We are home from our holiday to South Dakota's beautiful Black Hills, and the home of the majestic Mt. Rushmore Memorial. The vacation was a smashing success--the boys were thrilled at just about every turn--though we've arrived home soggy and exhausted from all the fun. We had torrential thunderstorms every night (while in a tent, no less) and I am looking forward to a night in my own bed without imagining that I am sleeping underneath a waterfall. And I do not exaggerate even the slightest. The rain dumped ceremoniously and the skies thundered as I've never heard them before. If not for the fear of floating away, I would have just enjoyed the natural symphony (I love a good rain storm), but I confess that I laid awake wondering just *how* waterproof a tent could possibly be.
We visited the famed Mammoth Site. By a fabulous stroke of luck we managed to visit (accidentally) during the only month of the year that they have people working on the dig site while the tourists look on. Quite a highlight!
We visited the famed Mammoth Site. By a fabulous stroke of luck we managed to visit (accidentally) during the only month of the year that they have people working on the dig site while the tourists look on. Quite a highlight!
We stood very close to real live buffalo in Wind Cave National Park. Notice... no fence!
The location of our gorgeous campsite: Horsethief Lake in the Black Hills National Forest (just two miles from Mt. Rushmore). We managed to drive up and secure a camp spot without a reservation. What are the odds? (We did have reservations elsewhere, which we promptly canceled upon finding this lovely spot.)And while there were many many more highlights from our journey (tubing on the river, riding a ski lift up to an alpine slide, touring an underground cave, swimming in a natural mineral hotsprings, and SO many others), I thought I'd share one last sad commentary on the dwindling identity of our culture:
Behold: Our souvenir magnet (the one thing we always purchase as a reminder of our travels).
(I've slipped it out of its protective sleeve for you to see the label.)
Yes, that really irks me.
But still.... a wonderful holiday. It was quite refreshing to take a break from the computer, and from any sort of awareness of duty or schedule. On most days I made certain to have absolutely no idea what time it was, and to have no reason to care. We let daylight, random whimsy, and our stomachs dictate to us, and nothing else.
What have you done to renew your spirits lately?
Marie
Behold: Our souvenir magnet (the one thing we always purchase as a reminder of our travels).(I've slipped it out of its protective sleeve for you to see the label.)
But still.... a wonderful holiday. It was quite refreshing to take a break from the computer, and from any sort of awareness of duty or schedule. On most days I made certain to have absolutely no idea what time it was, and to have no reason to care. We let daylight, random whimsy, and our stomachs dictate to us, and nothing else.
What have you done to renew your spirits lately?
Marie
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10 comments:
Welcome back, I missed you
I second that comment -- welcome HOME!
The vacation looks like it was a huge success --- smiling teens --- HUGE success!
What am I doing to renew my spirit --- gahhh ...I wish I could figure that out. I think I've hit the summer slumps!
LOVE the picture of you and all three boys, standing in front of the buffalo herd. And as I sit here, looking at it, I wonder, "gosh, my boys aren't that tall, are they?" Gonna go check... lol
YAY! Good to hear your survived the rains. Wish we could have met you down there. Lots harder to camp with babies and princesses though. HAHA!
We missed you!
I have been cleaning out lots of old junk. It is so therapeutic! You were actually quite motivational on that front... moving with your family in the small little U-Haul you had. There is NO WAY I could have done that, but I'm working on getting rid of stuff so one day I can.
Also, we planted five trees yesterday. I find it very joyous! My youngest keeps going outside to check on "his" tree... which true to his nature as the "baby" of the family, is the tree in the center, right in the middle of things, center-of-attention and all that. Funny that he chose "his" tree and it's location all on his own!
welcome home, glad you and your family enjoy your vaca..! Missed u!
Looks like a great trip! Even if your magnent was made in China! Grrrrr ;)
It looks like you had such good times (and adventures!) -- yay! Your family is so adorable--I can't believe how big the boys are (sorry for the granny comment!) You guys are the cutest!
It looks like you had a glorious time! I'm so glad!!!!
This sounded like a wonderful trip, minus the rain/tent combo (been there!). We had planned on a trip west to see Mt. Rushmore, but alas I believe that we will only be heading north for some camping fun this summer. Which really is something I'm looking forward to!
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