Sometimes, when you drive along the road, you see a naturally occurring oddity reaching into the heavens.
Welcome to Devil's Tower National Monument, the first declared as such, reaching high in the hills of Eastern Wyoming. Devil's Tower gets its name from an errant translation, when Colonel Richard Dodge mistakenly took what was known by the Lakotas as "Bear's Lodge" to mean "Bad god's Tower", and despite maps to the contrary from the 19th century, the name stuck. It's not known for bad luck by the natives of the area, as many will leave items to ward off any sort of demons that they believe possess them, and these remain strewn among the trees of the area surrounding the tower.
Devil's Tower is quite the sight to behold. As you drive from Sundance or Moorcroft towards Hulett along US Highway 14 and State Highway 24, you begin to see the ominous formation as if it were a city's skyline on the horizon. Once you travel in, make a stop at the Visitor's Center to see more information about its history, along with the random alien as a tribute to the popular film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". If rock climbing is your cup of tea, perhaps Devil's Tower will provide a challenge to reach the top, as many have attempted. Even if it isn't, a trip around the base of the butte will give great views of not only the formation, but the many of those attempting to conquer it.
Devil's Tower is a national monument, and unlike many of the other areas to visit in the Black Hills, this one will actually accept the National Parks passes that you may have, including the program at the time of writing this for fourth graders to enter, along with their family, at no cost to the family. Do be aware that the entrance gate will not accept cash as of the time of writing this, though National Park Service offices in the greater Black Hills region will be able to do so. Pets are strictly prohibited from trails, and even those who might use service tags without a legitimate medical service may face hefty fines.
So if your Internal Compass is pointing skyward while in the Black Hills, give Devil's Tower a try.
When you embark on a journey such as this, there are both things and loved ones you may leave behind. When you do, you may have to return to come face to face with some closure, which is what Freedom Rolling has sadly had to do. When these sorts of things happen, especially unexpectedly, you may find yourself making long trips without the RV. Here's some tips on how to make this happen.
First, remember when we talked about emergency planning? This is one of the times where it's going to come into play. You'll be using that "go bag" and other provisions. You might need a few extra things, such as dress clothes for a slightly-more-formal event, and hopefully you kept some when you first packed. Thankfully, there's going to be enough time to get these together, so you don't have to rush. However, because you were ready, you'll find the extension of the trip much less stressful than it already is.
Remember taking a look at the route and your packing and timing? Once again, chance has favored the prepared mind. Figure out what's going to work best for you. A thousand miles in one shot (or at least something close to that) might sound doable going there, but not necessarily so much so coming back. Do you even drive it? Public transportation (i.e. trains and planes) may sound like a possibility, but you must also consider the route, especially when certain cities may not be a very good place to be. If you do drive it, and it's probably the least expensive of the options... Are more than one person able to drive, and are they all comfortable with the route? When you reach a destination, it's certainly something to keep in mind, especially if where you need to be is on the opposite side of the country.
The other obvious thing to consider is where you happen to start. Will you be allowed to leave the heart for what could potentially be a couple weeks? Do you need to pay extra camp fees? Are you going to be effectively forced to bring your RV along, further complicating matters? There have been horror stories out there about RVs being declared "abandoned" because no one's there for a while, and just like that the home is gone. Be sure to take that into consideration as well, because not everyone will be able to drive heavy, and you won't be able to go as far as you would in a day without the rig.
So if you're Following your Internal Compass and something comes up, never fear, because you'll be ready to handle it.
Ah Mobile County, one of our favorite places to stay thus far and certainly worth another visit. Here is some information on the last time we visited.
Sites: Having a larger rig meant that we were found in a different row in the same area. Although there was no ant pile this time around, we did find some bad luck with the pad not being level. Although we were able to adjust to suit our needs, it was a little cumbersome to set up.
Staff: Ironically enough, after about two years since the last time we visited, the staff actually remembered us. They were just as friendly as ever, and led to a bit of an interesting banter when checking out to receive our site deposit.
Amenities: This was probably the most disappointing part of the return trip. We previously quipped about comparing other parks to if only half the amenities were there, and that was the case this time. The laundry facility was closed down, along with the platform walk. We remember it was starting to deteriorate a little bit, and must have reached a dangerous point. We really hope that Mobile County is able to fund repairs of these in the future, even if they have to seek a grant, because it was one of our favorite things to do.
Overall, despite what we saw this time around, we probably wouldn't change the rating on this campground, if only for the unchanged price and the staff. Not to mention, just like last time when escaping an uncomfortable situation, this was once again a proverbial "breath of fresh air". One of the staff members joked about seeing us again in a couple years, and that may just happen if we're back in the area.
Welcome back for another round of disc golf!
We're coming to you from the city of Satsuma, Alabama at Steele Creek Lodge and Park for our match. Steele Creek is a free-to-enter city park north of Mobile with a newly opened boat launch ramp at the time we were there. This is a nine-hole course that is fairly flat in elevation but a signifcant tree challenge. No official maps exist (only a superimposed satellite image), and tee 1 was not marked, but there are clear paths to lead the way to each tee and hole that are otherwise marked well. The tees are not concrete.
This match saw all 9 holes played, with only one starting marker for each. Previous descriptions for equipment apply, and there was no pup along for the journey. We agreed to start hole 1 near a mailbox and electrical plug because the tee wasn't marked. How did this one go?
Course Result:
His Holes: 4
Halved: 2
Her Holes: 3
Course Record: Him 5 - 2 - 3 Her
Holes Record: Him 29 - 23 Her
After hole 1 was halved, she ran into terrible tree luck that led to him taking a three hole lead. She started to pull it back after a fabulous tee-off with him not aiming well, though it was short lived with a halve and him winning hole 7. She pulled it back in holes 8 and 9, including a near-lucky long shot for a 3, but it was too little, too late, as the early lead was insurmountable. The shot total ended with him having a 44-47 edge, though there is no information on what "par" for the course is.
Looks like he's starting to pull away; can she turn the tide? Until the next course, remember to Follow Your Internal Compass.
As you spend a bit of time living on the road, you begin to figure out what does and doesn't work. Along the way, we've picked up a few things that should help us.
First thing where we've found some great use is with milk crates. Before going into this one, a little disclaimer is necessary: The bottling companies own the milk crates that you see in grocery stores, so don't be going out and stealing those. There are places where you can buy them, and at a fairly reasonable price for what they do. You might be used to seeing four 1-gallon jugs in those square milk crates, but did you notice it can perfectly fit both a 20 and a 30 pound propane tank? If you don't want to spend the time ratcheting them down (although we recommend you do), the solid base of the milk crate prevents easy tipping, while you safely transport the tanks from your local filling station. They also make for great braces if you need to hold something up.
One of the biggest things we've figured out during some of our trips is that you can't necessarily trust the quality of the water where you happen to be staying, even if you're using the RV and marine filters. We've seen moldy hoses, even our entire piping system going orange from iron deposits. Sadly, one of the regular expenses that is therefore difficult to avoid is drinking water. We've tried the packs of bottles for a while, but that doesn't quite work out well, especially when taking trash into account, so we've found a pump that can be put on top of the dispenser bottles you see in offices, and that has given us the ability to use drinking water. Refills are also easily available across the country, and if there's a decent source, we could always bring the jugs with us.
If you're like us, you probably find yourself staying at a number of state parks. Campgrounds built by the Corps of Engineers are still on the bucket list as of the time of writing this, but they typically have one thing in common: Lack of sewer hookup. If you're only staying for a couple of days, this isn't so bad, but any longer and you'll need to dump. When you have a larger rig, packing it all up to hit the dump station isn't practical. Enter into the picture: A 42-gallon waste tank. We found one where we can hook this to the back of our truck, fill it up, and take it to the dump station. Even if you happen to have a typical sedan or a golf cart, so long as you have a tow hookup, it should work as well. You'll need to make sure you're able to tow at least 500 pounds, as a gallon of water weighs a little over 8 pounds, and it isn't exactly all that fun walking one of these full of your black tank up a hill, even when it's on wheels.
So as we Follow our Internal Compass, we're still finding ways to make our lives more efficient and versatile. Who knows what we'll find next...
Trip number 16 saw us going to yet another park. In fact, it was a park we've previously visited. Most of the details are the same as the last time we were there, so let's take a look at what's changed.
Sites: This time saw us in a different part of the park, a bit more open and one of the pull-thru 50 amp sites with much more space to be able to maneuver, both while driving and when parked. There's a little something for everyone in these parts.
Staff: We saw a bit of an improvement in the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. Whether it's because our hair is more grey, or it's just a different crew that knew we were back for a second round, it was a much better experience.
Amenities: The bath houses have changed in that they are now coded entry, which did puzzle a couple of guests who didn't take the time to read the literature. The funny signage is still there, including how only toilet paper is permitted to be flushed (makes you wonder what's to be done with purposes 1 and 2).
Overall, the rating given to Rainbow's End Park is about the same. Administrative business was definitely completed here, and although we were also using it as a bit of a "crossroads" for our next trip, business still remains one of the few reasons to actually go to this park. We did notice some improvements being made outside of the grounds along the highway itself, and look forward to seeing what they have to offer, potentially improving the atmosphere of this spot seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
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.
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