Tenth week of Inspiring Happiness Project
A 12 day vacation was perfect and I was thrilled to celebrate the days being more about experiences, than following a strict time line or being defined by my Outlook calendar.
On day one, I celebrated the end of my cleanse and got a massage with Sharon Madison. It was truly the best way to start a vacation, setting the tone for relaxation, reconnection and rejuvenation.
The next few days were filled with celebration of friendship and fun. Going to the Cottage View Drive-In movie theater with our friends and visiting the Como Zoo with a dear friend and her little dude was delightful as we bonded over exciting changes within our lives.
The South Dakota Trip Adventure
On Wednesday, June 27th we kicked off the vacation at 4:15 am. With a full day of driving ahead of us, we wanted to ensure we’d meet our check-in time and have enough time to make it to important stops like The Green Giant in Blue Earth, MN and The Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. I admit the one thing we didn't get to see on the way there was the Doll Museum that used to be across from the Corn Palace. I remember going there when I was little and wish I would have gotten to see it as a grown up. After 550 miles the Badlands greeted us and we checked into our first campsite at the Badlands KOA.
On Thursday we explored the Badlands further. The layers of colored rocks, expansive horizon and breathtaking views were lovely. We stopped at Wall Drug, a true tourist hot spot and realized we prefer more tranquil and natural spots. That night we set-up our tent for the next two nights at the Deadwood KOA campground.
On Friday we went to Belle Fourche, SD to visit the Geographic Center of the Nation. Back on the road again, we took a scenic drive through Wyoming where the landscape was beautiful, the galloping horses and grazing cows added to the spectacular feeling of being out of the big city.
The Devil’s Tower appeared in the horizon and I was in awe. As we spent time walking around this geologic feature, looking up at it's magnitude, out on the expanse of the horizon, I felt alive and rejuvenated as I shared a respect for the sacredness of this place.
Returning to Deadwood, I saw a sign for The Friendship Tower on Mount Theodore Roosevelt. As I kept driving up a steeper and steeper hill, I parked in a lot where no one else was and wondered if there was anything here to see. I started hiking up the steep hill and as I made our way to the top the views from the tower were amazing, it was worth the trek!
That evening the streets of Deadwood called our names and we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Mineral Palace. I loved the history of this building, where in 1876 Al Swearengen started up The Gem Theatre.
The Devil’s Tower appeared in the horizon and I was in awe. As we spent time walking around this geologic feature, looking up at it's magnitude, out on the expanse of the horizon, I felt alive and rejuvenated as I shared a respect for the sacredness of this place.
Returning to Deadwood, I saw a sign for The Friendship Tower on Mount Theodore Roosevelt. As I kept driving up a steeper and steeper hill, I parked in a lot where no one else was and wondered if there was anything here to see. I started hiking up the steep hill and as I made our way to the top the views from the tower were amazing, it was worth the trek!
That evening the streets of Deadwood called our names and we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Mineral Palace. I loved the history of this building, where in 1876 Al Swearengen started up The Gem Theatre.
On Saturday, we visited Mount Moriah Cemetery. This is the burial place of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock, and others of the Wild West. It was surreal to honor those that shaped the history of this area. The landscapes flourished with life and again I found myself grateful to be here.
Our last Deadwood meal was at Oggie’s Sports Bar & Emporium in the Lodge of Deadwood - it was delicious.
I had been in pursuit of rocks from the area and we stopped at K & M Jewelers. Mark, the owner was a delightfully quirky host, so proud of the beautiful stones that surrounded him. We found real South Dakota rocks and rose quartz!
From there we said goodbye to the Wild West and made our way to the Mount Rushmore KOA. We checked in, got the tent up for the final time on the trip and filled the air mattresses. Personally, I was looking forward to not needing to inflate my mattress in a few nights.
At dusk we went to The Crazy Horse Memorial. The history of a man’s vision to create a monument out of mountain, changing the horizon of what people will see forever was simply inspiring. Korczak Ziolkowski believed, “When the legends die, the dreams end; and when the dreams end, there is no more greatness.” I appreciated his unending love and devotion to create something out of nothing and have the willingness to change the world.
Our last Deadwood meal was at Oggie’s Sports Bar & Emporium in the Lodge of Deadwood - it was delicious.
I had been in pursuit of rocks from the area and we stopped at K & M Jewelers. Mark, the owner was a delightfully quirky host, so proud of the beautiful stones that surrounded him. We found real South Dakota rocks and rose quartz!
From there we said goodbye to the Wild West and made our way to the Mount Rushmore KOA. We checked in, got the tent up for the final time on the trip and filled the air mattresses. Personally, I was looking forward to not needing to inflate my mattress in a few nights.
On Sunday our adventure was a salute to American History at the Presidential Wax Museum. I had been here when I was young and even now loved it!
The Rushmore Alpine Slide was next on the list. As we rode up the scenic chairlift, I started wondering why I'd put this on our list of things to do. I remembered that I was a little afraid of heights mid-way. We ate lunch at the top of the lift and enjoyed lovely views of Mount Rushmore. With there being only 2 ways down, I had to make a choice. Ride the chairlift or take the Apline slide 2,000 foot down. My husband zoomed past me on his sled, as I leisurely went down on mine. I reached the bottom of the slide and was beaming with pride - I did it (scared and slow, but I did it).
The Rushmore Alpine Slide was next on the list. As we rode up the scenic chairlift, I started wondering why I'd put this on our list of things to do. I remembered that I was a little afraid of heights mid-way. We ate lunch at the top of the lift and enjoyed lovely views of Mount Rushmore. With there being only 2 ways down, I had to make a choice. Ride the chairlift or take the Apline slide 2,000 foot down. My husband zoomed past me on his sled, as I leisurely went down on mine. I reached the bottom of the slide and was beaming with pride - I did it (scared and slow, but I did it).
As we drove through the Wild Life Loop we saw a large herd of buffalo crossing the road, their size and manner let us know to stay in the vehicles and let them pass - we were in their way (not the other way around).
To make our way back to camp we drove on the Needles Highway with huge cliffs and 2 one-way tunnels no larger than 9' 0" wide by 12' 3" high. This drive tested my trust of the roadways. While the drive was lovely with spectacular views, if you have a fear of heights, just be aware that it will certainly test your boundaries.
That evening we spent time being grateful for a safe and enjoyable trip. The outdoor pool and hot tub were relaxing and sitting by the campfire under the star filled sky was a perfect last night of tent camping.
On Monday, we headed home and stopped at our final adventure was in Aberdeen, SD to visit Storybook Land. While the temperature gauge read 104 degrees, my husband and I enjoyed being kids at this free attraction. I love the Land Of Oz and the actual yellow brick road you got to travel on.
The trip was delightful and the last 2 days of vacation were spent unpacking, relaxing and being thankful for such a wonderful time together.
The trip was delightful and the last 2 days of vacation were spent unpacking, relaxing and being thankful for such a wonderful time together.
