Throughout the past couple of decades, advances have been made in technology in order to assist people. However, depending on what you want and where you are, for a full-time RVer, it can be both a blessing and a curse.
Many RVers want to spend time around the Rocky Mountain areas and the vicinity, such as the Black Hills, Sierra Nevadas, and Cascades. If you've ever looked at a cell phone coverage map, you'll notice there isn't much there. The same is going to apply to the global positioning satellite systems, especially when the minerals in the ground cause these things to not function properly. So be sure to carry the paper with you, and plan ahead. The number of times you see tourists so dependent on those little devices and then complaining about the businesses because it doesn't make them constantly available may be entertaining for those used to it; but if you're not, it'd be best to have alternatives available.
That being said, not all of it is to the point where you shouldn't use it at all. There are plenty of rewards programs out there, especially with national chains that you'll see wherever you go. One popular brand of general store has a coupon system where you're able to have a negative balance and be paid to shop. It might not be exactly what you want, and you do have to be careful because the ingredients aren't necessarily that good for the body. However, if you're in a bit of a crunch, take advantage of it. You won't see it every time, and it'll take a few shopping trips to build it up, but you'll get there.
One of the biggest pain points of the wallet is fuel, and that's wherever you go. If you have a bigger rig, you may find yourself needing a diesel truck. The good news is that there are now some companies that are willing to help RVers establish fleet accounts. This is something that truckers have been using to pay for diesel when doing their deliveries, and although you'll still have to pay for the fuel yourself, you won't be anywhere near those insanely high prices you see advertised on the highway. You will have to use the truck lanes for a fleet account, which might be awkward if you're "light" or come across a store employee that isn't all that familiar with fleet requirements. These also won't work for unleaded, so you're stuck with the traditional store cards if you want any sort of savings.
So as you Follow your Internal Compass, know when technology will work for you, and when it will not.
Looking for a driving adventure? Try this one on for size.
Welcome to the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, in the middle of the Black Hills of South Dakota. People familiar with the area will know the name of Peter Norbeck, who served as both a governor and senator for the state of South Dakota in the 20th century. During this tenure, he was able to secure funding for many of the state and national treasures in the area, including Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, as well as the establishment of Grand Teton National Park in Western Wyoming.
What consists of the Norbeck Byway is not a continuous route, but rather a figure-eight style loop of roads throughout the Black Hills. The main highlights of the byway include US Highway 16A through Custer State Park and along Iron Mountain Road, State Highway 244 taking you along the profile of Mount Rushmore, and State Highway 87, the Needles Highway, along with the truck access to Sylvan Lake via State Highway 89. The Needles Highway will require an entrance pass to Custer State Park. Although your "America the Beautiful" national park pass will not work at this location, the annual price for state park entry is at such a steal of a price that they effectively beg you to visit as many of the parks as able.
Driving along the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is generally limited to 25-35 miles per hour, and with the twists and turns on this road, it's not that bad of an idea. Definitely unhook the trailer, because there are one-lane tunnels that will make even the single-wheeled driver question whether they can pass without folding the side mirrors. When going along Iron Mountain Road, be sure to take it east from Custer State Park to Keystone, as you'll be able to experience a "portrait" of Mount Rushmore in at least one of the tunnels. Also bring along a paper map, as parts of the Needles Highway are above 6,000 feet in elevation and out of reach of cell phone towers pointing downward from below these points.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to the Black Hills, don't miss the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway during your journey.
Really? Three already?!
That's what happens when 842 days pass since starting on the road full time, it seems. We've had ups, downs, bumps, bruises, given blood, sweat, and tears (literally in some cases), but it's well worth it. Those we meet along the way make it all worthwhile, and it is them for which we are thankful this year. Whether it's Kyle in Arkansas, Beth in Texas and other places, Brandi once of Oklahoma, Liz and Belva in South Dakota, and countless others that we're unable to mention for one reason or another, we are eternally grateful that you have come into our lives, we hope you are doing well, and we wish you all the best this Thanksgiving.
Continue to Follow Your Internal Compass as we look forward to another year.
Calling all bikers: There's a trail just for you!
Welcome to the Mickelson Trail, over 100 miles of urban and rural excursion through the Black Hills of South Dakota. First named the Black Hills Burlington Northern Heritage Trail, this bike path follows an old railroad line that was abandoned in the late 20th century, and is one of many to be included in the national conservancy known as "Rails to Trails". This has since been named after George S. Mickelson, a second generation governor of South Dakota who tragically died in a plane crash in 1993 while flying over Iowa. The trail began conversion under his tutelage, and was finished by the end of the decade.
The George Mickelson Trail is a trail designed for bikers to take them from the city of Edgemont all the way to the city of Deadwood. A short spur exists near the city of Custer to allow travelers to access Stockade Lake on the way to Custer State Park, as well as one at the north end to give users access to the city of Lead. Except for within the urban centers through which the trail passes, this is a tolled trail only available during daylight hours, though like the state park system, annual passes are available at a fairly low price. Although it was designed for bikers, the trail is available for many other outdoor activity uses throughout the entire year, with a short northern portion also available for snowmobiling. A number of trailheads and shelters exist along the trail to be able to hop off at the user's pleasure, though watch out for livestock jams that may happen.
If biking isn't something for you, or you just happen to prefer the open road, the Mickelson Trail is closed to vehicular traffic, but never fear, because there are a series of roads that will take you near the trail's right-of-way. Start off in Edgemont, using County Road 18S and State Route 89 through Pringle on the way to Custer. A quick trek along US 385 right by the Crazy Horse Memorial gets you to Hill City, but here is where the real fun begins. Take a scenic combination of paved and dirt county roads towards Mystic and Rochford through a number of ranches, before heading north to US Route 85. This highway will take you north to Lead before going down the steep hill into the city of Deadwood.
So if your Internal Compass wants to take you on a long trail, the Mickelson Trail may just be the way to go.
On this walk on the wild side, come add a little danger into the mix.
Welcome to Rapid City, South Dakota, home of the Black Hills Reptile Gardens. First founded in 1937 by Earl Brock as a sort of "freak show" involving snakes, this place has since grown to one of the largest menageries of reptiles in the world. Reptile Gardens is a walking zoo, ranging from indoor displays found in the central Sky Dome, to outdoor arenas and walkthroughs that are intriguing for all ages that are daring enough to visit.
On June 25th, 1961, a young gentleman named Tom Kinsella appeared on the television show "What's My Line?", stumping the panel with his seasonal occupation of an "Alligator Wrestler". Today, Reptile Gardens continues this tradition with several daily shows throughout the season where a young entertainer feeds and "wrestles" at least a dozen alligators in front of a captivated audience. The snake show still exists to this day, as well. If you want to get up close and personal, perhaps head over to the Giant Tortoises where these lovable creatures await you. There may also be a bald eagle hampered by a debilitating injury on display.
At the end of the day, Reptile Gardens is certainly a fun place to stop by if you're looking for a fun few hours. If you're going to spend a good chunk of time in the Black Hills, take a selfie near one of the "free admission" displays so you only pay once for the entire season. Although you can get through the entirety of the zoo in a day, be sure to visit during or near the height of the season to be able to see all the exhibits, as they stop wrestling alligators towards the end of the season.
So as you Follow your Internal Compass, take a stop on your way through the Black Hills for a few reptiles.
Throughout the past couple of decades, advances have been made in technology in order to assist people. However, depending on what you want and where you are, for a full-time RVer, it can be both a blessing and a curse.
Many RVers want to spend time around the Rocky Mountain areas and the vicinity, such as the Black Hills, Sierra Nevadas, and Cascades. If you've ever looked at a cell phone coverage map, you'll notice there isn't much there. The same is going to apply to the global positioning satellite systems, especially when the minerals in the ground cause these things to not function properly. So be sure to carry the paper with you, and plan ahead. The number of times you see tourists so dependent on those little devices and then complaining about the businesses because it doesn't make them constantly available my be entertaining for those used to it; but if you're not, it'd be best to have alternatives available.
That being said, not all of it is to the point where you shouldn't use it at all. There are plenty of rewards programs out there, especially with national chains that you'll see wherever you go. One popular brand of general store has a coupon system where you're able to have a negative balance and be paid to shop. It might not be exactly what you want, and you do have to be careful because the ingredients aren't necessarily that good for the body. However, if you're in a bit of a crunch, take advantage of it. You won't see it every time, and it'll take a few shopping trips to build it up, but you'll get there.
One of the biggest pain points of the wallet is fuel, and that's wherever you go. If you have a bigger rig, you may find yourself needing a diesel truck. The good news is that there are now some companies that are willing to help RVers establish fleet accounts. This is something that truckers have been using to pay for diesel when doing their deliveries, and although you'll still have to pay for the fuel yourself, you won't be anywhere near those insanely high prices you see advertised on the highway. You will have to use the truck lanes for a fleet account, which might be awkward if you're "light" or come across a store employee that isn't all that familiar with fleet requirements. These also won't work for unleaded, so you're stuck with the traditional store cards if you want any sort of savings.
So as you Follow your Internal Compass, know when technology will work for you, and when it will not.
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.
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