Another trip is behind us, and we have returned to our previous trip's location. What has happened, and what have we learned from this?
First off, not all the equipment survived. High winds not even worthy of a special weather statement took out the canopy AND the tent we brought. The tent barely fit the air mattress we were using as it was so it's not a complete disappointment, but those cheap setups from major outdoor retailers are incredibly flimsy and don't hold to anything other than calm desert sunshine. At least the grill and air mattress survived, as we still have use for those with our primary RV setup. So the first lesson learned: Find better quality materials.
Secondly, we've certainly found that we are destination-bound travelers. What we mean by this is that we aren't simply cruising along, looking at every little thing, nor doing that ridiculous 2-2-2 or 3-3-3 that some RVers seem to love. No, we go for aggressive travel days, and we may have over-compensated on scheduling this time around. Looking to do over 1500 miles in a day and a half, mostly because of an appointment, proved tiresome. It's not the first time we've done a long travel day, as we've been known to do over 600 in a day while pulling the RV, and cross-country in four days. However once we did the return in about two days and a couple hours, mostly around a desire to get back to our home, that tells us what we look to do on travel days. Don't get us wrong: The open road is probably one of the most peaceful places you can ever be, and we absolutely love being there, with him behind the wheel and her riding along. However, lesson learned: 750 miles per day while light is comfortable, 1000 is aggressive but doable if we must, but under no circumstances do we drive through the night unless we're forced to do so.
Speaking of that, let's take a look at accommodations. Motels are way too expensive, so we don't use them. Campgrounds close early and we usually don't know where we're going to make for a particular day, as much as we can make a guess. So that leaves rest areas and truck stops. Yes, states crack down on these, but there's some wiggle room for if you're not fit to drive. Even when heavy, we try to let the truckers settle as much as they can since long-vehicle parking is at a premium and we don't have time limiters electronically forced on us. Needless to say, a pickup truck is not a SUV. We can't exactly stick a futon mattress in the back and sleep there. And when you're in the wild, not exactly good to use the truck bed. Switching off may have worked if we were adjusted for it, but we couldn't exactly do that because of what happened before and during the travels. Couple with filling the cab with all of the necessary items meant the seats had to effectively stay where they were.
At the end of the day, what we've figured out is that we'll need to bring the RV when we travel longer distances. We're already bringing half of what's in there anyway, and it'll make for better accommodations where we are. Unfortunately only one of us is comfortable driving it so we're stuck with 500-600 miles per day, but we can make it work if need be. Long story short, we can travel with the truck in a pinch, but only up to the one day limit. Anything beyond that, we take the RV.
So until the next time we look to get on the road again, be sure to Follow Your Internal Compass.
Dine like a swine for five ninety-nine! OK, it might cost a little more than that these days depending on where you go, however for this edition of Freedom Rolling's pizza reviews, we'll be looking at a few buffets to see how they stack up against the competition. Is it a better deal to go to one of these, or is the quality at a traditional pizza shop more worth the value?
They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and buffet portions are certainly able to satisfy this claim, especially at Port A Pizzeria in Port Aransas, Texas. First started over 30 years ago, Port A Pizzeria has been servicing this island community with both their dine-in buffet, as well as a traditional take-out or delivery option with basic Italian fare you'd find at most pizzerias around the country. Coupled with a sports bar-like environment on the inside, this has become a relaxing place for the gulf visitors to enjoy, while at a surprisingly economical price for the location that benefits the locals and thrifty visitors. So don't feel like you have to venture to the mainland for some well priced grub; give Port A Pizzeria a try.
Come for the pizza and get your fill of fried chicken! That's what you'll experience at Pizza Ranch, a buffet-style pizza outlet with many locations across the Midwest and Rockies. First starting in Iowa in 1981, Pizza Ranch offers several different varieties of pizza, many with cowboy themed names, at regular intervals to their customers. What's most unique about this place is that if you're not really feeling like pizza, you could head over to the bar with fried chicken and all the fixings that you'd expect with that sort of a dinner. Some locations will also include an arcade in the back to help keep the kids occupied between plates or during a party event. So if you're looking for pizza but not sure what you want, maybe give this buffet a try.
Next trip finds us on the edge of the college city of Clemson, South Carolina for Joe's New York Pizza. Founded in 2009, Joe's services three different locations in the Clemson area with both buffet and traditional pizzeria services. The Clemson location offers a weekday lunch buffet in a bright and inviting restaurant. The ambiance is very much dedicated to the local Clemson Tigers sports teams, with some memorabilia in the bar area in support of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Joe's pizza knows how to do the product the way it should be, with a thin cracker-like crust that allows the toppings to be the main feature. The buffet will not offer the same foldable slices you'd be able to get with the larger pizzas at this establishment, but the dessert pizza is one where you will want to save room. If you want good pizza while in the area, Joe's is a must-have for everyone.
So while you Follow Your Internal Compass across this great nation, be on the lookout for pizza buffets where you can get your fill, whether stationary or on the road.
In the immortal words of Willie Nelson, "I can't wait to get on the road again." That sounds like a good idea, so we'll do it.
Trip 27 is going to be taking us to the destination state of South Dakota. Yes, for the fifth trip, that's where we're headed. However, this one is going to be a little different in that we won't be bringing the heart with us. This is not only to save on fuel costs, but also because of a bit of a time crunch in scheduling what we intend to do when out there. You're probably wondering why we'd make this a trip, and some of our other truck-only adventures to not be as such. We had a couple "strictly business" travels during trip 18 and the lead-in to trip 19, so that's not going to qualify. There are a few times we've crossed one or two borders to go visit something, and clearly those aren't going to count as separate trips, either.
So how are we going to pull this off if we're not in the RV? It's time to give the old tent a chance and see if this will still work in a pinch, or if we're getting too old for it. This isn't the first time that we've tried such as thing, as before we had the RV, there were a few tent excursions that we've previously mentioned. Let's dust off the cobwebs and see what's possible in our traveling lives. Worse comes to worst, we return to the truck and use that, as it wouldn't be the first time.
As we embark on our next trip across this land, we remind you to Follow Your Internal Compass wherever life leads you.
Freedom Rolling once again brings you another set of consumption reviews. Instead of turning to the potent potables this time, we'll be looking at some various pizza establishments and giving our take on them. Pizza is one of America's favorite foods, but not everyone does it very well. We'll see how these folks do.
Our first stop is just north of Chicago, Illinois, in the suburb of Morton Grove for Giordano's. Anyone who experiences pizza in the Chicago area will come to understand the deep dish variety, and this restaurant has been serving the midwest's famous pie for over 50 years across several locations across the country. Deep dish pizza does take a bit longer than your typical pizza to prepare, but is well worth the wait. Even if you don't care for pizza, the chicken carbonara served family style is always a winner. Even if you're 106 miles to Chicago, whether or not you smoke, you might want to fill that fuel tank because you could just find yourself taking a trip to Giordano's for a good bite to eat.
We now take ourselves to Custer, South Dakota for Pizza Mill, the area's local pizzeria. Clearly as the concept of pizza traveled west, something went terribly wrong in the execution. Their attempt at pizza was basically nothing but a mountain of dough with a very small amount of toppings thrown in. The only way to get any sort of semblance of toppings was with one of their offerings where they basically took a side salad and threw it on top after the fact. Coupled with charging ridiculous tourist prices for terrible fare, you're better off going to one of the national chains for anything that would be considered pizza.
Finally heading up to the small community of Campton, New Hampshire, just outside of Franconia Notch, we come across Chesley's Pizza, a small convenience store with pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches to satisfy the New England traveler. Although we've heard from locals that this location declined a bit since the original owner sold the business, it doesn't seem to us that they've lost too much of a beat in their concoctions. This is certainly a good place to go if you're looking for a simple slice or even a whole pizza, but much of the other fare will also be one to try.
So while you Follow Your Internal Compass across this great nation, you may or may not find a good pizza, but there will almost certainly be hiding a diamond in the rough.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Copyright 2021-25 Freedom Rolling.
Logo Image Courtesy Clipartmax.com
United States Image Courtesy Simple Maps