Eden, South Dakota: Sunsets, Star Wars, and Frolicking Dogs-Part IV

Sunset in Eden, South Dakota

A couple of nights we decided to brave the negative temperatures in Eden, South Dakota and take in the sunset. After we’d walked around town we found we still had twenty minutes or so until the sun went down. In order to stay warm we had to get a little creative and silly with a reenactment of Star Wars. Not much after that, one person started to get cold and had to go in, forcing us to come up with something new to keep us warm. I decided I needed to photograph my dogs in the gorgeous light running and frolicking with each other. Remarkably, those ended up being some of my favorite pictures from our trip to Eden, South Dakota.

Sunsets

The ice glistens on the trees and fields during a sunset in Eden, South Dakota

The snow covered field glows from the hazy sunset

Star Wars

Trying to stay warm until sunset, we looked around for something to do. After finding some grasses covered in tubes of ice, we broke them off and were able to make light sabers. Who knew you could go to Eden, South Dakota in the middle of a frigid winter and reenact Star Wars? We even look like we are on a different planet!

Two people battle it out with light sabers while another sneaks up behind with a chunk of snow

The energy pulses as two sabers collide

Frolicking Dogs

Leaving Star Wars behind, I decided to use the light to my advantage when photographing my dogs in the sunset. I knew they would be backlit but I hadn’t counted on the flying snow being lit up by the sun. Between their cold, frosty breath, their happy faces, and the sparkly flying snow, I knew I had some winners.

My dog runs with abandon during a beautiful sunset in Eden, South Dakota

My dog joyously celebrates the beautiful sunset

My dog living it up

Running full out, my dog is backlit by the sunset in Eden, South Dakota

These two dogs love to play together. It’s a shame you can’t hear the growling and barking that comes with their frolicking behavior. They always look vicious and mean but they are the best of friends. They, too, probably had to play silly games to keep themselves warm as we waited for the sun to set.

My dogs play wildly in the snow

My dogs play, baring their teeth in the frosty sunset lit evening

I’m finally at the end of our South Dakota trip! What memories we’ll have! A nasty road trip, below zero freezing temperatures, and ground blizzards did not stop us from enjoying what Eden, South Dakota had to offer this December. As you can see, there was a lot to capture. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets, deer foraging everywhere, cool snow drifts and snow textures, icicles galore, reenacting Star Wars, and playing with my frolicking dogs all helped to pass the time.