Sutton Bay, Spring Outing?

[Tyler Kearns]

How far is the distance between Rapid City and Agar (Sutton Bay)?

TK

[RJ_Daley]

We can confirm with Mark soon about days available to check into SB's lodge.  I'm guessing we can opt to check in early or late Friday.  Early and play friday would be my plan.   Or, some may arrive late friday and play all day Saturday and opt for Sunday, leaving Sunday after golf or whenever your schedule requires.  But, let's just wait a little longer to confirm details with Mark.  I'm hoping a few more will jump on this caravan. I have good news from Paul Hermsmeyer that he and a buddy may jump on board too.

Agar looks to be near 200 miles from Rapid City. It might be an interesting ride on 212 through the large reservation.  I don't know the area there.  Maybe someone else can say.  I am planning on being out there longer than the SB days, as I can't really imagine being all the way out there and not dropping down to Wild Horse.  

[Mark_Amundson]

Tyler:

Dick is correct, it is about 200 miles or so.  The 212 route is very scenic if you like the prairie and long views.  Make sure you have a full tank of gas and a good car, you will drive many many miles without seeing almost anyone.  The other option is to take I-90 east and then take highway 14 east which will lead you through the prairie to Ft. Pierre and then highway 1804 north to Sutton Bay.  This last one is the shortest route.  The least scenic but easiest is I-90 east to Exit #212 and then north to Pierre and then north on 1804 to Sutton Bay.  FYI Highway 1804 is named for the expedition of Lewis and Clark in 1804 and there is a Highway on the west side of Lake Oahe named 1806 for obvious reasons.  The time of arrival and departure is very flexible.  If people want to show up Thursday or stay until Monday or Tuesday that is fine with me.  I too hope the weather cooperates.  It was 70 on Sunday and snow flurries today, you never know.  FYI, we are about 2:45 south of Hawktree for those heading that way first or after.  Let me know if there are other questions and I will be happy to answer what I can.

Mark

[Daryl "Turboe" Boe]

Mark,

I was glad to see your post, I was about to jump in and shake someone who was thinking about driving all the way across 212 from Rapid City.  I dont even know how you would get up there from Rapid without backtracking alot.  

I think the drive Mark mentioned 90 to 14 to Ft. Pierre is definitely the way to go.  Plus this allows you to stop at the world famous Wall Drug for a $.05 cup of coffee, or free ice water.

[Doug Siebert]

Put me down at 99% too.  My schedule has been crazy lately but if this continues I will really need a break by then so I will find a way to make it work out unless heavy rain or snow makes contemplating a 600 mile drive just too much for a single day!

[RJ_Daley]

Thanks Mark for providing the wide window of options.  I hope that convinces even more folks to consider the trip.

Here is the latest list update:

Here is the list coming in so far:

Jason Hines-in
Jeff Shelman-in
Tony Chapman-in with maybe a couple of buddies.
Paul Thomas-in
Don Dinkmeyer 99%
Doug Seibert 99%
Me-in

definite maybes, update if you are going to upgrade your status to "in"
Pete Pittock up to 50% and rising   You must have a better tax program than mine!
Mike Whitiker
Craig Edgmand
Jason Topp
Tyler Kearns 50/50
Evan Fleisher
Paul Hermsmeyer, "Super-Sage of Ainsworth" + a friend are trying to make it fit their schedules

Unfortunately John Foley informs me he has been tagged for an overseas work assignment, we hope he gets to see the project someday soon.

I'm going to mention this to a few more parties in the prairie golf biz and hope to get some insiders to attend...

[peter_p]

Lake Oahe (Sutton Bay's shore) level is down 44 feet according to this article. What does this bode for the future?  http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/03/07/drop_in_big_muddy_roils_nations_midsection?mode=PF

[Mark_Amundson]

Peter:

You are correct in the fact that Lake Oahe at all time record lows, just like many other large bodies of water in the country.  The reason for this has been 6 years of below average snowfall in Montana.  The runoff is what fills all the upper basin lakes in Montana, ND and SD.  Ever since the water levels have been low there has been an increased amount of discussion (cordial term) between the up stream states of MT, ND, and SD and the down stream states and their perceived need for barge traffic (not hard to see what side I am on).  The impact on rural water systems and farmers using the lake for irrigation is much more significant than the impact to us.  We have seen some land shifts secondary to the drop in water levels and the lack of water pressure against the shore.  Some years ago the lake was close to this level and 4 months later it was overflowing, all due to a record winter of snowfall.  We are all hoping for some spring snows in Montana and spring rains in the upper plains.  Hope this somewhat answers your question.

Mark