September 5, 2017
Super cool drive here. Mostly typical prairie with more sunflower fields—I wanna check my next sunflower package to see if it comes from SD—who knew? Most notably was our stop at 1880 Town. Joe was in heaven. It was pretty cool. All authentic buildings brought to this site to create a historically accurate western town from the 1880’s. The youngest building is from 1910. They let Apache come with us and we stayed almost two hours knocking around. Wind was whipping the whole time but somehow you get used to it.
Set up was most challenging. There are no pics of set up as neither of us want to remember that one. It was our worst site so far as far as levelness and it was on gravel. But first, let me digress. On the drive, once we hit Buffalo Gap (isn’t that a cool name?) , the topography started changing—and the level road became hilly and then elevated and then a mountain. Worries for our tires, brakes, and marriage began as we were at the end of a 3.5 hour trip and were headed down what seemed to be a never ending, windy mountain pass. We had 10 mph kiss-your-ass turns (later learned called Switchbacks) multiple times. We were headed down mountains seemingly made of boulders alone. We had arrived in the Black Hills, aka, The Badlands. Joe says, “Run for the strong hold!” from the movie, “Thunder Heart”.
Joe chose the camp because, on residence, are two full bred wolves. We found a privately owned campground. The site they gave us, at one time in the past, was level but since it’s made of piled gravel—-not so much now. Joe and I failed miserably communicating the back in and leveling. We eventually got it done and gosh, did we learn some lessons. This is NOT all rainbows and moonshine. It’s also dirty, let’s get pissy with each other, get over yourself, frustrations. We learned that wifi wasn’t “available” at all sites even though the website says they have free wifi and there is no cell service, none. Not even a $600 cell booster could penetrate these mountains. This is the busiest week, workwise, I have scheduled for a while which is why we chose to reserve 7 nights—so I will have plenty of time to get it done. SO after another teenage meltdown with tears and protestations of my imminent firing, Joe came through and found wifi for my morning meeting and created a daily plan to meet my work expectations–just a quick 20 minute ride UP the mountain. Go marriage!
September 6, 2017
Today….we worked. We woke early for a much needed shower before my 10a EST meeting which means 8a MST—I stay so confused. After twirling under the never powerful showerhead, we took ourselves up the mountain to Rapid City. I had a great tele-meeting in the Walmart parking lot while Joe got needed items and Apache licked my face from the backseat. Off then to McDonald’s, which has free wifi, to work several hours catching up on email, uploading reports, blah blah blah. Joe and Apache accomplished a new air filter for the bike, a washing for the truck, groceries, and scoping out local sites in the meantime.
Back to camp to rest, print some reports I need to review before tomorrow (I can’t look at e-copies, sometimes you need the hard copies) and then change before heading to Custer, SD to see the oldest saloon in the Black Hills (double shot of Jack & Jose for the man and his wife) and then dinner at the restaurant across the street. Along the way we saw snippets of Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse, both of whom we will visit when work allows. Until then, back to camp to for some wine and fire.
September 7, 2017
Didn’t do much today but work. Having to work in public places or in the truck has its challenges but we’re adapting. Found this neat little coffee shop in Keystone that has free wifi and is set up for remote working. Joe got me this handy backpack so I can bring my work stuff along even on the motorcycle. Lightweight and works great! Joe checked out the town and then came back to the camp to deal with Apache. Apache hates being left in the camper. We had blocked off the small couch hoping to avoid pet hair on everything we own. When we got home, we found that he had successfully got on the couch and had repeatedly stuck his muzzle through the metal blinds—so now we have no privacy when someone is on that side. But, really, camping is all about no privacy—you get used to it.
Back at camp this evening we met one of the owners. I believe there are three woman (maybe sisters) who own it. Honestly our experience here hasn’t been great (campsite wise) but meeting her helped. She agreed our site isn’t ideally placed. She told us about the camp’s history (inherited it from her father) and about her wolves. They have two, we will meet them another day. She poured us some wine and we all sat in their little outdoor “café” and chatted. At one point, she started howling which freaked Apache out—lol. Soon enough her two wolves were answering—pretty cool experience. So again, spoiled Kim gets taught a lesson about embracing the journey vs. bitching about the negatives we encounter along the way.
We meandered back to our site behind the café/shower house only to notice a bulge in the back right tire. A text to my brother in law confirmed our fear that this one too will need replaced. So add that to tomorrow’s checklist. Again, we are thankful we discovered it while still in camp. It could’ve blown driving down the highway at 60 mph. The roadside assistance guy says this type of “blown” frequently causes damage to the camper as the tire disintegrates. He encouraged us to check our warranty as these are brand new tires. Now we are a little paranoid about the left two.
Check out Joe’s latest concoction. It’s actually really good shit, pun intended.
September 8, 2017
Up with the howling wolves today (super cool but Apache would disagree—I think it sort of scares him). We took Apache and traveled back to Rapid City again. Joe dropped me off at Youth & Family Services of Rapid City where I got to tour and learn about their programs. They are a fellow SAMHSA grantee and are in their second cycle so have lots of experience I could draw on. They even treated me to lunch! I had a great time and made a few new friends in this big world. Joe, aka chauffer, came back and got me and we headed back to camp to meet the roadside assistance guy.
We learned today that Joe’s son totaled his vehicle. He is fine, thank goodness. Insurance will take care of the people who hit him (his fault) and we will move forward with more expensive premiums.
Back to camp for some tomato pie Joe made last night. Picked up a few bottles of South Dakota wine on the way to enjoy. Hopefully we will finally get to tour Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse tomorrow—wishing my grandson was here with us as he just loves all things Abraham Lincoln. Sending him love from GiGi—we’ll get you out here one day, bud.
September 9, 2017 Crazy Horse Memorial
Great experience but a little sad too. This mountain sculpture was started in the 1940’s when Chief Standing Bear wrote a sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowski, who worked on Mt. Rushmore and asked for a memorial, they decided on Crazy Horse. Ziolkowski worked on the mountain until his death and the work continues through many of his 10 children. It’s admirable. Only visitors and contributions support the work.
Back for an evening ride near the campground. We haven’t had a helmet law in several states. Sorry, Cathy. No buffalos spotted.
September 10, 2017 Mt. Rushmore and Hill City, SD
Tomorrow we’ve decided to head out. No wifi or cell service to speak of is wearing on us both. Next stop, Devil’s Tower KOA, Wyoming.
Camp Pack 
Miss you! Put on your helmet!!
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Just an incredible journey!
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