains are keeping me out of the field most weeks. Missing
my camping, canoeing and caving. Currently busy dodging flash floods,
thunderstorms, hail and torandos. Will hit the woods as soon as the weather
allows.
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The program, Supernatural Investigations was aired from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. central and I was featured for the first 1/2 hour of the show.
After that, a second author was there along with me. Call-ins were welcomed. I stayed for the entire program and answered some questions. It was a lot of fun.
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| 2010 Book Tour and Western Field Research Trip |
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| Helicopter Ride, Black Hills SD |
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| Harney Peak, Black Hills, SD |
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| Sylvan Lake, Black Hills SD |
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| Aerial View Crazy Horse Monument, BH SD |
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| Hiking in MT |
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| The road to the fire tower, SE MT |
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| The Fire Tower in Custer National Forest SE MT |
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| Ghost Town - Saw Tooth City, ID |
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| Just Your Basic Needs |
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July 13, 14 & 15th
For the last 3 days I have been camping, hiking, mountain climbing and ghosttown hunting in the Marshall Lake Wilderness in Central Idaho. I was kept company on my latest hike by a set of fresh wolf tracks, 2 hours old or less.
I went ghost town hunting in a town called Cizeck. It is in my book, Ghost Towns of Idaho - The Search for ElDorado, pages 46 & 47. The outhouses were incredible. Because of how unlevel the land was, many were built on porches or cliffs. All had steps leading to them.
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I am now in Idaho until August 2nd .
Then heading out to Montana for research
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May 17, 2010
The sun has returned and I have the cobalt western blue sky!
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May 16, 2010
Arrived in Murdo, SD. Most of the old Main business district is closed with numerous buildings in perfect condition from the 1920’s. Saw a restaurant that had tablecloths and silverware still on the tables. The day’s special appeared in fading chalk on the menu board. Past a house with the front door open, still full of furnishings and personal belongings but obviously vacant.
Small town rural America is hurting more than the big cities.
In Valentine, Nebraska, I noticed at least 20 businesses had folded since I was there last, 2 years ago. But they are building a new county jail.
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May 15th
Strolled for a mile along the shores of Merritt Reservoir. Numerous trees flowering blossoming and in bloom. I’m fortunate; I get 2 springs a year.
Merritt Reservoir turns out to be an angler’s dream. Numerous prize fish were breaking the surface at sundown. Making so much noise at first I thought it was a beaver’s tail.
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May 14, 2010 - Today is a camping day.
At the Dismal River in Nebraska, it's a little Oasis.
I'm at a scenic overlook above the Dismal River in the Sand Hills Country of Western Nebraska. The Sand Hills Country is old ocean bottom from a prehistoric inland sea.
The spot I'm at, because it's in a bowl by the river, there's trees around but the hills are covered in cactus, grass and pinion.
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May 13 Leave St. Louis, MO to start the beginning of my
2010 Book Tour and Western Field Research Trip.
May 13 Lunch with Donning Publishing Company President
Camping in S.W. Iowa. The campground is on a bluff
overlooking the Missouri River.
It had been a stopping point for Lewis & Clark in 1804.
May 14 Visit the National Archway Monument, Kearney, NE.
May 15 Camping in Central Nebraska – OH THE STARS!!!
May 16 Murdo, South Dakota
May 17 Rendezvous with Karen & Keith Bloodworth in
the Badlands National Park. Going camping, 2 days in
the Badlands.
May 19 Black Hills: Helicopter Ride, Horseback Riding at Blue
Bell Lodge, climb Harney Peak, camping, ghost town
hunting.
May 23 Karen & Keith return to the Twin Cities.
May 24 Keystone, South Dakota
May 26 Radio Interview, 9:00 a.m., KOTA, Rapid City, SD
May 26 TV Interview KNBN TV Channel 10, shown at 5:30 p.m. &
10:30 p.m., (NBC Channel).
May 27 Book Signing @ Borders, 2130 N. Haines, Rapid City, SD
5 – 8 p.m.
May 28 Coffee with the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, 9:30 a.m.
May 29 Book Signing Book Trader, 608 Main, Spearfish, SD.
Staying at the Haunted Hotel, The Bullock, Downtown Deadwood
in the allegedly haunted and definitely historic, Roosevelt Suite.
May 30 Book Signing Deadwood Gift Shoppe, 666 Main, Deadwood, SD.
June 2 Staying at the Haunted Alex Johnson Hotel, Rapid City, SD -
spending the night in the infamous Room 812
June 3 Book Signing Black Hills Books & Treasurers, 112 S. Chicago,
Hot Springs, SD, 6 p.m.
June 3 Newspaper Interview - Rapid City Journal, Rapid City, SD
June 4 Radio Interview - Gillette Basin AM Radio, 13 minute interview
June 4 Book Signing Texas Trail Museum, 100 E Weston, Moorecroft, WY
4-6 p.m.
June 5 Book Signing Hastings Book Store, 2610 S. Douglas Hwy., Ste. 300
Gillette, WY 3 - 5 p.m.
June 7 & 8 Rented a Mountain in S.E. MT, Custer N.F.,
aka Diamond Butte Lookout - comes with "Bear Warning".
June 11 Radio Interview, 8:15 a.m., K2 Radio, KTWO AM 1020, Casper, WY
June 11 Television Interview, KCWY13, Casper, WY - Noon show
June 12 Book Signing Blue Heron, 201 E. 2nd St., Ste. 6, Casper, WY
1 – 4 p.m.
June 17 Radio Interview - KTUG Radio, 105.1 FM, Riverton, WY
June 18 Radio Interview, The Mountain in Red Lodge, MT - 99.3 FM
June 19 Saturday, stay at Haunted Pollard Hotel
Book Signing Red Lodge Bookstore, 16 Broadway Ave. N.,
Red Lodge, MT – signing @ 3 p.m., talk at 5 p.m.
June 25 Television Interview, Idaho Falls, ID
June 26 Book Signing Hastings, 540 E. 17th, Idaho Falls, ID - 1 to 5 p.m.
June 28 Radio Interview: Voice of the Valley Radio Program, Salmon, ID
9:30 a.m.
July 4 Book Signing Visitor's Center, 100 Main St., Idaho City, ID -
Enter Pie Eating Contest.
July 7 Stay in Boise, ID until July 11th.
July 8 Speaking Engagement & Luncheon, Chateau deBoise, 7250 Poplar,
Boise, ID
July 8 Book Signing Novel Adventure, 906 W. Main Street
Downtown Boise, ID - 6 to 8 p.m.
July 9 Book Signing Hastings, 680 East Boise Ave., Boise,ID - 4 to 8 p.m.
July 10 Book Signing Pat’s What Not Shop, 9627 West Canberbury Dr.
Silver City, Idaho - All Day!
July 12 Book Signing Book Plaza, 220 W. 11th St., Burley, ID 4 to 5:30 p.m.
July 13 - 16 Wilderness Camping, Hiking, Mountain Climbing
and Ghost Town Hunting. Marshall Mountain Wilderness Area.
July 16 Radio Interview with KDZY FM 98.3, McCall, ID 10:00 a.m.
July 17 Book Signing McCall Drug, 1001 N. 2nd, McCall, ID, 12 to 3 p.m.
July 18 - 20 Wilderness of No Return & Gospel Hump Wilderness
Area of Central Idaho.
July 21 Radio Interview - KRLC, Lewiston, ID - 10:30 a.m.
July 23 Newspaper Interview - Lewiston Tribune, Lewiston, ID.
July 24 Book Signing And Books, Too! - 1037 21st St., Lewiston, ID
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
July 27 Radio Interview - KVNI, Coeur D'Alene, ID - 8:00 a.m.
July 27 Newspaper Interview - Coeur D'Alene Press - 1 p.m.
July 31 Book Signing Hastings Book Store, 101 Best Avenue
Coeur d'Alene, ID
August Ghost town hunting, State of Montana.
August 1 Book Signing Placer Village Books, 122 Cyprus, Wallace, ID
August 10 Television Interview, Channel 4, Butte MT KXLF, Mountain Spotlight
August 19 Patricia Cracchiola arrives at Billings, MT Airport
August 21 "Charles Russell Choo-Chew" Railroad Ride, Lewiston, MT
August 28 Billings, MT
August 29 Pat flies out of MT.
September 1 Radio Interview - KOTA Rapid City, SD 9 a.m.
September 2 Book Signing & informal historical speak at the
Adams Museum, 54 Sherman, Deadwood, SD
September 9 Book Signing Prairie Pages Books Seller, 3321 S. Pierre Street
Pierre, SD, 4 – 7 p.m. (State Capital)
September 11 Book Signing Little Professor, 3315 6th Ave., S.E., Aberdeen, SD,
1 – 4 p.m.
Stay at haunted Ward Plaza.
September 12 Book Signing - Cover to Cover, 310 Main Street, Bookings, SD
1 p.m.
Late September – Return to Missouri
October 24 Speaking Engagement - Affton Historical Society, Oakland House,
7801 Genesta, Affton, MO, 2:30 p.m.
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Karen Bloodworth & Bruce in South Dakota
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| The book signing and research tour begins! 2009 |
Remains of a door to an old wood cooking stove. I turned the artifact over to the Rock Springs, WY Museum.
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The road to 'Chinese Rock'.
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A carved oriental inscription at a place called 'Chinese Rock'.
It is a remote location in the Wyoming desert.
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A World War II B-17G Bomber at the McCall, ID Airport.
The plane is a flying museum owned and operated by the II Confedrate Air Force.
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Remains at the coal mining ghost town of Gunn, WY.
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Gotta have fun! Bruce Raisch with his trophy moments after winning the 2009 Idaho City, ID pie eating contest.
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| Where in the West is Bruce? |
My Western Tour Has Started! From April to September!
Book Signing May 3rd, 2 to 4 p.m. at Walrus & Carpenter Books in Pocatello, ID
251 N. Main Street, 208/233-0821
Memorial Day
Weekend You will find me for the 3rd year in a row! Mt. Rushmore Book Signing.
June 7 Book Signing at the Blue Heron Books & Espresso, 2 to 4 p.m.
201 E. 2nd Street, Suite 6, Casper, WY
306/265-3774
June 27 Book Signing at The Paperhouse, 822 Main Avenue, St. Maries, ID
208/245-2064
I plan to visit, eat and sleep at as many allegedly haunted hotels as I can.
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May 3rd
I had my first book signing of this book tour. It was a success! If you are in Pocatello, you should stop and check out The Walrus & Carpenter Book Store. It's in the old historic section of town. The store has a large and varied selection of books.
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May 2nd
I am in Idaho and it is beautiful! The mountains are snow- capped
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April 29th
Discovered a brand new ghost town. It's name is Red Desert. It was an Amoco Oil Company town. There is a community center, company store and twenty-four homes left but vandals are setting in. They are taking out banisters inside the house and throwing them out of the windows to break the windows. It is terrible. Just a few years ago I was still seeing cars in the driveways. The homes are for sale for the low price of $25. You just have to move that home. At least 6 have already been moved. Photos will be coming soon.
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April 28th
Found another haunted hotel, it is the Elk Mountain Hotel. They claim two ghosts, the wife of the original owner and a small girl. The Hotel was established in 1905 and is an historic registered building. The interior is very ornate and has been refurbished in its old grand style. The hotel sits 3.1 miles off I-80 in the tiny town of Elk Mountain. The whole site rests at the foot of an old volcano. Numerous guests and past and present owners have all claimed to have seen "the ghost of Mary". She has a bad habit of checking on guests who then ask the owners, "who was that lady last night who was checking on me".
Another interesting note about the hotel, it used to be a stop over during the big band era. There are numerous pictures of the likes of Lewis Armstrong, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Tex Williams, Lawrence Welk and many more.
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Thank you all for coming to my book signing party at Ari's. A good time was had by all who attended. Photos will be on my web soon.
I leave April 20th for my next Adventure.
This is my longest road trip
* in miles
* in duration
Most States visited will be a minimum of 12
Missouri Iowa
Nebraska Wyoming
Colorado Utah
Idaho Oregon
Washington Montanan
South Dakota North Dakota
The most book signings three (3) in less than 24 hours!
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Currently I am premiering my third book, Ghost Towns of Idaho - The Search for El Dorado.
My book signing party will be Saturday, April 12th from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
At Ari’s Restaurant
Hampton & Arsenal
Free appetizers (cash bar), free parking
Bring your friends
Any questions contact Bruce at 314/781-5621
Or bar4916@yahoo.com
Hope to see you there!
I am leaving town for six months on April 20th .
My new itinerary will be available soon.
I am now scheduling book signings all over the West.
More News to Follow
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Currently, I am working on my third book, Ghost Towns of Idaho. I am at home base, my research trip has concluded.
I will be selecting photos and completing the lay out of my book.
I am thrilled to share this experience with everyone.
Also, Ghost Towns of Montana research trip will be coming.
Look forward to it........
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The highway out of Cody to Yellowstone was reopened Friday, August 17th. The fire that had closed it had been brought partially under control.
The same highway was closed Saturday (the very next day) due to landslide.
Yellowstone Park and Park County have been experiencing flash flooding due to heavy rains.
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August 17, 2007
The eastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park from Cody has been temporarily closed due to a 17,000 acre forest fire! This road closure forced me to take a detour over scenic Dead Indian Pass.
Rain has finally come to Yellowstone helping to fight the fire situation to a degree.
I am still on schedule for my book signing in the Ghost Town Rally in Meeteetse.
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August 14, 2007
Yellow Pine is being evacuated by order of the governor.
Warren and Secesh have both been cut off and surrounded by fire. Town folk are assisting the forest service in trying to fight the fires and save the towns.
Four structures have been lost at Warren. I tried to volunteer three times, the forest service does not accept volunteers.
This is the second fire for Concord in four years. They lost at least a couple of structures in each fire.
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August 9, 2007
In Idaho, the howl of the wolf frequently drifts through my camp. It is a constant evening companion.
While camping in northern Idaho, while star gazing, I have been able to enjoy the site of the International Space Station streaking overhead!
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Status of August 6, 2007
The weather is finally cooling down. Warren, Big Creek, Yellow Pine, Stibnite and all the towns of the Buffalo Hump are all threatened by forest fires.
Warren, Big Creek and Yellow Pine are being evacuated.
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To get away from the heat, I have been camping in mountain passes between 5,000 and 9,000 feet - much cooler at night
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| All Roads Are Not Created Equal |
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| Does It Really Exist After All? |
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| The Road to El Dorado. Where will the road lead you? Only destiny knows and only time will tell. |
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July 29, 2007 - UPDATE
THE WEST IS ON FIRE!
I am in Atlanta, Idaho right now. Atlanta's not burning but the rest of Idaho is. Concord and Dixie are in DANGER!
The smoke from the fires burns my eyes, fills my nostrils and hides the mountains in a blanket of haze. I check in daily at ranger stations for fire conditions and locations before heading into the back country for my field research. The sky looks like it did in Kuwait when I was there during the oil well fires.
Over 1,400 square miles of Idaho are on fire.
PRAY FOR RAIN
PRAY FOR IDAHO
The fires are changing my planned routes. I am working around the situation as best I can.
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| This is one of two cemeteries belonging to the ghost town of Bonanza, Idaho |
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| I spent 2 nights here. (Photos taken by Bruce A. Raisch) |
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| These are the remains of a deer brought down by a cougar. The big cat had been feeding on it for a couple of days |
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July 19, 2007
GOLD!
While ghost town hunting and checking out the site of Leesburg, Idaho, I found gold in a stream! Before anybody gets excited for me, the area is already under mineral claim and being mined.
I will be on my way to invesitage the site of Yellowjacket - it's deep in the mountains.
Forest fires are being a problem but I'm working my way around them.
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July 18th - I'm ghost town hunting in the mountains of Idaho and I check with the local district forest ranger's office on a daily basis to see where the forest fires are so I don't drive into them.
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| This is not snow but hail covering the camp site. |
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This photo was taken an hour after the storm ended then the sun came out and with it, ground fog.
The hail had dented my truck and stripped much of its paint.
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| photo was taken in late June near Yellowstone Wyoming |
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| These are mountain goats. Photos were taken near Mt. Rushmore |
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| The goats were introduced to the Black Hills by the Great Northern Railway. |
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These photos were taken about 9,000 feet. Usually these animals stay at higher altitudes.
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| Moon Campground and Ghost Town |
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| A road less traveled, it leads to Moon |
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You can find Moon and its history in my book, Ghost Towns and Other Historical Sites of the Black Hills.
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7/5/07
I crossed the Continental Divide today.
Tomorrow I head for Idaho, ghost town hunting and my search for El Dorado.
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HELLO FROM THE ROAD!
The truck and I will spend the Fourth of July climbing the switchbacks of the Beartooth Highway. First stop will be a small tourist spot known as the Top of the World. It sits above 12,000 feet on a mountain plateau. After that, it's onto Yellowstone.
I will spend a day or two there, then it's onto Idaho for 2 months of ghost town hunting. There I'll also spend time on 3 different mountains I've rented. Yes -- you read that right, I rent mountains.
To wet your appetite for my upcoming new book, here is a page from Ghost Towns of Idaho, the Search for El Dorado.
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Because of its great mineral wealth Idaho is known as the “Gem State”.
With the discovery of this wilderness of mineral wealth came hordes of gold crazed
fortune seekers looking for their El Dorado.
The dictionary states that El Dorado is Spanish for “The Gilded One”.
1) A city or country of fabulous riches held by 16th century explorers to exist
anywhere from Colorado to South America.
2) A place of fabulous wealth, abundance or opportunity.
A poet said it better. . . .
EL DORADO
Gaily bedight,
A gallant knight
In sunshine and in shadow,
Had journeyed long,
Singing a song,
In search of El Dorado.
But he grew old -
This knight so bold -
And o'er his heart a shadow
Fell as he found
No spot of ground
That looked like El Dorado.
And, as his strength
Failed him at length
He met a pilgrim shadow -
Shadow, said he,
Where can it be -
This land of El Dorado?
"Over the Mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,"
The shade replied,
"If you seek for El Dorado!"
The poem was written by someone who was much better known for
another kind of writing. What even fewer are aware of is that he also tried
his hand at something else, gold panning. He rushed with many other stampeders
in a mad search for gold in French Equatorial Guiana. A place many would end up
calling “the Green Hell”. Few found gold, even fewer found any fortune. What
they did find was jungle, heat, humidity, mosquitoes, dysentery, malaria, typhoid,
yellow fever and death. With these things to recommend it, France would later
turn it into a penal colony named Devil’s Island.
The name of the gold panner and poet . . . Edgar Allen Poe.
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Till later, good hunting
Bruce A. Raisch
Happy Birthday America!!!!!!!!!!
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HELLO FROM THE ROAD!
Saturday, June 30th
Today is day 54 of my road trip. Have my 10th book signing of the trip later today at the Blue Heron Books & Espresso. I have been working 7 days a week for the last month so I just recently took some time off.
What do I do with my time off?
Go camping! Set up camp for 2 days in the Big Horn Mountains at a little over 9,000 feet. My camp was on the edge of a tree line next to a mountain meadow. The meadow was full of purple and gold flowers. It was time well spent.
Further adventures will follow
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| Bruce enjoys a view of the Sawtooth Mountains - Photo by Karen Bloodworth |
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| Yankee Fork Gold Mining Dredge In Idaho - Photo by Karen Bloodworth |
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| This was the view from the launch point at the start of my white water raft ride. |
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| Photo by: Salmon River Photos |
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The Author, Bruce A. Raisch along with fellow adventurer Keith Bloodworth on the River of No Return in Riggins Idaho. This is a thrill of a lifetime.
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| June 11, 2007: Photo Taken by Karen Bloodworth |
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"I enjoyed the Salmon River Experience very much. It is a beautiful river and I hope to float it again. Brian, the Captain, made the 26 mile run look easy. And Bruce is just a big kid that likes to get wet."
Keith Bloodworth
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For western travelers I recommend a stay at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge in South Dakota. It is a beautiful lodge with good service, a variety of rooms and suites and a good restaurant across the street. But these aren't the best reasons to stay there.
The best reasons is the setting. . . . The lodge rests on the floor of a beautiful canyon. The lodge is surrounded by towering canyon walls, mountain streams, water falls, hiking trails and picnic grounds. The area was used as a film setting for the movie, "Dances with Wolves".
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| Western Nebraska during May in the Pine Ridge Country |
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| The Colors of a Nebraska Sunset |
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NEWS FLASH!
I just checked into the Togwotee Mountain Lodge, just east of Jackson Hole, Wyoming where according to legend, Bertha Angles still roams the halls. It's a beautiful mountain lodge in grizzly bear country at 8,600 feet.
When you check in, they give you a brochure warning you of grizzlies and altitude sickness.
Couldn't pass up the opportunity to check into a haunted hotel so I stopped and checked in early. Besides, I'm surrounded by beautiful snow. Big snow storm here at the Lodge last night.
As per hotel requirements, I had to empty my truck of food because of the bear situation here. I bought a package of party squawkers to use in camp and on hiking trails as noise makers to keep wildlife away, i.e. bears, moose, etc. Forgot to bring my whistle, this is a fun substitute.
Next week I rendezvous with friends in Riggins, Idaho for white water raft ride on the River of No Return.
Photos and more stories in the mail to my home base in St. Louis, Missouri.
This will let you know what I have been doing in the meantime.
June 7, 2007
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Day 1 May 9th – I was forced to leave one day late due to heavy flooding north of Kansas City. Interstate 29 had been closed. When I arrived, it had only been open for 3 hours and traffic was backed up for miles. The highway bridge was still stained from river mud.
Day 3 May 11th – Picnicked in the Nebraska National Forest. It is a man made forest in the center of the state. That evening I camped in the Pine Ridge National Forest in N.W. Nebraska. It was 32 degrees that night inside my truck where I slept.
Day 6 May 14th – Photographed mountain goats. You will see the photos later. These goats were near Mt. Rushmore. That’s about 5,000 feet, a low altitude for the goats.
Went solo rock climbing later that day. Also fell solo. Limped back to the truck solo. Used my first aid kit on myself for the first time solo. This is why they tell you not to do camping, hiking, canoeing, etc. solo. I also failed to change into correct footwear. Hopefully even if I fail to learn from my mistakes, others may.
Day 7 May 15th – For all the birders out there, a rare treat. A North American Falcon flew within 20 feet of me.
Arrived and camped next to the small ghost town of Moon. The location is in my Black Hills book. Spent 2 days there.
Hope you are all enjoying this Spring. More adventures later.
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The following pictures are from my recent, annual Veterans Day trip.
I took 5 days to do some canoeing, and to check on the status of Dogpatch, an abandoned amusement park. I had heard a rumor that it had been bought and was being rebuilt. For what use, I do not know.
The river was too low to float, so I spent an extra day in a mountain cabin, at White Rock Mountain, Arkansas. These cabins were built in the 1930's by the CCC. They are rustic and beautiful.
The rumors were true about Dogpatch, it has been bought and somebody was in the process of cleaning up the site. What business it could be, I could not tell, yet.
Here are 8 photos from my latest adventure.
Hope you enjoy,
Bruce A. Raisch, Ghost Town Hunter,
Adventurer, Historian, Photographer
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