Wishing all of our readers, whether stationary or mobile, a prosperous new year!
Come, they told me, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum:
The black tank to empty, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum.
Out towards the valve to pull, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum;
But found the hose was full, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum,
rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum;
Hooking is the test, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum;
To the new drum...
Spurting out it came, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum;
I'll never be the same, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum.
I pulled the valve and vent, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum;
And in the drum it went, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum,
rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum...
Filling to the top, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum;
Mess will come.
Driving to the dump, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum;
And I just hit a bump, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum.
The drum, it got a flat, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum;
So I'll need to fix that, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum,
rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum...
Emptied out the stuff, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum;
Down to one....
No trip to the Black Hills is complete without a drive through this gem.
Welcome to Spearfish Canyon, found in the northwestern part of South Dakota's Black Hills. Nestled along US Route 14A, Spearfish Canyon provides year-round entertainment for travelers to the area, from fishing and waterfall viewing in the summer, to skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Even if you're not one to leave the vehicle, the drive through this treasured area is certainly not one to miss. Whether heading south from Spearfish, or north from Lead, you'll be able to take in the views of the cliffs around this meandering highway.
While down near the city of Savoy, be sure to make a stop at one of the free public parking areas and check out one of the most popular destinations of the area, Roughlock Falls. While around the trails here, you'll see the remains of a hydroelectric power station at Old Spearfish Creek Dam, which now serves as a fishing opportunity for passers by. Going north, make a stop at Bridal Veil Falls, also seeing across the way an old train right-of-way. It's not just the non-living you might see around here; if that elusive mountain goat wasn't found in Custer State Park, you might just find it here.
There's more to US Highway 14A than simply Spearfish Canyon. Once at the southern end of that portion of the highway, take a drive into Lead and Deadwood. Continue east and you'll find yourself within Boulder Canyon, another scenic drive enjoyed by many through the Black Hills. Although not quite as breath-taking as Spearfish Canyon, this drive is certainly not one to miss. Once through, you'll pop out on the eastern end of this highway at the city of Sturgis, known for its population increasing a hundred fold for two weeks out of the year.
So the next time your Internal Compass tells you to take a drive around, try out Spearfish Canyon.
Perhaps you'd like to see a tribute to the Presidents of the United States in a more, well, "life-like" setting.
Welcome to Keystone, South Dakota, home of the National Presidential Wax Museum. Keystone is known for being the tourist city at the base of Mount Rushmore, so why not be a fitting place for this sort of a place? The museum was first founded in 1971, and originally known as the "Parade of Presidents". Today, visitors are given a chance to take a self-guided tour of the museum, able to listen to the history of each of the various Presidents while viewing defining events created in wax, from Thomas Jefferson drafting the Declaration of Independence and Grover Cleveland getting married, to Richard Nixon visiting the Apollo 11 crew and George W. Bush surveying the 9/11 wreckage.
The creation of the National Presidential Wax Museum almost never happened. On December 15, 1963, founder Katherine Stubergh appeared on the panel show "What's My Line?", with the panel identifying her as a sculptor who more specifically "Makes Figures for Wax Museums". She lived in Los Angeles and was pursuing a dancing career, and although she made sculptures to make ends meet, always believed herself to belong in the dancing line. It wasn't until she sculpted Mae West that she heard from the subject, "Kid, anybody can make a piece of mud look like me shouldn't be no dancer." She would go on to sculpt many Hollywood celebrities, Presidents, and although she has since passed on, her legacy continues with sculptors to this day.
This museum was visited by us on accident, originally wanting to go to Mount Rushmore a second time before stopping here. We're glad we did, as this seasonal museum is something to behold for art and history buffs alike. Walking in, one can pretend to be the President making a speech from the Press Room, with words from both Trump and Obama at the time of our visit. The self-guided telephones allow you to feel like you're given a guided tour, but can go at your pace and view what you wish. Whether you stay for a few minutes or the entire day, the National Presidential Wax Museum will be a fun experience for everyone.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to the Black Hills, make a stop to admire more than just four presidents.
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.
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