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A Trekker’s Manifesto

In this post I discuss my motivations for writing this blog.

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.”

― John Muir

Some may wonder why I write this blog…

One of my favorite songs is “Noise”, by Kenny Chesney. For me, it’s a rallying cry, of sorts, as it well expresses my growing disillusionment with the rat race that is the modern lifestyle. I firmly believe one of the central problems with modern society is that we are constantly overstimulated with busy lives, busy minds, and busy spirits.

The song demonstrates how this “noise” that continuously engulfs us makes us miserable. It is inescapable and unending. My personal belief is this overstimulation contributes to the anxiety so many feel. I know, for myself, the anxious symptoms I experience peak when my life feels the most hectic.

Some lyrics from the song state:

“…Yeah we scream, yeah we shout ’til we don’t have a voice. In the streets, in the crowds, it ain’t nothing but noise…”

We’re constantly pulled in multiple directions at once: relationships, chores, work and school, hobbies, attempting-to-find-some-time-to-just-relax!

“Twenty-four hour television, gets so loud that no one listens…”

In addition, we’re persistently bombarded by 24-hour news cycles, streaming music, and video, our sources of stimulation continue on ad-nauseum…. I can feel my blood pressure rising just THINKING about all of this! 🤯

Articles are written about the burnout people feel. How they are striving to “unplug”, to have a better work-life balance, to take back control of their lives. But then, they’re told to “lean in” and live “well-rounded” lives…

“There really ain’t no conversation, ain’t nothing left to the imagination…”

From an early age, we’re exposed to so much technology that our creativity is squashed. Children used to spend hours playing outside, but now their days are filled with activities structured by others and devices that tell them what a game is and how to play it. We don’t think for ourselves anymore or take a step back and critically examine situations. Instead, we allow ourselves to be influenced and pressured by what our friends are “liking” on social media, or what our trusted news source is telling us is a fact.

“…trapped in our phones and we can’t make it stop…”

We’re all adrenaline junkies running around constantly stimulated by the technology that continuously surrounds us. This stimulation is so persistent that when we have to go more than 30 minutes without the dopamine hits it provides we get anxious and think we’re bored—even though that’s what life is supposed to normally feel like—we just aren’t used to it. Our phones chirp mercilessly, constantly giving us the recognition we’ve come to crave as it means that someone “liked” our post or tweet, or is trying to contact us so we don’t feel so small and alone…

*This may seem contradictory for a blogger; whose job is dependent on the use of technology. To be clear, I’m not anti-technology, I’m pro the purposeful and controlled use of it. It’s a tool that should be used deliberately and within limits, without allowing it to control our lives.*

I write for my love of the outdoors…

“Sometimes I wonder, how did we get here? …we didn’t turn it on, but we can’t turn it off…”

We’re constantly surrounded by all this “noise” but we haven’t yet evolved to handle it, and I don’t think we are meant to. We weren’t designed for the modern-day lifestyle. Evolution didn’t prepare us for this craziness, because it isn’t a natural thing. We’re meant to be surrounded by the peace and tranquility that nature brings: the perfectly formed snowflake; the sound of chirping birds and the whistling wind; the silent clamor of snow falling in the woods; the pitter-patter of rain against the window and the “CRASH!” of thunder outside. We’re meant to feel the sun warm our skin as the wind caresses our face and to smell the fresh, earthy aroma of wet dirt that a fresh rain brings.

I’m an avid Nature Girl. I enjoy pretty much any activity that gives me an excuse to be outside. I’m also high energy (in case that isn’t obvious). 😉 I like the outdoors, active hobbies and I find walls induce claustrophobia. I grew up as a country-girl, playing in the dirt and fresh air, so, outdoor recreation is a perfect hobby for me.

This love of nature brings me peace by enjoying the beauty and simplicity of the environment that surrounds us. Many people find comfort in these things and I think there’s a reason for that, it’s our intended habitat. It’s where we’re supposed to be, so, we connect with it on a basic, transcendent level. The most instinctual part of our being longs for it. I feel my spirit is renewed by nature, so I want to use this blog to encourage others to enjoy this incredible experience, as well.

For me, this peace is also spiritual, in a sense. Not everyone agrees with this, and that’s ok, religion is a very personal journey, and everyone has to choose what’s best for them. I feel my life is richer and I find hope in despairing situations when I embrace the spiritual side of life. Experiencing nature aids my spiritual journey as it helps me to form a tangible connection to the Creator, by communing with the extraordinary creation.

I’ve enjoyed being out in nature since I was a kid, I especially love the mountains. I still remember the instant I fell in love with them. Mr. Trekker and I were enjoying our first road trip together, in 2005, shortly after we both graduated college. We were at Mesa Verde National Park, standing at one of the lookouts on top of the mesa, with the whole of Colorado stretching before us (maybe THAT’s why I love the state so much?!) 😉

I remember thinking, “I could live here”, and feeling a connection to the mountains, on a visceral level. At the time, the Trekkers were preparing to move to North Carolina. Until then, I had only ever lived in Indiana, this was my first time experiencing the Rockies. I had visited the Appalachians throughout Pennsylvania and New England on numerous family vacations and had always enjoyed the mountain scenery, but this time, something struck a chord within me…

It would be six years before we returned to the mountain west, this time to stay. We’d had enough of the big city, and after numerous adventures in the mountains of western North Carolina, we were hooked on our outdoor activities. The Black Hills aren’t quite the Rockies, but the smaller towns and simpler way of life—not to mention the frequently beautiful weather—suit me just fine.

I write to describe my struggle with anxiety and (hopefully) to help others who are struggling…

When we moved to South Dakota, I started experiencing frequent symptoms of anxiety. To make matters worse, I also began noticing depressive symptoms due to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), thanks to the minimal hours of sunlight–and the resulting Vitamin D deficiency—present in the Northern Plains during the winter. I set out on a mission to learn methods to alleviate the symptoms I was experiencing, so I began working with a therapist.

For some, anti-anxiety medications work wonders. For myself, I hated the woozy, detached feeling I experienced as a side-effect, so I sought out natural and behavior-based methods as an alternative. I have found that by taking a step back from the continuous “noise” of our modern lifestyle, through pursuing outdoor adventures, and by employing intentional methods such as mindfulness, I am able to effectively manage the condition.

Besides the obvious benefit of a flood of endorphins brought on by physical exercise, I think experiencing nature helps to decrease anxiety symptoms because it has a tendency to test our resolve. It’s an incredibly humbling–and somewhat frightening—experience when you find yourself at a different location on the trail than you originally thought, and you realize how far you still have to go as the sun sinks ever lower towards the horizon. Your concern is heightened as the cold wind intensifies, and dark clouds close in. You come to the very sobering realization that you are at the mercy of Mother Nature and her elements.

This is a moment where anxiety is truly warranted! But, it’s also an incredibly empowering moment. You realize that you’re reliant on your own devices, that your ability to get home rests squarely on your own shoulders…and you CAN do this! It’s liberating when you do, eventually, make it home safely. The feat raises your confidence level as you now know that you are capable, and you can handle the challenges life throws at your feet. It helps you to realize how powerful your inner strength really is!

I think we often forget that anxiety can be a useful tool. It’s a natural, beneficial response to an element in our environment that’s posing a risk to us. But it should be reserved for situations where our safety is actually at risk. Unfortunately, these aren’t the situations that often cause anxiety in modern times.

Oftentimes, “modern” stress stems from situations that are, frequently, not threatening at all. As I had a therapist once explain it, “your body doesn’t know the difference between being called into a meeting in your boss’ office and being chased by a saber-toothed tiger! It responds the same.” “Good” stress situations (such as finding yourself lost on a trail) help to keep anxious feelings in perspective. They help us to realize that some circumstances unnecessarily induce anxiety within us.

Beyond personal empowerment, basking in the awesome power of nature helps to remind us that we aren’t the center of the universe. It’s humbling (and relieving) to experience that power overshadows many of our worries, and it helps us to realize that many of them aren’t as unique or catastrophic as we think they are. What is an impending root canal in comparison to the immense “ROAR!” created as millions of gallons of water pour over a waterfall every day? Or when you observe the natural forces required to create locations such as the Grand Canyon?

I write for my quest for a more tranquil lifestyle…

“Every room, every house, every shade of noise. All the floors, all the walls, they all shake with noise. We can’t sleep, we can’t think, can’t escape the noise, we can’t take the noise so we just make noise!”

We were all dropped into this technological soup that we aren’t equipped to handle. To mitigate the stress brought on by our modern lifestyles, we seek out more stimulation (or noise), when what we really need is rest! We get worked up from the constant information and news, we worry about our friends and family, about the state of the world. Then, due to all this, we struggle to sleep at night which just leads to exhaustion, more stress, more anxiety, and depression…WE NEED A BREAK! We need to be able to take time to just STOP!…relax…take a breath…and enjoy the natural beauty and peace that constantly surround us.

I write this blog because I want to help people find their break. Through my struggle with anxiety, I’ve found that one of the best ways to control the condition is to actively seek out activities and lengthy amounts of time where I remove the craziness of the modern world from my life and get back to what matters most. The Bible says, “No man can serve two masters”, and that’s true in life as well. We seem to know that we need to take control of our lives, but we don’t know how to do so. This blog is about my search for a more tranquil lifestyle. I write to help others with a similar desire.

I find I’m able to mitigate my anxiety symptoms by employing a more tranquil existence. I strive to maintain a purposeful mindset where I utilize deliberate techniques to control my symptoms, such as mindfulness, meditation, and journaling. Mindfulness helps us to focus on the present, not an upcoming meeting with the boss or an argument we had with our spouse that morning. It also helps us to fully enjoy whatever we’re engaging in at that current moment and to make the most of it. Journaling allows me to relieve the thoughts that are bouncing around in my head in a productive way. It helps me to view my concerns objectively, and either devise solutions to them or realize they aren’t as concerning as I first thought.

A peaceful lifestyle helps to lessen anxiety. This is because the more stressed we become, the lower our tolerance is to handle stressful situations, which increases the likelihood that we’ll feel anxiety regarding them. In contrast, the calmer we feel, the higher our tolerance to handle stressful situations, and the better adept we’ll be at using coping methods to alleviate any anxiety that results from them.

For myself, tranquility means not constantly feeling hyped up, not constantly dwelling on things to come, or constantly replaying previous conversations in my head. It means focusing solely on aspects of my life and the world at large that I actually have control over (such as how I respond to circumstances). For elements of life that we can’t control, worrying about them doesn’t help anyway, so why bother? (To be clear, this is easy to say, but NEVER easy to accomplish in practice. This is one of those skills I toil with on a daily basis.)

These practices have led me to a more fulfilling life, a decrease in symptoms of anxiety, and greater control over the disorder. Writing this blog also helps me return my focus to nature and the things I enjoy. It helps me focus on positive things and reminds me of the empowering effect of the activities we pursue; how they stretch the bounds of my comfort zone and show me how capable I really am. I hope by sharing these experiences with others I can be a vehicle to help lead them to a more tranquil, thoughtful, and less anxious experience, as well.

I write the blog as a guidebook of sorts…

I also write this blog as a type of guidebook, to share the adventures we’ve had and to assist others who may want to follow in our footsteps (so to speak). I truly enjoy traveling, the sites we see, and the random hodgepodge of people we meet.

Since we live in the Black Hills of South Dakota, my posts primarily focus on activities in that area. However, Mr. Trekker and I are also avid travelers, so I also outline the various journeys we embark on around the country. The Trekkers engage in an eclectic mix of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, canoeing, exploring 4-wheel-drive roads, car camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and road trips, among others.

I want to encourage others to try activities that are outside their comfort zone, while at the same time giving them practical, useful tips to help make that experience as painless as possible. I want to spark their interest in new activities, but also give them an awareness of what hurdles may lie in their path so that they can embark on their adventures well-prepared. For those who may be unable to partake of some of these sites, I hope to bring the experience to them, in a sense, through my writing.

To Conclude:

The techniques listed above have empowered me to take more control of my anxiety. I don’t put my issues out there to garner pity from others. Rather, I seek to relate my personal struggles with the disorder, as well as the methods I’ve learned to help control it. I want this blog to be a place where others can come to acquire these tools for themselves.

I’ve accepted the fact that my anxiety is a part of me, that it’s something I will, likely, live with for the rest of my life. But, that doesn’t mean I have to allow it control over my life. I strive, every day, to reign in those worrisome thoughts and emotions and use them to improve myself. There will be some tough days. Sometimes, the anxiety will win. But that’s just one day. Life is a marathon, not a sprint! The sun WILL rise again tomorrow! So, when we have a bad day, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and press on!

Part of what I love about the outdoors is that nature cuts out the BS. It takes away our technology and gets us back to basics. It humbles us as it forces us to acknowledge there are some things in life we can’t control. Along with that, though, it helps us to understand that some of the things that cause us anxiety aren’t really as threatening as we might first think. Nature gets us back to our intrinsic roots. I find that one of the rare times I can truly put my mind and spirit at peace is when I’m engaging with and appreciating the natural world, in all its glory. I want to share that with others.

So, some may ask, “why do I write this blog and spend so much time outside?” To that I answer, “to escape the noise!”

*Ya’ll, I’m telling you, this song is awesome. If you aren’t familiar with it, I BEG you, go listen to it. This is three-and-a-half minutes that IS worth your time (the video is pretty cool, too). For your convenience, I’ve linked to it here. Pay careful attention to the last couple of shots near the end, see if you notice a common theme…*

Hike the Norbeck Trail in Custer State Park

I review the Norbeck Trail, a low-use trail in the higher elevations of the Black Hills, near Custer State Park.

The Norbeck Trail is a beautiful, lesser-traveled hiking route situated within the Black Elk Wilderness. This is found within the boundaries of Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

How do you get to the Norbeck Trail in Custer State Park?

There are actually two trailheads to access the Norbeck Trail:

If you want a shorter hike and want to hit the more difficult, steeper sections sooner (while you have more energy) the Upper Norbeck trailhead comes first. It is located about .3 miles east of Sylvan Lake and about .1 miles east of the trailhead for the Cathedral Spires (all on the Needles Highway, Route 87.)

It’s kind of hard to find the trailhead because you can’t see it from the road and there isn’t any sign. Basically, once you pass the trailhead for the Cathedral Spires, start watching for a paved lane going off to the left. That’s the trailhead. (Sorry, that’s about the best description I can give. 😝)

To reach the main Norbeck trailhead, take Route 87 to Forest Road 345 (Camp Remington Road). Then take Iron Creek Horse Camp Road (which will be on your left). Watch for signs for the Iron Creek Horse Camp and the Iron Creek Centennial Trailhead as they’re both, also, found on this road. You will actually park at the horse camp, or just outside of it if the gates are closed (when we were there in mid-April the campground was still closed for the winter.)

Note: the Needles Highway is closed to vehicle traffic during the winter months. You can hike, snowshoe or ski it though (which can be a lot of fun!)

What you will see on the Norbeck Trail, in the Black Hills

The trail is comprised of picturesque, rolling terrain. It’s well-marked and wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side in some places. There are several water crossings that are small enough that they’re easy to cross but big enough to offer relief and respite on a hot day.

The ecology found along the length of the trail varies greatly from moist, almost temperate rainforest near the base, to dry, alpine forest near the top.

As you trek through these various ecosystems take note of the abundance of spruce trees in certain areas–usually on the northern slopes–that denote a wetter climate (you usually only see this variety in wetter locations in the Hills.)

What is the difficulty level of the Norbeck Trail?

The route is steep in parts, but the elevation changes are fairly moderate until you near the terminus of the trail where it joins with the Little Devils Tower trail. These last 2.5 miles of the trail gain 1000 feet in elevation! (To compare, we gained the same elevation amount on the Misty Moon trail in the Bighorn mountains of Wyoming over the course of five miles!)

This more difficult area is beautiful, though, as it snakes through a canyon complete with rocky, craggy overhangs and caves. You’ll see the backside of the Cathedral Spires towering over you to your left, and if you turn around you will be treated to beautiful views of the Southern Hills and plains to the south.

A word of advice: never let your focus on completing a trail keep you from looking around–and behind you! You never know what incredible views you may be missing if you’re solely focusing on the trail in front of you.

Pine trees and tree-covered mountains. Spindly rock on top of a mountain are in the far background — The rear view of the Cathedral Spires.

This trail doesn’t really “go” anywhere, per se, it’s more of a connector to other notable trails. It can be combined with different routes to form various loops depending on how long you wish to spend in the Wilderness Area. From the trailhead to the junction with the Little Devil’s Tower Trail, the route is a little over five miles (one way)–and as mentioned above it gets steep–so plan for a full day’s hike when considering this option.

We really enjoyed the hike and the ever-changing scenery was beautiful. There were some gorgeous vantage points and numerous opportunities for wildlife sightings. This trail is less well-known and, therefore, more secluded.

A portion of the trek does run near Route 87, for a time, so the summer months may be busier. Certain areas of the trail also traverse old burn scars so, if traveling in the summer, be prepared for lack of shade and a hot hike in some parts.

Person stands in an open space amongst deadfall of trees. A few scraggly pine trees remain standing. Rock mountains are in the far background — You can see the sparseness of the shade in some areas.

As with many other areas in the Black Hills, be watchful for deadfall as well as dead trees that remain, precipitously, standing (and their hanging, broken branches). These are remnants of the recent pine beetle infestation, and they can fall at any time, even on not-so-windy days.

A few scraggly pine trees standing amonst deadfall. Rock mountains are in the far background — Damage from the recent pine beetle infestation

If you’re looking for a fairly easy day hike, with nice views and few people, consider the Norbeck Trail!

Have you ever hiked this lighter-use trail? If so, tell me about your experience in the comments!

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Car Altimeter and Sun Shower Review

In this post, I review one of my favorite gear items (a car altimeter), as well as a piece of gear no long-term camping trip should be without (a sun shower!)

The car altimeter and sun shower are two items the Trekkers use fairly regularly when car camping/traveling. Neither are must-haves, per se, but they make the trip more comfortable and more fun!

What is a Sun Shower?

A sun shower is simply a reusable, robust, vinyl bag and tube, with a spout and black backing, that you fill with water and leave out in the sun–it looks like a giant water bladder. When you return to camp after a day on the trail, you have warm water and a spigot you can wash with. The device is gravity-powered, so you’ll need to keep this in mind when you’re picking a spot to hang it.

There are various brands and versions of this apparatus, this specific one holds four gallons of water. We’ve found this system works well even to just rinse off, or to have hanging around camp to use to help keep hands and feet clean. (We have found this setup also works well to make sure your fire is out at the end of the evening as you can direct the water more easily than using a bucket).

What is a car altimeter?

The car altimeter indicates the elevation you’re currently residing at. This may not be a necessary piece of gear for the average hiker, but it’s fun on a road trip to see just how high (or low) of an altitude you’ve achieved. It’s also one of my favorite gear items, even though it isn’t, usually, essential to regular hikers (those venturing to the truly high altitudes–10,000+ feet–may find it more useful.)

The device responds to changes in barometric pressure caused by weather, as well, so you may have to recalibrate it a little, each day, to maintain the most accurate readings.

Other versions of this instrument are digital, but I like the classic feel of the dial. For amateur interest, this is a fun, portable, way to keep track of elevation changes. It also mounts to the vehicle using velcro, so it can be easily removed and taken on a hike if you’re so inclined.

Below is a close-up picture of the altimeter:

So, if you’re wanting to maintain a higher level of hygiene on your next camping trip, or you want to know exactly why you’re breathing a little harder on the mountain top you’re currently standing on 😳, check into these devices!

Have you used either of these products? What were your experiences? Tell me about them in the comments!

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Yaktrax Review

In this post, I review Yaktrax, a must-have, gear item for the slippery, winter months.

When the weather turns cold and the ground icy, there is one item the Trekkers can’t live without, Yaktrax! These gadgets are a GODSEND for anyone who spends a lot of time walking outside in the winter months.

We use them for hiking (obviously), but also for things like walking the dog, clearing snow, etc. They are especially effective for people who live in neighborhoods like ours where there is, literally, no flat ground ANYWHERE.

Imagine this situation…the dog–with her 4-paw-drive–takes off down the hill dragging you with her. You can:

A) Hang on for dear life, running through the snow-covered grass to maintain a semblance of traction or skid behind her on the slippery pavement…

or…

B) Walk easily behind her, completely in control (even if she’s slipping along), thanks to the Yaktrax–I speak from personal experience. 😇

There are several variations of these nifty devices, as well as a few different versions of the traction implement on the gear. I strongly recommend the ones with velcro straps that attach over the top of the foot (they aid greatly in holding the device to the shoe).

If you want to use these with hiking boots, I would suggest you lean toward a larger size–so, if you wear a size 10 shoes, I recommend the Yaktrax that are intended for sizes 10.5 – 12.5, NOT the ones that can only accommodate up to size 10. My personal experience was, that the size recommended fits shoes just fine, but is almost too small for boots (they fit but they’re difficult to put on and take off and they tear/wear out sooner).

Some of the product options feature chains, some studs, some springs, and some spikes (depending on the severity of the conditions you intend to encounter). We’ve always used the “spring” version with great success (on extremely smooth/slippery ice, you may want something a little more hardcore). Prices range from under $20 to close to $200 (again, based on the intensity of the spike you are interested in).

Options for YakTrax!

Trekker Favorites

Best for shoes

Diamond Grip

Cleats for Running

Spikes!

Heavy Duty

A word of caution, be careful walking on these for long periods over hard dirt/rocks as they can become damaged. We regularly carry them with us and then apply/remove them as conditions require (fortunately they’re small and fold up well, so this is easy to do).

I would also caution against walking on them indoors (especially on hardwood floors or carpet) as they could tear/scratch that material (this risk will rise with the intensity of the traction material chosen).

As long as they aren’t too tight, the Yaktrax slip on and off quite easily. I would also recommend caution when using them in muddy conditions (though sometimes this can’t be avoided). They can be a HUGE pain to clean if the mud dries on them (though if you can wash it off using water or rub it off with snow before it hardens, the difficulty decreases exponentially).

I would also suggest choosing the traction option that covers the most surface area of the boot/shoe (which is why the Trekkers chose the “Pro” version). The exception to this would be if you really feel that spikes are required for the activity you intend to use the gear for.

There are multiple brands of this product, these are the ones we use and have had great success with. My first pair eventually tore, after several years of use, due to being slightly too small for my boots causing them to over-stretch. Mr. Trekker got the exact, same brand/type, at the same time I did, and his are still going strong (under very similar use).

Below is a “shoe-sole” view of the Yaktrax, this is what bites into the ice:

If you’re looking for a low-cost tool to help you remain upright during the slippery, winter months, I strongly recommend Yaktrax!

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Rimrock Trail Black Hills

In this post, I review Rimrock Trail, that traverses the canyon walls, floor and crest of Spearfish Canyon.

Located along the crest and walls of Spearfish Canyon, in the northern Black Hills of South Dakota, is Rimrock Trail–Trail #79. (This route also now offers access to the recently organized Tinton Trail that traverses this area, as well.)

Where is Rimrock Trail?

You can access the route via several different trailheads. The easiest is to use Forest Road 222 from the tiny hamlet of Savoy, at the junction of Spearfish and Little Spearfish Canyons.

From the Spearfish Canyon Byway turn at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge. Once you drive past the final pullout for Roughlock Falls, start looking for parking areas–there are several. (If you reach the T-intersection with Tinton Road you’ve gone too far.)

The parking areas are near the Rod & Gun and Timon Campgrounds, on the right-hand side of the road. Be watchful as they are VERY small–they only fit about two vehicles each. Also, some of the trailhead signs are recessed into the woods a bit, so they’re easy to miss.

Rear view of a woman walking on a trail through a grove of yellow aspen trees and green grass. — The Tranquil Trekker traverses an “Aspen Tunnel”!

There is easy, trail access from the Rod & Gun and Timon Campgrounds, as well, though there are technically no “official” trailheads here. If you want to avoid the crowds near Savoy, you can also take Tinton Road north from US 85 as it heads west out of Lead (towards Wyoming) and turn right onto Roughlock Falls Road, heading towards the falls (in this case the trailheads will be on your left before you reach the falls).

There is another access point to this route from a spur trail that begins at the Old Baldy trailhead and parking area, which is found further along Tinton Road. From here you will actually approach the canyon from the top. This portion of the trail is relatively flat.

What is the Rimrock Trail like?

The trail is comprised of two loops, the Upper Loop is 4.7 miles long and the Lower Loop is 3.2 miles. We enjoyed both, and doing so means you’ll experience around a 700-foot total elevation change (the trail is fairly flat, the entire elevation change is mostly contained within an area of 1/2 mile or so, twice, throughout the hike–once descending and once ascending the canyon wall).

This area is open for hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The trails can be enjoyed year-round with proper equipment, though be aware, Route 222 is closed in the winter to all vehicles other than snowmobiles.

Tinton Road is not usually maintained in this area during the winter either, so, its accessibility varies depending on current conditions. In addition to the weather, these include the vehicle you’re driving, the recovery gear you’ve got at your disposal, and your experience level with 4×4 driving. We’ve traversed it successfully, but we’ve also gotten stuck, to the point where we would have had to be rescued had we not had proper recovery gear with us.

What you will see on the Rimrock Trail

The trail offers GORGEOUS aspen groves that are especially lovely in Fall (take note, this area is one of the higher elevations in the Hills and trees usually change earlier here.) The trek also features canyons and open meadows that are perfect for a stop for lunch.

This area used to be fairly well-shaded. Unfortunately, it has been hit by multiple tornadoes in recent years so now there are several bare spots where the trees once stood. 😕

We started from the eastern, Lower Loop, trailhead (the first one you come to when traveling from Savoy.) Beginning the hike from here, the climb isn’t as steep, whereas if you start from the western trailhead the trek gets VERY steep almost immediately. Due to the grade of that climb, that area would be very difficult and potentially risky if it was muddy.

From where we began, it was amazing how quickly the ecosystems changed from a cool, damp, almost rainforest-type environment to the dryer, warmer, ponderosa pine forest and meadows common to the rest of western South Dakota. The trail also offers expansive views of the canyon and surrounding countryside once you reach the crest.

Going this direction, the final stretch of the route is easy and almost flat (which is nice when your energy is running low) as it traverses the floor of the canyon. The babbling Little Spearfish Creek accompanies you the entire way. Feel free to stop for a spell and soak your tired feet in the cool water, or watch minnows dart in and out of the sun-dappled shallows.

You’ll pass a filming site from the movie Dances with Wolves (from the final scene in the film). The origin of the 1997 White House Christmas Tree and the remains of an abandoned ranger station/homestead can be seen in this area, as well.

This really is a great trail! It’s one of the better options to experience the various ecosystems western South Dakota has to offer and it’s also very pretty. The canyon portions remind me of those I’ve mentioned previously on the Deerfield Trail.

In the fall, you can enjoy some of the best leaf viewing the Black Hills has to offer without having to negotiate all the traffic and visitors to the main portion of Spearfish Canyon. During the autumn months, the yellow of the aspen contrasted with the dark ever-green of the pine trees; the brown bark of fallen logs; the incredible South Dakota blue sky, and the white puffy clouds (with red creekside plants speckled throughout the canyon areas) truly creates an iconic scene.

I would rate the entirety of the trail as moderate (though several of the flatter portions are actually easy). The climb up and down the canyon wall is relatively short but it’s steep enough for a strenuous rating, especially in less-than-superb conditions. Because the trail can be divided into shorter sections, it is appropriate for smaller children, though they may need some assistance negotiating the steeper portions.

A creek runs through yellow, green and red, fall foilage with pine trees in the backgound. — The view as you’re descending to the creek (creekside areas seem to be about the only place to reliably see red color in the Hills in the fall)

If you’re seeking a less well-known hike in the Hills, check out Rimrock Trail!

Have you ever hiked in this area? What did you think? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

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Spokane, South Dakota (ghost town)

I discuss our discovery of the ghost town of Spokane, SD near Custer State Park.

There is a really cool, hidden site in the central Black Hills, the ghost town of Spokane, South Dakota! I was surprised how long we lived in the Black Hills before we heard about this location! 😳 (This is likely due to it not being well-publicized, even though it’s very near a major tourist attraction in the local area…)

The site was pretty amazing (it didn’t hurt that the day we visited was GORGEOUS!) I’d encourage you to research the town’s history as it’s pretty interesting. Spokane was an actual town at one point (rather than just a simple mining camp) complete with a schoolhouse and a general store.

While the majority of the buildings have been destroyed by fire and Mother Nature, we think we found the foundation of the old schoolhouse. The only structures still completely standing were a house with some outlying buildings. There is also a root cellar in the main valley and the mine manager’s home still sits on a hill, overlooking the former town that was nestled in the meadow below (or it would overlook the town if there weren’t trees in the way, now. 😉)

An old house in the woods, surrounded by pine trees — The mine manager’s house

Hazards in a Ghost Town

There are always numerous hazards to be VERY cautious of at these sites. Among a few other foundations, metal remnants, and ancient mining equipment, there was also an old well that had been sealed with a cement cover, but this has since been dislodged. While you could see the bottom, a fall of 20 – 50 feet could be deadly, and either way, the rescue operation would be difficult for all involved. (This is another time it’s important to remember you can NOT rely on cell service when in the mountains).

*Let’s talk safety for a bit, shall we? When you visit ruins of old towns, mines, natural caves, etc. safety should be your #1 priority (respect for the site should be a VERY close #2). These buildings can be dangerous. The wood is rotting, most are in the process of falling down. Many have basements/root cellars (that you may not even be aware of). If you fall through the wood into these, you could be seriously injured.

Many of these buildings are also havens for rattlesnakes and other critters who may not appreciate you barging in (a mountain lion could be using a cool, abandoned root cellar as a place to nap.)

Old mines can collapse or cave-ins–even in natural caves–can occur at any time and with little to no warning. I cringe whenever I see pictures of people venturing into abandoned mines. 🤦‍♀️ So, adventure at your own risk, but, the Trekkers NEVER encourage people to actually venture into any of these structures. They can be enjoyed perfectly well and safely from outside. (You should be watchful even in the outside areas around these old sites. You never know when old holes, sharp metal pieces, or even disgruntled snakes may be camouflaged by the tall grass that often surround the structures.)

A hole a foot or more deep sits in the ground, lined with thin, regular rocks placed on top of each other. The hole is overgrown with grass and weeds on the bottom and the sides. — This hole in the ground appeared to be constructed, not sure if it was an old well, or what. This is what I’m talking about with safety, though. This hole was in the middle of what used to be the yard, without a cover or barrier around it.

Unique sites in Spokane, South Dakota

One unique aspect of this ghost town (at least compared to others the Trekkers have visited) is the presence of old cars! Most of the towns we’ve toured had heydays in the late 1800s when horse and cart were the primary source of travel. This town hit it’s prime in the 1920s (and wasn’t abandoned until the 1940s) so the unusual site of motor vehicles and evidence of electrical wiring on the buildings felt out of place.

The cab of a rusted, old truck with no windows sits on the ground, in a meadow, surrounded by trees. — I LOVE this old truck!

Where is the Spokane ghost town?

In order to help preserve the integrity of the site, I’m not going to give the exact directions to this location–other than what is already available with a simple Google search. I will give a few hints though:

- - It’s near Custer State Park (VERY, near). You can reach the site using Playhouse Road and/or Iron Mountain Road.
  - There are two entrances to the site. The main entrance, described in Google, requires a half-mile (or so) walk up a steep, rocky, abandoned forest road to reach the valley. We–somewhat accidentally–stumbled on the back entrance with an easy walk of only about 1/8th of a mile to reach the meadow.
  - The rest of the discovery is up to you (as I said, Google is your friend!)Author’s Note: In recent years the site has become more popular. Unfortunately, that means it’s also been vandalized–it’s too bad there are a few jerks out there who insist on ruining the fun for everyone–Some barriers have been erected in recent years to help keep people away from the buildings to hopefully help mitigate the damage. If you want clearer instructions on how to reach the site, you may contact me via social media as indicated below, or by using my contact form, and I may be able to help you a little more. (I won’t give precise instructions–that ruins the fun!–but I can give a few more helpful hints. 😇)

The mood this site created was pretty cool. The sun-dappled trees and forest floor make shadows flit on the ruins. You can almost smell the musky scent of horse, and hear the horses, wagons–and cars?! 😳–that trundled down the rutted, dirt road, as the wind rattles the dry leaves of the aspen trees that border the ramshackle houses.

While visiting the ghost town, why not check out Iron Mountain Road found nearby, as well?

This location would also make for a creepy adventure during the Halloween season! 👻 The site was pretty haunting, between the dilapidated old cars and buildings, you got a sense that this is what a post-apocalyptic society would look like (I may have been watching too much Walking Dead lately.) 😜

Below are some more pics of our adventure (thanks, as usual, to Mr. Trekker for many of these)!

An old, two-story home that is broken-down to the frame sits amongst some trees in a meadow. — To be clear, the house is leaning, not the photographer! 😉

An old, metal container, open in the middle with an agitator sticking out of the open portion — Dishwasher or a washing machine?

Looking through the doorway from the porch, into an old house. No doors are left and the frame is visible on the floor/walls/ceiling. Stairs lead to the second floor and an old stove is in the kitchen in a room far in back — I’m loving the old stove! (FYI, those are YEARS of pine cones, left by squirrels, layering the floor in front of it!) 😳

Have you ever visited this unique place? Tell me about it in the comments!

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Therapy Lamp and Calm App Reviews

I review a light, therapy lamp and an app I use to decrease symptoms of anxiety and seasonal depression.

I’ve mentioned before that I struggle with general anxiety as well as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and that I prefer behavioral treatment methods over psychotropic medications. Below are two, non-medication, products that I use regularly and that I find help greatly, a therapy lamp and the Calm app:

Light Therapy Lamp

During the fall and winter, as the daylight wanes, this tool is a must for me (these have been documented to help decrease the symptoms of SAD.) There are several versions of this device, but this is the specific, light therapy lamp I use several months out of the year.

You have to be careful which ones you buy as they need to provide at least 10,000 lux of light, the minimum wavelength required to stimulate your brain correctly. Unfortunately, the good ones aren’t cheap. The old adage is true, however, “you get what you pay for”. When you’re experiencing several dark, cloudy days in a row, I find this helps, significantly, so it’s worth the cost.

Other Vitamin D3 options: Nature’s Bounty, Nature Made 2000 IU tablets, NOW softgels

This is not a perfect replacement for true sunlight, and it offers no source of Vitamin D3 (I mentioned previously that I enhance my levels with supplements in the winter months). But, when you’re struggling amid a string of several gray days–and especially when you’re driving both to work and home in the dark 😝–this device helps to brighten up your world a little bit.

A word of warning, because of the way it stimulates your brain, it can cause sleep disturbances if it’s used too closely to bedtime. I use it in the morning and evenings, in the kitchen, when I’m preparing meals or doing dishes. Those are the times I notice the lack of daylight the most and these timeframes don’t affect my sleep habits. You’re supposed to sit within a certain distance of the lamp, though I find just having it in the same room I’m in and being able to see the light provides relief.

Other therapy lamp choices: Happy Light Luxe; Happy Light full-size; Happy Light UV-free; Happy Light Alba; Happy Ligh Lumi; Happy Light Compact; Happy Light Touch

The Calm App

Another tool I LOVE (and use throughout the year) is the Calm app, available for Android and IOS. Several versions of the app exist, including a free, limited version–this is the one I use.

The app showcases multiple relaxing sounds (including heavy rain, a thunderstorm, waves, and a sunny lake), and white noise options (such as floating clouds or deep space). These are complemented by animated scenes that are incredibly beautiful to watch.

The paid versions also offer spoken meditation podcasts and sleep stories. You can visit the app’s website here or search for it on the App Store. I cannot recommend this product enough (I’ve gotten Mr. Trekker using it as well! 😁)

If you find yourself struggling with the ever-increasing darkness of the winter season, or just need help calming your mind, check out these products!

Have you ever used these tools? Tell me about your experiences in the comments!

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Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota

In this post, I review a trip we took to the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota.

On a quick trip to the east side of our large state, to enjoy a Metallica concert (the pyrotechnics weren’t tranquil but they were VERY cool!*) we were able to knock another item off my South Dakota bucket list. We visited the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota! I have to say, while I was expecting something a bit campy and hickish, it was actually pretty cool. 😁

*A note on heavy metal concerts, they wouldn’t appear to be “tranquil” at first glance. However, I find them to be almost meditative…in a sense…

As long as you aren’t being jostled too much by the screaming throngs 😳, the blaring music envelops you and blocks out your other senses. If you close your eyes and let the music take you, it’s almost like being underwater. I find the sensation of sensory deprivation to be calming. It’s like you’re floating, in a sea of sound, gently drifting on the sonic waves. 🎶

Is the Corn Palace really made of corn?

The Corn Palace was originally constructed in the 1890s to help draw people to the tiny town of Mitchell, South Dakota. It was built in response to other, similar sites that were cropping up (no pun intended) around the Midwest. It has showcased stars ranging from Arlo Guthrie to Brittany Spears!

To clear up any confusion, it’s not actually constructed entirely of corn. Apparently, the original palace was fabricated with more corn but was also a haven to rats and not very warm during the–many–cold months on the northern prairie.

The Corn Palace has been rebuilt several times, but, it’s a typical steel and wood building with walls that are covered in variously-colored corn cobs and husks on the outside in designs that change each year (for 2018 the walls celebrated South Dakota weather, much to the delight of the meteorologist, Mr. Trekker!)

A building with a mural or a tornado running across a field towards a barn and the words, "USS South Dakota 2018" on it. — I thought this depiction of a tornado was so cool! (You can see that they’re in the process of transitioning the mural into the next year’s design.)

What is the Corn Palace like on the inside?

When you first enter it, it looks like the lobby of your typical high school (or small, college) gym. That then opens into a larger gymnasium/auditorium area where some local college/high school teams play.

The scene took me back to my country roots. The gymnasium reminded me of the one I spent many a Friday night in during my high school years back in Indiana (basketball is big there too, in case you were wondering. 😉)

I was impressed by the wide variety of themes that have been showcased on the walls of the palace throughout the years, relating to natural phenomena, worldwide events (such as the World Wars) as well as the culture and activities familiar to the Northern Plains.

I was also intrigued by the effort required to design and construct the various murals that cover the walls every year. (I can also recommend the YUMMY popcorn sold at the concession stand! 🤤 )

For more information on the Corn Palace, please visit the attraction’s website here. If you’re ever near Mitchell, South Dakota (it’s right off I-90), I’d encourage you to stop in and check out this relic of the past. I think you’ll be glad you did!

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Guide to Colorado Backroads and 4WD Trails: A Book Review

In this post, I review a collection of guidebooks the Trekkers have found helpful regarding 4×4 roads and trails in Colorado.

The Guide to Colorado Backroads and 4-Wheel-Drive Trails may have a long name, but these are some of the best guidebooks we’ve used for offroading, in general. (To be fair, I don’t have much experience with books that, specifically, discuss 4WD trails). In this post, I mentioned that we used these books quite a bit during our Colorado road trip this summer.

What makes the books so great?

The book series is composed of two volumes that encompass the central and southern regions, and the northern region of the state and divide the roads and trails into classifications of “easy”, “moderate” and “difficult”. They give incredibly detailed descriptions of the routes (down to the tenth of a mile) and also discuss rules regarding permits needed, unlicensed off-road vehicles, etc.

It should be noted that the books assume that a 4WD vehicle will be used when attempting these roads/trails, So, classifications of “easy” should be understood within that context. We found some (though not all) of the “easy” roads should be approached with care in a passenger vehicle (even higher-clearance vehicles such as my CRV). It should also be noted that even the easiest trail can quickly become difficult if weather conditions deteriorate.

The books tell you what you will encounter on the route

The books’ excerpts describe the types of vehicles that each route can accommodate–a full-sized truck or jeep versus an ATV with a shorter wheelbase, whether or not modifications (such as skid plates, rock sliders, winches, etc.) are advisable. These excerpts also do a good job of differentiating between paved and gravel roads (information we found to be lacking in the Gazetteer), the usual condition of the routes, as well as how surface conditions can vary based on changing weather conditions.

The books give directions on how to reach a route, bug-out options if needed (and if they’re available at all), hazards to watch out for, the best time of the year to experience the trail (as well as when they may be closed, entirely, due to weather conditions), and contact numbers to verify the most updated road conditions.

The route’s length, the highest altitude it reaches, and activities available on or near the trail (availability of camping, hiking, rock crawling, ghost towns to explore, etc.) are also discussed. Color-coded maps are provided in spiral-bound, durable pages that make for easy use in a vehicle (I can vouch for this as the navigator). 😉

Colorado is one of my favorite places to visit. Click here for more posts on this awesome state!

According to Amazon, similar books by the same authors are available for other locales as well, including, Moab, Utah, and portions of Arizona and California. I can’t speak for the quality of these volumes, though, if they’re anything like the ones described above (and I have no reason to believe they aren’t), they would be beneficial additions to any gear list if you’re visiting these areas.

So, if you’re itching to get away from the crowds and explore some Colorado backroads, consider these books for your adventure!

Have you ever used either of these books? What did you think of them? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

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Luggable Loo and Double Doodie Bags Review

In this post I review the Luggable Loo and Double Doodie bags.

Where do you go, when you gotta GO…and you’re in the woods? 😳

Before our 12-year-old inner selves start giggling 😜, let’s get the awkwardness out of the way. Everybody poops! And, when you’re in the woods for long periods of time, you’ll probably need to do it there. Just pretend you’re getting in touch with your ancestral roots!

Let’s face it, the woods is often a far better–or at least less smelly–option than a pit toilet! 🤥😝

The Luggable Loo and Double Doodie Bags will help make this necessary chore as pleasant as possible!

Leave No Trace Principles

When we’re enjoying the great outdoors, we need to remember that we are guests of Mother Nature. This privilege should be respected, and in so doing, we need to be responsible and clean up after ourselves. Leave No Trace principles are practices we should all follow to ensure we leave the most minimal impact possible on the natural world. You can visit this website, maintained by the Center for Outdoor Ethics, for a listing of the various principles and how best to implement them.

There are several systems available for waste disposal when you’re in the wilderness, many are small enough they can be carried in a backpack. The Trekkers car camp, so we have room for one of the larger options. There are also several brands and versions of the loo and bags, these are just the ones I chose to use–you could, also, make this product on your own, though the success of your creation may vary.

What is a Luggable Loo?

A Luggable Loo is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a portable–or luggable–toilet comprised of a seat, a five-gallon bucket, some kitty litter, and some VERY sturdy Double Doodie (garbage) bags. The kitty litter and bags work GREAT to contain any odor, especially if they’re changed daily. The fact that the only people to use the facility are those in your own party makes them far more palatable as well.

I’ve said this before but I can’t stress it enough, when you’re in bear country, ESPECIALLY grizzly country, it’s essential to make yourself as uninteresting as possible to our friends of the Ursus variety. I recommend the unscented trash bags and the all-natural kitty litter with charcoal (it’s unscented and the charcoal works great to impede odor–it’s also slightly cheaper!)

What are Double Doodie Bags?

Double Doodie Bags compliment the Luggable Loo very well. They’re easy to install, sturdy, hold a large volume of “product”, and are easy to remove from the loo when you’re finished. You can simply dispose of the used bags in any trash can.

It is not essential to carry these, or any other waste disposal system, with you. You can always employ the old-fashioned method of burying your “leavings”.

There are certain steps you should take in order to accomplish this in a way that is least harmful to the environment. You can check Principle 3 on the Leave No Trace page for info on how to go “old school” when disposing of waste.

Regardless of the system you choose to use, you should always pack out any non-biodegradable items, such as feminine products.

With the use of these fine inventions (or other waste disposal systems), you don’t need to worry about the need to “go” keeping you from going out and enjoying the outdoors!

Have you ever used the Luggable Loo or the Double Doodie bags? What were your experiences? Tell me about them in the comments!

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