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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!

A rusted, old car with no windows or tires, and the hood and trunk stuck open sits in some overgrown grass on the outskirts of the woods.

Two rusted cars with no tires or windows with graffiti on them sit in an open spot in the woods.

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!  😉

Inside the room of an old house. No doors or windows are left and the frame is visible on the floor/walls/ceiling
Inside the room of an old house. No doors or windows are left and the frame is visible on the floor/walls/ceiling. The floor is messy, covered in plaster and the ceiling sags.
Inside the room of an old house. No doors or windows are left and the frame is visible on the floor/walls/ceiling. The floor is messy, covered in plaster and the ceiling sags.

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

Old metal barn missing windows and doors sits in a grassy meadowOld shed missing windows and doors sits in a grassy meadow

Old wood pallets lay in overgrown grass amongst the trees

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!) 😳

An old, cement foundation now filled with grass, trees and trash

 

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

 

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Three pictures: 1) 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; 2) The cab of a rusted, old truck with no windows sits on the ground, in a meadow, surrounded by trees; 3) dirt lane traverses a meadow surrounded by trees. Pin reads "The Ghost Town of Spokane South Dakota"

 

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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 in previous posts 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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A sunlamp sits on a kitchen counter near other kitchen equipment. Pin reads, "Light Therapy Lamp and Calm App Reviews. Two products I use to help with Seasonal Depression."

 

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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! 🤤 )

A building that looks like a palace with corn cobs coming off the top of the towers and signs that say, "South Dakota Weather", "USS South Dakota 1942" and "World's Only Corn Palace.

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!

Have you ever visited the Corn Palace?  Tell me about your experience in the comments! 

 

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A building that looks like a palace with corn cobs coming off the top of the towers and signs that say, "South Dakota Weather", "USS South Dakota 1942" and "World's Only Corn Palace. Pin reads, "Visit the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota."

 

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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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2 books sit on a table titled, "Northern" and only "Colorado Backroads & 4-wheel Drive Trails". Pin reads, "Guide to Colorado Backroads and 4WD Trails: A Book Review"

 

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Embrace the Dark Winter Days

In this post, I discuss my struggle with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and the tools and techniques I use to help control the symptoms.

“Embrace the Darkness…”  It sounds like a title for a death metal album, doesn’t it? 😝  During the fall and winter, I struggle with a condition known as SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder(it’s also called “Winter Depression” or the “Winter Blues”).  It is believed, by many, to be caused by a lack of sunlight in the more extreme northern (or southern) latitudes during the winter months.  

While this disorder is a constant companion to me during the darker times of the year, I try to not let it define my life.  It’s something I have to deal with, but that doesn’t mean I have to allow it to have control over me.  I want to share my experience with others who may struggle with something similar (it’s very common) and offer some of the tools I’ve garnered to help manage this condition.

What do SAD symptoms feel like?

Day after day, the sun sets a little earlier (and rises a little later); grey clouds begin to move in causing several days in a row without sunshine (the only time of year this is, at all, an expected occurrence in the Black Hills).  The temperature cools, the first hints of frost (and occasionally, snow!) greet us as they kiss the grass blades in the morning.  The days grow shorter and the trees quieter as the songbirds start to head for warmer climates.  

Winter is coming! 

I actually like winter–in the Black Hills at least–I enjoy it as much as summer.  The cold doesn’t really bother me–as long as it stays above 10 degrees or so–and I actually prefer it over the heat of summer (you can always add more layers if you’re cold, you can’t take your skin off if you get too hot). 😝  I don’t mind the snow–especially since, in the Hills, it usually melts fairly quickly.  There’s also plenty of outdoor activities that we can only enjoy on cold, winter days. 

What I struggle with is the dark…”a suffocating, dark fog that slowly seeps in, like something out of a Stephen King movie…it makes you feel as though your chest is being compressed and you can’t take a breath…” That’s the best way I can describe how I feel when my SAD kicks into high gear.  It makes me feel claustrophobic like the walls are closing in…

Tools to help manage Winter Depression:

Below is a list of techniques and tools I use to help mitigate the worst of my SAD symptoms.  Please understand, NONE of these is a cure.  They are simply strategies I use to empower myself and exert control over my symptoms:

Therapy Lamp:  There are several versions of this device, but this is the light, therapy lamp I use several months out of the year.  These have been documented to help decrease the symptoms of SAD.  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. However, when you’re experiencing several dark, cloudy days, I find this helps, significantly. (To read a review I wrote on this lamp, click here.)  

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

Vitamin D3:  There are several different brands and strengths of this supplement available.  Many doctors (including my own) believe SAD is, at least partially, caused by Vitamin D3 deficiency.  Sunlight is the best source of this nutrient (it is different than regular Vitamin D that is found in foods like milk) and, obviously, there’s less of our warmth-emanating friend in the winter months. (My doctor calls these “sunshine pills”, some also call them “happy pills”.  Both are apt descriptors as the vitamin assists in increasing happiness and makes the world seem brighter, like sunshine). 🌞   

I’m not a huge fan of medication, but, this supplement replaces the exact thing that is lacking in your body.  This treatment, along with the therapy lamp, are what I find to be the most effective.  I usually garner the best results if I start taking it early in the fall before the deficiency becomes too great.    I usually only need to continue the regime until mid-March.  I also find essential oils to be another helpful, alternative remedy.

Journaling:  I journal, A LOT, throughout the year.  Sometimes I write pages, other times, just a few paragraphs. I find it helps to get whatever is bouncing around in my head out of there.  Then I can relax because it’s been written down! 😉  Sometimes, it also helps me to see the situation I’m stressing about in a more objective light which can make it less anxiety-inducing.

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

Staying busy/active:  this is a big one.  It’s SO EASY to not be as active in the winter months because it’s dark and COLD (it’s also icy, snowy, etc.)  You don’t feel like doing anything but curling up under a blanket on the couch.  That’s ok, IN MODERATION.  Too much of it just feeds into the depression, making it worse and creating a looping cycle.  If you are unable to go outside or just can’t bring yourself to face the cold, find ways to stay active around the house or at an indoor gym.  Some studies suggest that exercise can be at least as effective as medications in combating the symptoms of depression.   

Coloring:  It may sound childish, but I color.  That’s right, I’m approaching 40, and I play with a coloring book. 😁  I’m not particularly artistic, but I find coloring is relaxing and meditative as it allows me to think while keeping my hands and eyes busy, something I’ve found helps me to focus (and I’m not the only one).  

A box of crayons and colored pencils sit on a table. Between them is a Star Wars coloring book
You know you wish you had a Star Wars coloring book!  😉

Lots of self-care and patience:  Don’t be afraid to take time for yourself when you’re hurting.  This time of year can be stressful for many reasons, and the upcoming holidays can, often, exacerbate this.  Don’t be afraid to take a little downtime for yourself (again, IN MODERATION. Isolating yourself completely can also further depressive symptoms). 

Also, don’t be afraid to talk with trusted people in your life (a therapist, significant other, friends, family, etc.)  It’s perfectly acceptable to admit that you’re hurting. Sometimes, just saying the demon’s name takes away some of its power.  👊   

Allow yourself to FEEL the discomfort:  This is a hard one for us in today’s day and age.  We don’t like to be uncomfortable for any reason or for any length of time, if possible.  Often, with the benefits of modern medicine and technology, we can achieve that goal.  

Sometimes though, it’s helpful to allow ourselves to feel the *ouch!* factor, a little bit.  I find what helps me is to accept the disorder as a part of myself and not to run from the discomfort.  It’s something I deal with for several months out of the year, so it isn’t going away.   I find trying to run from it only leads to more angst.  I get the best results when I allow myself to feel the ache, and then use the coping techniques mentioned above as a balm.  

Embrace the darkness of the winter months… 

Every year, sometime in February, I seem to come to the same conclusion…the dark isn’t so bad.  I’m not sure if it just takes that long to beat my spirit down so that I accept it…😳😉, or if, by then, daylight is slowly starting to increase in length, so the darkness no longer seems so awful?  Or, maybe, I just finally habituate to it. 😝

One of my goals for this blog is to encourage others to embrace the small joys in life, especially those found in our daily environment.  I want to implement that idea as a tool to limit my SAD symptoms early on, instead of waiting till midwinter. 😁  Our environment surrounds us with numerous examples of these “little things” if we just know where to look:  

Enjoy the winter, night sky: 

When the wind isn’t howling, winter evenings in the Black Hills can be a delight!  Crystal clear skies *crackle* with the sparkling pinpoints of the millions of stars scattered across them.  Shortly after sunset, the sky turns an incredible shade of indigo blue with a hue that is so beautiful it’s difficult to describe.  

I only notice it in the colder months. This could be because I’m not usually outside at that time of day in the summer months, as the sun sets so much later.  It could also be that the sky is only that crystal clear in the winter, as it’s finally free from haze and the smoke from wildfires in surrounding areas.  It does seem that this time of year is the only time the evening sky shows the beauty of which it is truly capable.  

Appreciate the quiet neighborhood:

I love the quiet of the neighborhood as we walk the dog in the evenings (remember to exercise!)  That time of day is so peaceful, once people have finished rushing home after a long day at work and only the neighborhood deer–and an occasional dog barking behind a nearby fence–accompany us.  

Noises sound different in the crisp, winter air.  They carry almost a *twang*  as they reach your ears.  The air smells different too, as it silently bites at your nostrils with every frozen breath you take.  You can almost taste the metallic smell of snow and frost.  This is also the only time of year you can hear the rustle of downed leaves underfoot. 😁

Embrace the holidays!

Whoever planned the holidays to coincide with the darkest time of the year in the Northern Hemisphere was a genius! 😁  People in our neighborhood like to decorate their homes during these seasons (maybe they all just hate the dark as much as I do). 😉  From the first of October through the middle of January, light-up ghosts, pumpkins, reindeer, and nativity scenes decorate porches and yards, which definitely help put a damper on dark thoughts.  🎅

Enjoy idyllic scenes:

When you look out across your neighborhood on cold mornings and see steam and smoke rising from furnace pipes and chimneys, it’s like a scene from a children’s, picture book or a Norman Rockwell painting.  

–I also like it when a jet from the local Air Force base flies over at extremely low altitude with afterburners blazing!  (Ok, this one isn’t so tranquil, but it is pretty cool!  😳😁)

To Conclude

For anyone who struggles with the frustrating condition that is SAD, I hope you are able to find unique, comforting things in your own life that bring you joy.  Winter comes every year so, we may as well find a way to embrace the darkness! 

Do you struggle with SAD?  If so, tell me about it in the comments!

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A picture of a pink sunset over the ocean and a beach. Pin reads, "Embrace the dark, winter days. Tips and techniques for dealing with SAD (winter depression).

 

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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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A 5-gallon bucket with lid and a small cardboard box. The bucket has a sticker that reads "luggable loo". Pin reads, "Luggable Loo and Double Doodie Bags Review. Where to go when you need to 'go' in the wild!"

 

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Black Elk Peak, Trail #9 (the Difficult, Northern Route)

In this post, I detail our attempts to conquer Trail #9, the difficult/northern route up Black Elk Peak.

 

Black Elk Peak, formerly Harney Peak, is the highest point in the Black Hills and one of the most sought-after hikes in this area. 

In case you aren’t aware of it (and as I outlined in this post), the name of this mountain changed just a few years ago and they’re still working on updating all the signs and maps.  

There are multiple trail options for getting to the summit.  The most popular route is the southern portion of Trail #9, the Black Elk Peak Trail, that starts at Sylvan Lake.  However, in this post, I’m going to talk about the far less-traveled (and far more difficult) northern portion of this same trail.

It is a little confusing because the names are the same.  Be watchful for this (there are signs!)}  This portion of the trail is actually shorter than the southern route, but it is far steeper, which is why it is more difficult.  

Accessing the Black Elk Peak Northern Route Trailhead

There are a number of ways to access this portion of the trail.  One of the easiest is from the Willow Creek Horse Camp off of Route 244.  You will find it directly across the road from the Mount Rushmore KOA campground (and around six miles west of Mount Rushmore. 

The Willow Creek Trail is an easy and fairly short loop that makes for a great, quick hike.  It is only around two miles in length and you can enjoy it in either direction.  You will need to start on the Willow Creek Trail to reach the Black Elk Peak Trail which branches off about halfway through the Willow Creek loop.   

1st Attempt to Conquer Black Elk Peak, the Hard Way

We’re standing at Black Elk Peak, we’ve been on the trail for five hours, the guidebook we’d consulted said the trail options we chose were only around eight, total miles long.  We now KNOW that can’t be right as our GPS says we’re well over five miles into the hike and we’ve only reached the summit.  It’s 5 p.m. and…it’s starting to drizzle…  

We had used the Lost Cabin trailhead off Palmer Creek Road to ascend the mountain on this attempt.  We weren’t sure if we’d make it the whole way or just turn back at some point, but at lunchtime, we were nearly four miles in and the book had said it was only an eight-mile trek so…this is a lesson in listening to your gut.  When your guidebook (and/or GPS) say one thing, but while looking at the map and using human logic your gut says another…ALWAYS listen to your gut!  😝

Fortunately, it was Memorial Day weekend so we had guaranteed daylight until 8:30 pm or so, and we had headlamps with us. (This was one of the only, true, “uh oh” moments I’ve ever had on a trail.  The thought crossed my mind that we could be facing a long, cold night.).   

We did, eventually, make it down safely, and with daylight remaining.  We even managed to save one set of dry pants, each, to change into when we got back to the car!

After descending this trail in drier conditions, I’m somewhat impressed we made it down as safely and easily as we did.  Water trickles over the large, boulder steps on sunny days, so, on rainy days, it can turn into a veritable river in spots! 

The path is steep and technical enough on its own, in the rain and growing darkness, it can get muddy and slippery very quickly–portions of it literally turn into mini-waterfalls from water running down the slope!  I thank Mr. Trekker for suppressing my tendency to rush…I hate this trail.  😝  

This trail system is a beast!  Mr. Trekker and I almost had a dead limb fall on us on another, nearby trail during a hike a few years ago, on a day that wasn’t particularly windy. 😳

A large tree limb lies across a dirt path that meanders through the woods
This big guy is the one that almost fell on us!
IMG_0397
See the limb?  See the trail?  About five minutes before this fell we walked through this area.  We then stopped for some lunch and were startled by the “CRASH!” when it fell!

2nd Attempt to Conquer Black Elk Peak’s North Route

It’s a beautiful, sunny day.  We began hiking fairly early in the morning.  One problem with Trail #9 is its exposure.  It used to be fairly shaded…until the pine beetles had their way.  That and the resultant logging to lessen the danger of falling, dead trees has culminated in A LOT of sun exposure.  Fortunately, a breeze is often present…but not always…  

The heat got the Trekkers on this day (especially me).  I’ve mentioned before that I don’t do well with heat. We made it about halfway to the summit, to the point where it really starts to get difficult.

I call this “the Boulder Section” because you have to clamber across a long length of boulders while negotiating a rather steep incline–this is the section that becomes mini-waterfalls in wetter conditions.

After this section comes the first phase of mind-numbing switchbacks (that’s right, I said FIRST! 😝)  You then proceed to a flatter section, before the final phase of switchbacks, which takes you to the junction with the Black Elk Peak Summit Trail (a short, spur trail).  

About the time we reached the “Boulder Section”, I started suffering from stomach cramps and nausea, similar to what I experienced when I became overheated hiking in Glacier National Park several years ago.  Due to this, we made the wise decision to turn back…have I mentioned that I HATE THIS TRAIL?! 😩  

3rd Attempt…SUCCESS!!!

It’s a, fairly cool, July day (lower 80’s).  Earlier that week we had returned from a 10-day trip to the Colorado High Country that I outlined in these four posts.  Due to hanging out at 8000 – 10,000 feet throughout that trip, we were especially acclimated to the altitude. (Black Elk Peak, at a little over 7000 feet, is not only the highest peak in the Black Hills, but it is also the highest peak in the country east of the Rockies).  I honestly felt in my gut that if I ever hoped to vanquish this monster, this was the time to do it.  All conditions were perfect, we were both feeling great and it was a beautiful day!  

We made it through the easy, early section with no difficulty.  We happily said “hello” to others on the trail, and avoided the occasional “remnant” from horses that had gone before us. 🤥  We reached “the Boulder Section”…my first nemesis.  We conquered that fairly easily as well!  

Then, we reached the first section of switchbacks.  Fortunately, the shade was on our side at that time of the day.  It was starting to hurt…but we made it through.

The next section traverses a ridge that parallels Black Elk Peak, so it is fairly flat.  This is beneficial as it’s also fairly exposed.  

This area affords lovely views of the crags that lord over you from nearby peaks, and the panoramic vistas of the plains to the east (on clear days).  Buzzards soar on the thermals high above your head (waiting for beleaguered hikers to falter? 🤔) There are also several, lovely, lookout points along the way that make for a great break/lunch spot.  We stopped at a couple, both on the trek up and down the mountain.

Rear view of a woman in hiking gear, standing on a large rock, looking out over a mountainous vista, all under a blue sky.

Then…we hit the final section of switchbacks.  Both of us had just started feeling the altitude a bit (we were pushing 7000 feet at that point).  This was the only spot where I started feeling ill.  Fortunately, it was still early afternoon and we were in a shaded, quiet area, so we were able to take some time to rest and recover.  

And then…

…we began our final push…

…as we rounded one, final switchback…

…and crested one, final rise in the trail…

…we saw a brown sign appear in the distance, indicating our destination was just ahead…

…WE HAD MADE IT!!! 😁  

A wooden sign on a wooden post in the woods that reads, "Harney Peak, Tr. 9" and "Sylvan Lake 3.5", both with arrows pointing to the correct direction
My ray of hope, the sign at the top of the trail!

Seriously ya’ll, I almost broke down in tears!  I get emotional now, just thinking about it.  It had taken us three attempts to conquer this beast!

I maintain this is the toughest trail I’ve ever completed in the entire Black Hills.  It has a reputation for being “a doozy”.  It’s long, it’s difficult, it’s exposed, and the weather can change at a moment’s notice.  Fog and rain can seep in, which is an experience unto itself. (You won’t have the grand vistas that you’ll see on clearer days, but the granite columns materializing through the mist create a spooky gloom that is definitely worth experiencing, just watch your footing!)    

Descending the Northern Route of Black Elk Peak

On the way down…we ran out of water (seriously).  With the exception of another difficult trek in Glacier National Park, this almost NEVER happens!  We usually return with a liter or so left in each of our water bladders.  

It was projected to be a fairly cool day and we wanted to limit weight as much as possible– due to the strenuous hike–so we didn’t fill them quite to their max, fill line.  I will NEVER make that mistake, in July, again!  

Fortunately, by the time we ran out, we were only about 1.5 miles from the trailhead, it was all downhill from there and we had reached the easier portion of the trek. (Also, fortunately, a gas station in Hill City, the nearest town, had LARGE Gatorades for sale! 😜

 

Have I mentioned that I HATE this trail?!  I don’t think I’ve ever said that about a hike before.  I am SO GLAD that we finally beat this brute, but seriously, I don’t know that I’d do it again.  

I may consider it with two cars, one parked at Sylvan Lake so you can take the easy route up, and the other parked at Willow Creek trailhead as descending the hard route isn’t too bad…as long as it isn’t raining. 😝  (Or, find a nice friend who will shuttle you between the two points).  Or I would try ascending the Lost Cabin trail and descending this one again.  

Below are some pics from our day of achievement! 😁 (Thanks, as usual, to Mr. Trekker for some of these!)

View over a forested mountainside with lots of dead trees. At the top of the mountain sits a silhouette of a stone building.
Our first glimpse of the fire tower on the summit!
View over a forested, mountainside vista with lots of dead trees.
My Hills!  You can see the sparseness of the foliage in the foreground.
View over a forested, mountainside vista with lots of dead trees. Flatter plains are in the far background through the haze. Random, rock mountains rise from the surrounding forest.
If you look closely, you can see the plains, far in the distance.  I “think” one of those rock faces is the backside of Mt. Rushmore! 🤔
View through sparse pine trees of large, craggy rocks, all under a clear, blue sky
This view of the nearby crags is on the first set of switchbacks
A standing, dead, tree trunk that has had the bark and most of the trunk chewed/whittled away in the middle, stands in the sparse forest, all under a clear, blue sky
Not really sure what happened here?!  Deer or elk perhaps?  Looks like somebody has been gnawing on it!

Conquer Fear by Reaching your Goals

This trail had beaten us twice before, but we had finally defeated it!  If we hadn’t already been acclimated to the altitude, it may have won again.  This was a personal goal of mine that I had wanted to achieve for years! 

This trail had made me sick, it left me with (several) blisters, it hurt me, it caused lingering anxiety to even think of attempting it again, and it pushed the limits of my endurance.  But…I beat it!  

Reaching this goal was an incredibly empowering, inspiring experience.  This was, truly, my “white whale”.  It’s hard to express my sense of accomplishment for finally completing this hike.  I know others have done it and claim it “isn’t that bad”.  I know it’s not a “14-er”, but so what?  I don’t hike “14-ers”! 😉  This was a personal goal and desire I had set for myself and I had achieved it!  What could be more empowering than that!

I don’t mean to sound like I’m bragging.  My point is just that, each person has their own, personal goals, whether they be to learn a new skill, to conquer a specific challenge, etc.  

Don’t compare yourself to others.  Only be concerned that you push yourself to expand your comfort zone.  It doesn’t matter what the goal is, as long as you strive to achieve it and, perhaps, find a way to trounce a few personal demons along the way.  👊

Have you attempted this trail?  What other difficult goals have you set for yourself and achieved?  Tell me about your experiences in the comments! 

 

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Rear view of a woman in hiking gear, standing on a large rock, looking out over a mountainous vista, all under a blue sky. Pin reads, "Hiking Black Elk Peak, the Difficult, Northern Route"

 

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Hot Air Balloons at the Stratobowl!

In this post, I review a hot air balloon launch that occurs every year at the historic Stratobowl, in the Black Hills.

 

The alarm wails and wakes you from a deep slumber, it’s 4:30 am…

…you stumble out of bed and feel for your clothes through sleep-blurred eyes…the dog wonders if you’re crazy for being up before the sun…

…a short drive later and you park along the roadside in an ever-growing line of vehicles, strap a headlamp to your brow, and set off for the mile-or-so-walk to the Stratobowl as, ever so slowly, the darkness perceptibly lessens…  

The Stratobowl Historic Hot Air Balloon Launch

This is a really cool annual event that occurs one weekend each year in early September.  It is VERY weather-dependent and can be canceled due to the frequent, South Dakota wind.  On the days the flight is canceled, some of the balloons are often at least inflated and fly, tethered, several hundred feet above the ground.  

I discussed the Stratobowl in a previous post.  If, however, you’re unfamiliar with this location, the hike takes you along the Stratobowl rim with a valley that spreads far below you. (The balloons take off from the meadow in this valley.)  One of the meadow’s unique aspects is that one of the residents who lives there mows a peace sign in the same field that is the site of the launch.  It fits the tranquility of the site–and the Black Hills in general–well.  It also compliments the kaleidoscope of bright colors that adorn the balloons.

Top view of four colorful, hot air balloons floating near a grassy, valley floor surrounded by pine trees. A peace sign has been mowed into the grass. Cars and trucks also dot the valley floor.
Our view from the Stratobowl rim.  If you look closely enough, you can see the “peace sign” mowed into the grass.
View from a cliff above with rocks and gravel in the foreground. In the background, four colorful, hot air balloons floating near a grassy, valley floor surrounded by pine trees. Cars and trucks also dot the valley floor.
This gives you an idea of how far below you the valley floor is

The rainbow of colors from the balloons make for a spectacular contrast against the dark green backdrop of the Black Hills National Forest, where the aspen trees are usually just beginning to take on their autumnal, yellow hue.  As the sun rises, it slowly unfurls its light over the tree-covered Hills to the west.  The *whoosh!* of the flame-heated air rushing in to fill the balloons then reaches your ears from the basin far below.  

If you’ve never seen a hot-air balloon, a large propane tank is attached to a basket.  At regular intervals (as controlled by the pilot) the tank springs to life, spurts out a flame, and rushes hot air into the balloon. (A fan also helps with the initial inflating process.)  

Hot air rises, so, once it’s full enough, the balloon does as well–yay science! 😝  The pilots can control the altitude of the balloon using this device, allowing for a safe landing, but they can’t control where the wind blows the craft (Someone Else is still in charge of that department 😉).  A “chase vehicle” follows the balloon to collect it from whatever field it finally lands in.   

I have fond memories of hot-air balloons from my childhood in Indiana.  There were several pilots around the local area where I grew up, so these craft were a regular sight in the sky.  We also enjoyed several mass-launches at the county fair in the summer.  I have one, specific, memory of a balloon flying over my grandparents’ pool so low to the ground that we were able to talk with the pilot (he ended up landing in the field across the road).  

Embrace Life’s Simple Pleasures

This is another opportunity to enjoy the simple things in life, not to mention a micro-adventure close to home.  It is a family-friendly, free activity, less than a half-hour drive from Rapid City, which requires only the small sacrifice of missing some sleep.  But it allows us to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us in a unique and easy way.  

So again, strive to seek out these simple, everyday opportunities that are present in your local neighborhood (farmer’s markets, county fairs, free events downtown or in local parks, etc.)  You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have (and it’s frugal too!) 🤑

Top view of four colorful, hot air balloons floating near a grassy, valley floor surrounded by pine trees. A few tethers string down from the balloons. Cars and trucks also dot the valley floor.
You can see the tethers on the dark blue balloon, anchoring it to the ground

Have you ever watched balloons take off from the Stratobowl?  What did you think?  Tell me about your experience in the comments!

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Top view of four colorful, hot air balloons floating near a grassy, valley floor surrounded by pine trees. Cars and trucks also dot the valley floor. Pin reads, "Hot Air Balloons at the Stratobowl!"

 

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Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming

In this post, I discuss an ancient medicine wheel in the Bighorns!

 

**Author’s note: Just a word of warning, as this is a protect cultural, spiritual and historical area, no dogs are allowed on any trails (exceptions for Service Animals). They are only permitted in the parking lot.**

There is a prehistoric Medicine Wheel hidden in the northern, Bighorn mountains of eastern Wyoming.  It was built by the ancient ancestors of today’s American Indian tribes.  More than 80 tribes claim the wheel in their oral traditions so it can’t be attributed to any one group or culture, though it’s, obviously, a very sacred site.  

What does the Bighorn Medicine Wheel look like?

This is one of the largest, stone medicine wheels in North America (there are at least 150 spread throughout the continent).  It’s constructed with a center cairn with spokes emanating from it to an outer circle that connects six, smaller cairns that appear to be strategically placed.  

Archeologists aren’t sure of the wheel’s exact age, most estimates date it back at least 800 years, but it could be far older.  Archaeological evidence shows human habitation as far back as 12,000 years in this area!  

The ranger we spoke with stated the six rock cairns that dot the outer portion of the circle are believed to have a celestial purpose, but the exact function remains a mystery–it is thought that they may have been used during vision quests.  The last time the six cairns matched up with celestial markers was at least as far back as the 1700s!

Medicine Wheels are Sacred Sites

Religious ceremonies are still held at the wheel on a regular basis as many tribal members make religious pilgrimages to the site.  Some of the ceremonies involve large groups, while others include only a few individuals–two, small, private ceremonies occurred while we were there.  Anyone with American Indian heritage can participate in a ceremony.  

It’s always enthralling for me to observe religious practices that I’m not familiar with.  I’m fascinated by the emotions you see play out on the faces of the participants, and how descriptive their movements can be.  I find their actions evoke emotions within me as well.  You can actually feel the peace and tranquility emanating from them as they dance, pray, or worship in their own way.  

A tour of the wheel may be delayed if a ceremony is occurring, though they usually don’t last longer than 30 minutes, so please be patient and respectful during this time of worship.  Numerous religious offerings are tied to the fence that rings the site (or are placed within the wheel itself).  Please do not touch or photograph these items directly as they are sacred.  It is also requested that people not take photos or videos of the ceremonies, as they are occurring, to respect the privacy of the participants.  

Where is the Bighorn Medicine Wheel?

The wheel is located on Forest Road 12, off of US 14A, in the northern part of the Bighorns.  It’s about 20 miles from Burgess Junction (where 14A branches off from US 14 to the east) and about 30 miles from Lovell, Wyoming, to the west.

Related posts: Lake Helen, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming; 4 Don’t Miss Sites in the Bighorn Mountains of WyomingWest Tensleep Trail, Bighorn Mountains, WyomingCamping in the Bighorns

The parking lot is a mile-and-a-half walk from the wheel on a graded, dirt road.  The hike isn’t bad, though it is uphill both ways (seriously 😝) and the altitude is over 9,000 feet, so take your time.  The site is also above tree line so bring a hat, water, and sunscreen, and be prepared for the ever-present, Wyoming wind.  It usually takes an hour or so to complete the entire route.  The site is free to visit, though donations are appreciated.  Because this is a sacred site, pets are not permitted and must be left in the parking area.

The only thing that marred the experience was the large, FAA radar placed on the adjoining peak (because none of the numerous, other peaks in the surrounding area, that were a little farther away, wouldn’t have worked?  REALLY?!)  Federal Government, do better! 😤      

Panoramic view of a rocky mountainside. Tree-covered mountains spread in the distance under a crystal clear, blue sky
The incredible view of the Bighorns from the Medicine Wheel site (to the right is the road you hike to reach the wheel)
Small stones on the ground form the center and outer portions of a wheel with stone spokes connecting them
The Medicine Wheel (you can see one of the rock cairns in the foreground to the left)

The Backroads of Wyoming

I’ve suggested before, to always take the scenic route, when time permits.  We enjoyed a good bit of that on this trip!  We started by taking Route 24, west, from where it branches off near the Island Park campground.  We then took Forest Road 408, to BLM Road 1117, on to Hyattville.  

This route is listed in the gazetteer as being Hyattville Road, but we saw NO signs reflecting this.  Similar to what we’ve found in Colorado, even though a road may be listed as a “major connector”, especially in the gazetteer, this could easily mean the road is actually dirt (sometimes wide and graded, other times little more than a narrow, two-track, high-clearance road that I wouldn’t be comfortable taking an Outback on). 😝 

We used three separate maps–the gazetteer, a Bighorns map we picked up at a local, outdoor store, and a road atlas–to gather a–somewhat accurate–estimate of the roads’ actual conditions.  Part of the difficulty was the roads traversed National Forest and BLM land in this area, and each department names and maintains their roads differently.  

Overlooking a rocky cliff with pine trees growing up from below
A view from our backroad trip

The drive was very manageable with Mr. Trekker’s Tacoma (any high-clearance, 4WD vehicle could handle it in good conditions).  There were no steep drop-offs and no, real, technical obstacles like what we’ve encountered on some of the roads in Colorado.  It was also beautiful, ranging from alpine, spruce forests and aspen groves, to dun-colored high prairies dotted with tan and red clay mounds, adorned with the varying greens of the diverse foliage.  Rock-rimmed canyons with their gaping mouths open onto prairie grasses far below, while rocky cliffs of various colors traverse throughout, all with the imposing Bighorns as a backdrop.  

Here is a video I made that showcases the beauty that is eastern Wyoming.

After leaving the Medicine Wheel, we decided we were game to try a few more back roads.  We took another scenic trip, east, on US 14A to Burgess Junction, where we picked up US 14 and took it west.  We took that road to Route 17, another “major connector”, that we then took to Alkali Road/BLM Road 1111/Route 228, back to Hyattville (this is a back way to reach the Medicine Wheel from the south).  

Again, these road numbers and names were listed on the gazetteer and one of the maps–some of these roads didn’t even appear on the Atlas–but were NOT shown on the actual road.  We just trusted the signs that directed us back to Hyattville.  You always need to be flexible when taking back roads, as you never know what kind of obstacles or conditions may cross your path.  I should also note, there was NO cell coverage in this remote location (and GPS can often be inaccurate), so maps are often times your only option–time to go “old school” folks!  

Another road we could have driven was labeled in the Gazetteer as the “Red Gulch, Alkali National Back Country Byway”.  We didn’t actually drive it this time–though we returned at a later date to check out the fossilized dinosaur footprints it leads to! 😯  

The Back Country Byway is more of a two-track, high-clearance path, at least in spots.  I certainly wouldn’t call it a “main road”.  Funnily enough, the roads we took back to Hyattville ended up being in better shape than the back road we brought out from the campground.  They were graded, gravel roads that one could expect to travel 30 – 40 mph on (if the rancher in front of us hadn’t decided a slower speed was better.  Unfortunately, on those roads, that are only about 1.5 lanes wide, passing really isn’t an option unless the person in front of you is feeling charitable and pulls over.  This man didn’t. 😜)  So, we enjoyed a leisurely, scenic stroll through the beautiful Wyoming countryside.  😁  

After reaching Hyattville we took Route R54 (another graded, well-maintained, gravel road) to Ten Sleep and then got to enjoy the, INCREDIBLY beautiful, US 16 east through Ten Sleep Canyon, back to our campground. (Did I mention, almost all of these roads, despite their varying conditions–with the exception of the highways–had the EXACT SAME indicators on the map? 😜)

Peering through the trees across tree-covered mountains out to the dry, high prairie far in the distance

The topography of Wyoming is very unique.  It’s characterized by the towering Bighorns in the northeast, to the Grand Tetons that criss-cross Yellowstone and the Rockies, in the west.  A drier, large, bluff-filled basin sits between Yellowstone and the Bighorns.  

Some parts of the state are prettier than others–while the dry, scrubland that surrounds the mountains can be pretty and green in spring, it usually turns rather drab in the later months.  The basin area is dotted with oil fields and sketchy-looking, government sites with warning signs plastered on the fences, which can be rather intimidating. 😳

Below are some more pics of our scenic drive:

Dry, green meadow with trees and rocky mountains far in the background, under a clear, blue skyWhite, rocky cliffs rise high aboveA dry, scrubland canyon with a dry, high plain in the far distanceDry, grassy meadow with dry, high plains and bluffs in the distanceDry, grassy meadow with dry, high plains and red-rock bluffs in the distanceDry, grassy meadow with tree-covered, white cliffs and dry, high plains and mountains in the backgroundDry, grassy high plains with pine-covered mountains in the background

MOOSE in the Bighorn Mountains!

Earlier that summer, we spent ten days in the Colorado high country during peak season and we didn’t see one moose.  Later that fall, we spent ten seconds in the Bighorn mountains of Wyoming (literally), and TWO moose were waiting to greet us when we arrived at our campsite!  Bighorns for the win!   

Two moose in a field as seen through the trees
Our ungulate friends (this year it was Maggie and Megan)

As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m always surprised at how much this part of Wyoming reminds me of the Colorado mountains.  The scenery and critters are very similar, with the added benefit of being half as long a distance from the Black Hills and FAR less crowded than Colorado. 😉  

If you’re looking for an amazing, historical site to visit in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, check out the Bighorn Medicine Wheel!

Have you ever visited the prehistoric Medicine Wheel in the Bighorns?  Tell me about it in the comments! 

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Small stones on the ground form the center and outer portions of a wheel with stone spokes connecting them. Pin reads, "A Prehistoric Medicine Wheel in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming"

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Chapel in the Hills, Rapid City

In this post, I review the Chapel in the Hills, located in Rapid City.

 

Unlike most of the places I write about, Chapel in the Hills is unique because it is hidden within the limits of Rapid City.  This makes it easy to access, even if it is a bit difficult to locate. 😁   As you pull into the parking lot, the Chapel commands your view as it appears, positioned against the hill, dominating over the surrounding landscape.  

A wooden church stands amongst trees on a green lawn

Where in Rapid City is the Chapel in the Hills?

To reach the Chapel in the Hills, take Route 44/Jackson Boulevard west, out of Rapid City, and then take the first left, past Canyon Lake Park, for Chapel Lane.  Stay on Chapel Lane until you reach the gate. There are a few jogs in the route and several roads branch off, so be watchful (there are signs, though a few are small).   The chapel is located about 1.5 miles from Canyon Lake Park.  

As an aside, if you’ve never visited Canyon Lake Park, I recommend it.  It’s a perfect place for a picnic, to walk your dog, or take a jog, and at night, the path is illuminated with lovely, subdued lighting.  Just be wary of the MANY geese and their “leavings”, especially on the island in the middle of the lake. 😝 

The drive to the chapel traverses a lovely, tree-lined, residential area complete with the 1960s architectural style that is common to the west side of Rapid City.  I’m regularly, pleasantly surprised by the picturesque, residential areas around town; not to mention the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside that they bestow–in this case, views of the Black Hills.  

The roof of a wooden church with unique wooden sculptures and steeple on the top

The roof of a wooden church with multiple wooden crosses coming off the top

What makes the Chapel in the Hills unique?

The campus is cool!  The chapel, an ELCA Lutheran church, is modeled after a Norwegian stave church (the Borgund stavkirke, of Laerdal, Norway, to be exact, that was built in the 12th Century), in honor of the Norwegian Lutherans that settled the area.  There is also a small visitor’s center that dons a traditional, grass roof that was built in Norway and shipped to Rapid City.  The site also sports a small museum showcasing what life would have been like for the church’s parishioners at the time it was built.

Wooden building with grass on the roof and a flag coming out the top, surrounded by woodland
The traditional grass roof of the Visitor Center

Weddings are held here and evening vespers occur, nightly, during the summer months.  You can visit the website here.  There is no cost to tour the site, though donations are appreciated.

The architecture of this building is incredible!  Intricate wood carvings adorn the walls of the church, both outside and in, and the russet-colored wood contrasts with the vibrant green of the surrounding lawns, the azure blue of the sky, and the sun-dappled trees of the forest backdrop.  Flowers of various types colorfully frame the chapel and dot the beds that encircle it while butterflies flit about and bees sip the nectar from the Russian sage flowers.  The musty aroma of old wood tickles your nose, while bird chatter surrounds you; the gentle breeze sighs through the boughs of the trees and dry leaves crackle as they are swept past.

Wooden entrance to a church with an ornate border
The front entrance to the Chapel
View from below, open wooden rafters of a church
The ceiling of the Chapel

A short, peaceful, meditation/prayer path, complete with small, marble statues, traverses a ravine where towering slopes frame three of its sides in the forest behind the structure.  I LOVE this place!  It is so beautiful and peaceful!  It makes for a perfect location to meditate, pray, or just relax.  For someone who is spiritual but also delights in nature, it makes for the perfect fusion between the two.  It’s an incredibly tranquil, mystical experience.  Here, my soul is at peace!    

A dirt path through the woods with a stone bench and religious statue along the side
The prayer/meditation path

 

More pics of the Chapel in the Hills are below:

A wooden church sits on a concrete patio surrounded by pine trees, all under a clear, blue sky

A wooden, church door with ornate, wrought iron knockers
The Chapel’s commanding front door
Ornate wooden carving
Intricate carvings on one of the Chapel’s pillars
Stone altar of a church with a wooden backdrop
The Chapel altar
Rear view of two people, a man and a woman, sitting on wooden benches looking around the interior of a wooden church.
My parents, appreciating the interior of the Chapel
A wooden, bell tower sits on a dirt path in the woods
A bell tower

If you’re looking for a unique, family activity, close to Rapid City, check this location out, I know I’ll be returning!

Have you ever visited the Chapel in the Hills?  What did you think?  Tell me about it in the comments! 

 

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A wooden church stands amongst trees on a green lawn. Pin reads, "Visit the Chapel in the Hills, in Rapid City"

 

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