Trip 15 is soon at its end, and trip 16 will be upon us. This time, unlike the "psyche" we pulled for 15, we are actually going somewhere else. Where will we be going? You'll have to keep checking us out here to find out. Until then, remember to Follow your Internal Compass.
After a brief recess, it's back to the park!
Welcome to Hot Springs, South Dakota, and the Angostura State Recreation Area for today's match. As Angostura is located within a state park, there is an entrance fee required, whether by one day or annual pass. This is a nine-hole hilly course with one tee/basket combination set and fairly noticeable elevation increases before returning to lake level. A map is available at the beginning of the course, which will certainly be needed because some of the holes are near each other, making the course slightly confusing. Before getting into the match, we have a bit of an equipment change.
Between this and the previous match, we picked up some additional discs for our arsenal; shout-out to Parked-It Disc Golf Emporium in Corpus Christi, Texas for offering an array of new and used discs for sale at a reasonable price. He has inherited the Innova Sidewinder 9/5/-3/1 distance driver, the Discraft Hawk 0^ mid-range, and Innova Colt 3/4/-1/1 putter, along with a Dynamic Discs commemorative 7/5/0/2 fairway driver from the KDGA Food Drive annual tournament. Her selection include a Latitude Rover 7/7/-1/1 fairway driver, a Dynamic Discs Evader 7/5/0/2 fairway driver, a Clash Berry 5/5/-1/1 mid-range, and a Latitude Royal Hope Prototype 2/3/0/1 putter.
With equipment out of the way, along with the pup that remained at home, how did this match go?
Course Result:
His Holes: 3
Halved: 5
Her Holes: 1
Course Record: Him 4 - 2 - 3 Her
Holes Record: Him 25 - 20 Her
Needless to say, the terrain showed its face early and often on this course. After a halved hole 1, hole 2 being perched on a steep incline, combined with a couple of missed putts, gave him an awful 9-11 edge. After a couple of halves, he made up for the previous mistake with a Larry Mize-like long chip into the hole on the 5th green to take it. This was short lived, as his tee-off on the 6th green went down into the valley, adding a couple strokes as we play as it lies. She was unable to capitalize on this mistake, though, as this and the next hole were halved. She was able to bring it back to within one on the 8th, but the hole win was traded back on the 9th. The shots were more than difficult on this Par 36, with him having a 58-62 edge.
He may have been able to take the lead with the new equipment, but will she bring it back? Until the next course, remember to Follow Your Internal Compass.
Welcome to another review of craft beers brought to you by Freedom Rolling. Today, we look at three different breweries previously visited across South Dakota and what else they have to offer. As with every review, please ensure that these, or any brews, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws wherever you may be.
Welcome to Sturgis, South Dakota. Aside from motorcycles, this city offers the Sturgis Brewing Company's Black Hills Blonde Ale. Although the first scent may have the drinker wondering if this brew is somewhere between a blonde and a wheat, the smooth taste will make you remember not to judge a beer by its cover. Anyone looking to spend some time in the summer at one of western South Dakota's man-made lakes will not want to pass up an opportunity to enjoy this brew, especially with a little trout fishing on the side.
Take a trip to Sioux Falls and the Remedy Brewing Company for their regular wheat offering, the Hefe Metal. First founded in 2013 like many other small breweries across the country, Remedy has been offering many different options to discerning drinkers in the upper midwest. Hefe Metal is, as the name would suggest, their hefeweizen being offered. The wheat taste is much more powerful than any of the wheat beers previously encountered. A drinker will be able to balance it out with some food at meal time, but someone who is looking for a beer by the lake should probably try something a little more mellow and enjoyable.
Heading back to the Black Hills, we turn to Rapid City, South Dakota and the Lost Cabin Beer Company for their American Pale Ale, the "Bruce Banner". For the uninitiated, Bruce Banner is a superhero series character that would transform into "The Incredible Hulk". One sip of this particular brew, and the drinker would certainly agree that this "packs a punch". Right away, a strong taste of hops hits the palette that makes you think Bruce Banner is bordering on the verge of an IPA. Not much of any other taste comes to the drinker as it's hops on top of hops. Some really like that taste, and if they do, the Bruce Banner is going to be for them. Those enjoying a smoother taste will want to look elsewhere.
So as your Internal Compass takes you across the country, try some of the local craft beers as able, and see how they fare for you.
Where did we go for trip 15? Nowhere!
Instead, a new trip has been "started" because the 2009 Jayco Jay Flight has been sold. It served well as a home for a couple of years, and was a good way to get our feet wet with living full-time in the RV. Not to mention, with the truck we were able to find, it was just about all we could pull, and was questionable even at that. Unfortunately for various reasons, it was not going to be able to suit us any longer, and so it's time to make like William DeVries and change to a different heart.
Enter heart number two for Freedom Rolling, a 2013 Keystone Cougar 318SAB. It's a good thing that we picked up a new soul able to take on a Fifth Wheel, because this one IS a Fifth Wheel. It's nearly 35 feet in total length with three slideouts, yet still accessible should we need to stay in a truck stop. We're up to 50 amp plugs now, so we say goodbye to the under-powered generator. There were a few modifications made before purchasing, such as a table-and-chair dinette group along with some larger recliners that make packing up a little more awkward, but we will certainly have a chance to make this our own.
So keep reading as we Follow Our Internal Compass in our new heart to many new places across this country.
Time to hook it up and hit the road! Where we going? Stay tuned to find out.
Whether or not you're in the market, all full-time RVers have, at one point or another, started looking at other models, and have asked themselves that proverbial question: What do I actually want in a rig? Here at Freedom Rolling, we're no exception.
The first thing we consider is the year and size. Those big honkers may be all nice and fancy, but if you're going to be spending time in publicly owned parks or some open spot in the middle of nowhere, you're going to want a rig on the smaller side. A maximum of 40 feet is what the parks usually advertise, but about 30 feet or less is a good target. Even in the private sector, the smaller the rig, the easier of a time you'll have getting into almost any site, especially if a power pole is right next to it. While we're on size, weight is a very important factor. You need to be able to safely move the RV. Give yourself a couple thousand pounds of leeway for what your truck is rated, otherwise you may find yourself with suspension issues. The year of the vehicle can also be important, especially if you want to stay at private parks. Most have a "10-year rule" for RVs, where if your rig is more than 10 years old, they don't want you there unless you obtain special permission. Newer is not always better, though, as there was a period from 2020 to 2022 where rigs were very cheaply made in order to satisfy a demand, and some of those are already falling apart as of the time the article is written.
Enough about the outside; most of us who "window shop" want what's on the inside. Definitely start with counter space in the kitchen, because you'll likely have a slow cooker there almost every day. Can you fit that? Once that's done, consider the dining area. Is a desk important for you, or can you live with clogging up your dinner table with electronics and other activities? Going between the two, can you live with something akin to Jon Taffer's famous "butt funnel", or do you need a slide to give yourself some more room? Go room by room, and figure out what you want. Do you want a traditional bed, or is a bunk OK? How tall do you want the shower to be? Do you want a fireplace, or can you live with regular HVAC? How about how your refrigerator and water heater run? How do you get from place to place inside the rig? How much power and propane is all of this going to take, too?
Every single thing has its importance, and it's up to each of us to balance what we want, and what we're able to do in terms of both desire and cost. Sometimes, you're only able to find a truck that can pull a minimal amount, so you need a tiny rig. That's OK when you're starting out, because it's more manageable, and you can actually experience everything you want without being overwhelmed. Once you understand the joys of being out here full-time, then you can branch out and start to check off more of your wants. Nothing will be absolutely 100% perfect, there's always things that change as you go along.
So as you Follow your Internal Compass, be on the lookout for different things in a RV that may work for you.
Welcome to another review of craft beers brought to you by Freedom Rolling. Today, we look at three different breweries across the country and what they have to offer. As with every review, please ensure that these, or any brews, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws wherever you may be.
We start in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the Fernson Brewing Company for one of their signature offerings, the Lion's Paw Lager. This particular brew comes in a delightful reddish amber color, and is a staple across bars offering craft brews in the Mount Rushmore state. Be prepared for a slightly sour taste when you first sip on this beer, but like with any good lager, the hops will come in later to give a more rounded taste. This may be a decent choice if you are in the area, and could be worth a shower if you happen to be staying for an extended period, but there are better brews to actively seek out when traveling the country.
Heading down south to Fort Worth, Texas, and the Martin House Brewing Company, we turn to the "Best Maid" sour pickle beer. Sours have started to find their place on many taproom lists, although this is one of the weirdest brews to ever try. The scent of pickles is very prevalent when first presented with the beer. The first taste is almost as if one took the liquid contents of a pickle jar and ran it through carbon dioxide pressure. Although we'll freely admit to not yet being to the point of enjoying sour beers, and the beer itself did not foam when poured which could lead to an adverse review, it doesn't seem like one to try again.
Heading back to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, we finally head to the Remedy Brewing Company, and one of their regular offerings, the Queen Bee Imperial Honey Cream Ale. As a lighter colored summer beer, Remedy advertises "a subtle honey sweetness", but there is nothing subtle about this one. The first smell and sip brings an overpowering sensation of honey to this particular brew. Once getting over that hurdle, it will not only leave the same powerful taste in your mouth, but the later stages of the brew will almost taste like cough syrup. Certain connoisseurs will enjoy the higher alcoholic content of 7.3% when compared to other beers of this type, but when looking for cream ales, there are many better choices even in this part of the country alone.
So as your Internal Compass takes you across the country, try some of the local craft beers as able, and see how they fare for you.
So you've arrived at your workamping gig for the next six months, possibly after traveling a thousand miles or more. Your ideal first step after setting up is one you may not like, but is necessary.
One of the most important expectations that they don't tell you in the job description, whether you're a camp host, store clerk, or something where you are in the public eye, is that you are an ambassador for the area you're staying. In order to provide the best experience for those who visit, especially in a bit of a "tourist trap", you need to know the area around you like it was the back of your hand. Take a drive around and know where everything is. Who offers what? Even if it's something that you sell where you are, always have a plan B ready. They might have to go somewhere else once, but they'll likely return once your place has restocked.
It's not just the private organizations you need to know, but also some of the public regulations. If you have a golf cart, are you going to be able to drive it around? Where are overflow visitors able to park and not park? Maybe you have some lakes or rivers near you; what are the fishing regulations in that area? Ages for licenses, license costs, and available stock are the most common questions, along with keep limits. You've probably planned this location months in advance, so you can always do a little research before you arrive. It might be a good alternative to constantly asking the question, "Are we there yet?"
If you're in a tourist trap, it's not just the local area you need to know, but the region as a whole. More often than not, someone is going to ask you how to get somewhere, and if you're in a remote area, it could even be a couple of states away. This is where being a full-time RVer is actually an advantage. You're already going to know how to get around, including truck routes. You may have even taken a trip where they want to go previously. Bank on that knowledge. And if you don't know it, it's a good idea to learn, because you'll probably use it for your next trip.
So as you Follow your Internal Compass, enhance it with the knowledge of what is around you when you reach your destination.
Not your average two hundred acre wood. When in zone 2, don't let grandma get out to walk around. Too hot? Too cold? Just right.
Welcome to the outskirts of Rapid City, South Dakota, home of Bear Country USA. First opened in 1972 by the Casey family and still owned by them to the day this is written, Bear Country USA is a seasonal half driving safari, half walking zoo holding several dozen different species of animals, including a safe raising ground for the black bear, which naturally has difficulty surviving in the wild. All ages are able to experience this property, and the different opportunities give something for everyone.
As you first enter the property, you are immediately whisked to the driving portion of the zoo. Drive through several fenced and cattle guarded sections to see elk, reindeer, wolves, and many of the other species that are already living in the wild in the area. Keep the windows closed as you go through, lest you meet up with one of these creatures. As you go through, you'll see mountain lions and black bears. There are a few bison along the way, but other attractions in the area will have them more prevalent. Once you get to the end, don't head out the exit yet! Instead, park and go to the walking section, where staff members play with the young bear cubs as they frolic while on display. Several other species are also able to be seen.
Bear Country USA seems on par with the cost of the larger zoos in the country, but this one is well worth it. The grounds are maintained very well, and you can tell that the seasonal staff has a lot of fun playing with the cubs. They are only open from April to November, and good luck being able to get around during the Sturgis festival. This might be worth the trip if you're a bear enthusiast, but if you happen to be kicking around the area, it's not too bad of a stop on your way towards Mount Rushmore. Just don't try to back up when you leave, because they have one-way spike strips on the ground.
So as you Follow your Internal Compass, take some time for a trip on the wild side.
Welcome to another review of craft beers brought to you by Freedom Rolling. Today, we look at three different breweries in South Dakota and what they have to offer. As with every review, please ensure that these, or any brews, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws wherever you may be.
Welcome to Sturgis South Dakota: Home of America's most famous August motorcycle rally, and right off the highway is the Sturgis Brewing Company, with one of their offerings being their Red Cut Red Amber ale. This particular brew has the smooth taste one would expect from the typical American Amber, with just a hint of hops to keep the taste buds excited. There were a couple of points during the tasting of this beer where it flirted with the line between smoothness and flatness, and although there have been plenty of other red and ambers we've come to enjoy more, Red Cut does pass as something drinkable.
Staying in the Black Hills of South Dakota, take a trip down to Rapid City and the Lost Cabin Beer Company. First starting in 2016, Lost Cabin has been brewing at both their primary city location, along with their new Beer Garden in Hill City. One of their most popular signature beers is the SoDank IPA. This moderately colored brew will give the strong taste of hops that you would expect from a typical IPA, but they have been able to balance it with a smoother taste that would allow someone in the middle of acquiring the taste for this type of beer to enjoy. Although perhaps not the best value for money, it isn't a bad choice for a special occasion in the area.
When one thinks of South Dakota, they may think of Mount Rushmore. Found in the city of Custer is the so-aptly named Mount Rushmore Brewing Company, with one of their regular beers being the Buffalo Snot stout. This particular brew brings a strong smell and taste of coffee to the drinker. However, as one would continue to enjoy this smooth, dark offering, the first impression may be deceiving as the coffee taste will diminish after the first sip, allowing even the connoisseur that does not enjoy coffee to want to have this beer again.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to Western South Dakota, try some of the local brews around you, but be cautious in what you choose.
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