Guest Blogger

One of many roads we've ridden

Hi everyone! Joan here. You may wonder why I'm writing the blog instead of Steve. Well he's been a little under the weather this week; missing work for 3 days and eventually visiting the doctor last Thursday. Seems as though he has a viral sinus infection with lots of coughing and headaches. On top of that the doctor determined that the over-the-counter decongestants he had been taking were causing his blood pressure to spike. Now he's on a different med. Friday he went to work but was not able to narrate his normal bus tours as he continued to cough when he tried to talk for any length of time. He worked in the Welcome Center instead and now he's got the next 3 days off to heal.

Our Crazy Horse jobs are going well. Steve enjoys driving people around the mountain and to the top. I’ve ridden with him a couple of times and have learned quite a bit about the memorial. He does a good job with his narrative.  Working in the gift shop is a little more physical as I have to stand the entire time I’m there. I think this job is tougher than when we were cutting down trees in Oregon during our first workamping job. The fun part of the job is getting to meet people from all over the world. I love hearing their stories. The second best part of our job is that we only have to work four days which means we have three days to play!

Yesterday was time to get out of the house and do something. One of my favorite things to do is to drive the gravel forest roads. I drove and Steve came along for the ride. We took Deerfield Road west out of Hill City about 11 miles to the end of the pavement and continued onto the gravel road.  These roads are in great shape and easy enough for any vehicle to travel.  The scenery is spectacular and you wouldn’t believe all the wildflowers that are in bloom.  Of course I had to make several stops. I was trying to take a picture of each flower I saw.

After driving west for 2 ½ hours and crossing into Wyoming, we were still wandering along the gravel forest roads when we came upon a sign which seemed to be in the middle of nowhere (we didn't know it then but if we had continued another 6 miles we would have reached highway 85 just north of Newcastle). We couldn't see any buildings, but decided to explore anyway. We turned and drove maybe 100 yards when we saw a fairly new building with about a dozen ATV's and pickup trucks parked outside. We went inside and found a rather nifty restaurant.
Steve and I both had prime rib which was excellent. We’ll be back! When we left we decided to take the forest roads back home. Still recuperating from his sinus infection and with his tummy full, Steve slept most of the way back home. For entertainment I decided to count deer. I stopped counting after 75. Hoping to see elk was my primary reason for going back the way we came. They are very elusive and unfortunately I didn’t get to see any on this trip.

My friend, Terri, from Seattle flew in to town the 1st week in July and spent a week with us. We picked her up on Saturday in Rapid City and on Sunday she and I headed off to visit Devils Tower in Wyoming.  The drive from Custer is only about 100 miles but when you add in all the stops for pictures along the way it can take a while.

We decided to get off the interstate at the visitor center in Wyoming and take the northern route to Devils Tower. I should have remembered from earlier vacations that anyone who travels out west soon realizes that just because there is a point and a name on a map does not mean that there is a city or town there.  






Needing fuel, we figured we’d get it at the first town we came to. After all, the map showed one just a short drive away. Driving through the first town we were disappointed that all they had was a little store. Not to worry, there were several more towns along the way. 

In the meantime we we’re stopping every few minutes to take pictures. You really have to drive it for yourself. Absolutely beautiful! After arriving at the next town we began to see a pattern.  These “towns” were just spots in the road where a few houses were built. Terri was driving and I kept leaning over to look at the gas gauge and getting a little worried. Traffic was non- existent. Finally we drove into a town that had a post office, hotel and several stores. As we got to the end of town we could see the gas station. Yes! Terri pulled in and wouldn’t you know it.......they were closed on Sunday! 

With 40 miles left to reach the interstate and our hotel we decided to continue on.  We began to see Devils Tower off in the distant and stopped to take pictures. We had plenty of daylight so we decided to bypass the turnoff to the tower in favor of going to town for gas. I breathed a sigh of relief when we saw several “open” gas stations.  

We got our room, had dinner then drove back to Devils Tower. It worked out great as there were very few people in the park. We took even more pictures!

 Tuesday Steve and I went back to work and Terri used our car to sight see. Wednesday I had traded days off so Terri and I could spend the day together while Steve worked. I took Terri through the wildlife loop at Custer State Park where she could get up close and personal with the buffalo.

We watched 4^th of July fireworks from the rv park so we wouldn't have to fight the traffic coming and going from Custer. We had a great time with Terri and I’m hoping to see her again in October when I plan to fly to Seattle.

Another interesting place Steve and I visited recently was in Rapid City. It’s called Chapel in the Hills. It is an exact replica of the Borgund stave church in Norway. The original Borgund stavkirke was built around the year 1150 and is considered the most completely preserved stave church still standing in Norway. 

Several years ago I hosted 2 foreign exchange students from Norway. We've kept in touch over the years. The funny thing about seeing this is that my two exchange students, Janne-Marie and Jeanette are both visiting in the states with their young families. 

When I posted pictures on FB to show them where I was, their first response was that I must be visiting EPCOT! One day I hope to make it to Norway. They’ve promised to show me around.

They have big planters here in Wyoming!

I cannot say enough good things about South Dakota. It is absolutely beautiful! The scenery is fantastic in every direction. There is also a fragrance in the air that smells so sweet. You notice it everywhere here in the Black Hills or at least I do.  Wildlife and wildflowers surround us. I may sound like a broken record, but if you have not been here, you should add it to your list of places to visit.

That’s it for now. Steve got up at 3:15am this morning to take a special group to the top of Crazy Horse for a sunrise ceremony. He has been sleeping since he returned home about 9am. I hope he wakes up in time to go spotting with me tonight!

Won't be long and shell'll be on the road. LOOKOUT!

Ryan is big enough now to help poppop through the woods!

One last thing. Have to wish grandaughter, Emily a very Happy 16th Birthday and also a shout out out to grandson Ryan who is celebrating his birthday a few days after Emily.  We love you both very very much.  Be sure and watch the mail this week!

June....Are You Sure It's June?....What happened to May?!

Local Color

OK, I know it's been over a month since I've written...and I apologize for the delay. I just can't write to write. I enjoy writing the blog when we've discovered something new and exciting; or when there's something that I really want to share. But unlike some, I can't just write to have something to post each day. Nuff said about that.

Joan and I have settled into our summer work schedule - Tuesday thru Friday..32 hours/week. We were surprised about the weekends off, but we're not complaining. I rotate between buses (to the base of the mountain), vans (to the top of the mountain) and the OC (Welcome Center). Joan works in the gift shop. Joan and I seldom work the same hours as the buses only run from 8am-8pm, while the gift shop stays open until 10:30pm. Depending on our schedules, one of us has the car while the other either carpools with other workampers or takes the motorcycle to work. I've even walked to work (it's only 1 mile from the campground to Crazy Horse).

While we were in Lake Mead earlier this year we started to notice our Splendide washer/dryer acting up every once in a while. About every 3rd or 4th time we used it, it would stop working between the wash and rinse cycle and the selector knob would start clicking as it turned around the dial. After a couple of weeks of using it here in SD, it started acting up again. I did a little research and discovered how to interpret the blinking lights and determine what Error Code was being signaled.  I downloaded the Technician Training Manual and began my attempt at repair. The error code indicated it was either the pump or the water sensor. I contacted Splendide and spoke with one of their tech support reps who confirmed my test analysis and referred me to a local mobile RV tech who might have parts. I replaced the water pump first and everything seemed OK for the first couple of loads; then the same error occured. The mobile tech was great; allowing me to return the pump and purchase a sensor. I installed the new sensor and was able to wash a couple more loads of laundry before the error returned. After consulting with the mobile tech; and he in turn consulting with the manufacturer it was decided a control board could be the culprit, so I engaged the mobile tech to perform the repairs. Both the pump and sensor cost less than the deductible on my warranty so I had done them myself. But the control board was on the high side so I decided to have it repaired under the warranty. $250 deductible and a new control board later and everything has been working fine for several weeks. It seems we're doing laundry more & more these days.

The 2nd week in June my youngest son Chris celebrated Christmas by utilizing the Christmas present he received last year....a flight from Florida to South Dakota to visit us for a few days. And he brought along his girlfriend Lindsey. We had a great week exploring some of the local tourist destinations and restaurants. On the days we had to work Chris and Lindsey visited Mt. Rushmore and went horseback riding. We took several drives along Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop where we got caught in the middle of a buffalo herd. And we took a couple of long drives through the National Forests in the area spotting lots of deer and elk. We went to Wind Cave National Park and they even got to take a tour to the top of Crazy Horse Mountain. We really enjoyed getting to know Lindsey better and were sad to see them go at the end of the week. See you guys soon!

We've taken several motorcycle rides since we've been here, including a ride to Deadwood with Rudee and Phil. The other day Joan rode on back with me while we took a short 50 mile ride to Deerfield. About half way there we spotted something unexpected on the side of the road. A large thunderstorm had swept through the area the night before and we had seen small hail back at our campground. We turned around to investigate and what did we discover......snow! How unusual to see snow in the middle of June at 6000' elevation.

Dianna & Joan

2 weeks ago I stepped out of the RV and heard someone ask "Are you Steve?". A couple (Dianna and Pat) were walking through the campground and stopped to introduce themselves. They were friends of some of our fellow RVers Dan & Jonelle and had stopped for a few days in our campground to visit. They also knew Phil & Rudee and had been hoping to meet Joan and I as well. Over the next few days we had a great time getting to know them. One day we were out driving looking for wildlife in the middle of the national forest when we saw a sign for Bear Mountain Lookout. We decided to check it out and a few miles deeper and higher into the forest we came to a fire tower. We stopped and got out of the car to explore, only to be greeted by a voice from above...."Hi, would you folks like to come up and see inside?" It was the lookout, Colleen inviting us to visit her in the tower lookout.

Steve, Colleen, Dianna & Pat

So we all proceeded to climb to the top and spent almost 30 minutes chatting with her. What a view! And what a good time we had! Hopefully we'll get to see Dianna and Pat again soon. And I expect we'll visit Colleen again before the summer is finished.



Phil and I finally managed to sync our schedules last week and played a round of golf while the girls checked out the Mammoth Dig at Hot Springs. Phil is regaining his former glory as a ball striker after a several year layoff, while I just matched my annual average for the number of holes played (18) since I started full-timing. The weather was nice and the course was in good shape. We both plan on not letting this be our only outing of the summer and we're hoping to get Dan & Jonelle out with us soon.

3 or 4 times each week Joan persuades me to take her for a wildlife viewing ride down 1 or more of the country/forest roads. The roads in our area of South Dakota are wonderful; probably the best roads of anywhere we have traveled. And that includes both the paved primary roads and the back country and national forest roads.


Even when we're off-road I can set the cruise control and ride along at 25-35 mph without worrying about humps and bumps in the road. The scenery whether on road or off is some of the most interesting we've experienced as well.

Badlands

Forested roadsides with plenty of open views and vistas; gray rock out-croppings spotted throughout the roadside forests; beautiful fields of multi-colored green grasses surrounded by forested mountain sides; deer, wild turkeys, elk and buffalo around most every corner. I would recommend this area of South Dakota to anyone who enjoys driving; regardless of whether you were touring in your car, riding your motorcycle or off-roading with your jeep or ATV. You could easily spend a full week riding/driving and never get bored.

We had hoped our friends Ernie & Donna, Jim & Debbie and Dave & Lydia were going to be able to take a vacation out here with their bikes, but plans never really got off the ground as Jimmy's work restricted time frames in which certain employees take time off and Dave's daughter was expecting twins with a summer due date (congratulations to the Dumke family on the birth of Eva & Eden on 6/22). Hey Guys....even if you can't come while we're out here you need to add it to your Bucket List. It's probably my 2nd favorite travel location and Joan and I would really enjoy meeting you guys out here some time in the future.

Mutliple Shout Outs
- to Tommy Ritten - Happy Birthday Tommy.....82 and still going strong. Hey Tommy, when you coming out for a visit?
- to Bill & Barb Z - Good luck with the new knee...looking forward to seeing you at Lake Mead this fall and congratulations on the new grandtwins!
- to Jim (my Dad) - keep working hard. We're all waiting for you to be able to come home and we're proud of all the progress you've made

PS - note from Joan
Happy Birthday to my Dad and Happy Anniversary to my wonderful Husband!!!

Yep, that's right folks. Tuesday 6/24 is our first wedding anniversary. It's been a great year! Love you Joan.

That's it for now. Stay Tuned. More to Come.

Can You Tell We're Having Fun?

Is This Spring Time in South Dakota or Winter in Siberia?

We've completed 2 weeks at Crazy Horse and things are cool man.....real cool! In fact right now it's 32 degrees outside.....with winds blowing a constant 20+ mph......the snow flakes are blowing horizontally as we look out the window.......a forecast low of 28 with 1+ inches of snow tonight. Cool man! This is the 2nd snow since we've been here.

Wednesday we woke up with 2-3" of snow covering everything from our lawn chairs to the grill to the car....icicles hanging off the bottom of the slides. We were so excited we left the MH 3 hours before our scheduled start time at work and just drove around taking pictures. We drove a couple miles south of town and then turned off onto a small gravel road back off into the forest. We were taking pictures and saw numerous deer before stumbling across a little reminder from home.





We know from talking to everyone back in Florida that the temps are already into the 90's. When Joan and I were in Florida and it got that hot we always started looking for a swimming hole....the cooler the water the better. One of our favorite places was Rock Springs just north of Apopka. So here we are in South Dakota and wouldn't you know it......they have a Rock Springs too. Anyone interested in joining us for a little swim?











A couple days can make a huge difference this time of year..........Tuesday










Wednesday





Last week on one of our mutual days off we decided to go geocaching with Phil & Rudee We downloaded 7 caches into our smartphone c:geo app and headed out. We had pretty good luck, eventually finding 6 of the 7 caches; even after encountering a weird recurring issue. Phil &Rudee both use handheld GPS devices while Joan & I use our smartphones. We all had the cache GPS points loaded and at each individual cache all of our units directed us to within 5-10 feet of each other. But on all 6 of the caches we found none of them were at the designated location. At each site we would spread out and continue to search; and with 4 of us looking we would eventually find the cache. But each of the 6 were found almost 50 yards west of the original location. Really strange!





Notice anything strange about this location where we found one of the caches?










And some of the caches were so small. This one was inside the bottom of a metal gate post. It could only be seen by placing a mirror under the bottom of the gate and looking up inside the hollow post.







We saw some unusual sites as we drove around the area. One of them was this bicycle 'montage'?





Work at Crazy Horse has been fun. I'm feeling more confident with the narrative that I share with the folks who take the bus tour and Joan is working hard to get her feet into shape to withstand the all-day standing that's required in the gift shop.

My dad is showing signs of improvement including occasional recognition of friends and family and he is responding to some verbal questions with gestures. No oral communication as yet but he is getting better. Thanks for keeping him in your thoughts.

That's it for now. Stay tuned. More to Come.

Remember That Drive North to Get to South? Well We Ended Up Going South and East Too!

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since I last posted and for those of you who have been sitting at your keyboard waiting for the latest entry I apologize. It's been really hectic. Joan and I left Lake Mead on Tax Day 4/15 headed for Custer, SD. We had a little over 2 weeks to travel 1000 miles before we were to begin work at Crazy Horse on 4/30. So we decided to take a little bit longer route, traveling short distances each day and basically trying to relax and enjoy seeing parts of Utah and Wyoming that we have never seen before.

There were lots of lizard petroglyphs

One of stops was Dinosaur National Monument. Pretty cool. Not only do they have lots and lots of dinosaur bones but petroglyphs and pictoglyphs as well. What's the difference you might ask.....pictoglyphs are painted on the surface of a rock or stone outcropping while petroglyphs are 'chiseled' or scratched into the surface of the stone. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area.

Then it was on to Flaming Gorge in northeast Utah. We had to climb a steep 2-lane highway reaching a little over 9,000' that felt a little challenging with a big 18 wheeler on my tail but after that the scenery and drive were really spectacular. We stopped at the Flaming Gorge dam and decided to take the dam tour. Our tour guide was a local who had lived nearby since she was a young girl. She did an excellent job of sharing with us about the dam and the local area filling in little details with stories of her exploits in her younger teen age years. The drive north towards Wyoming from Flaming Gorge is one that I would recommend to anyone traveling in the area. And for motorcyclists it would be especially neat with curvy winding roads and fantastic scenery.

On Easter we found ourselves in Casper, Wyoming and took a drive up into the mountains above the city. The elevation wasn't too high but there was plenty of snow with snowbanks of 6-10' along the side of some roads. And many of the houses and cabins were still snowed in with 3-4' of snow in the yards. Joan had come down with a bad head cold and we were thinking we might should drive straight on over to Custer and set up in our summer campground so she could rest. We'd still have several days to explore and we could take day trips to some of the attractions further north. As we were pondering next steps I received a call from my sister letting me know that my dad had suffered a stroke and was being taken to the hospital. That kinda' made our decision for us so we headed to Custer the next day. Joan was feeling a little better so on Thursday we decided to drive the car back to Florida. 34 hours and 2000 miles later we arrived in central Florida and spent the weekend with my mom, dad and family. By Sunday dad was no longer in critical care and it was just a matter of time until we got a diagnosis and prognosis for his recovery. On Monday we hopped back in the car and drove back to South Dakota.

On Wednesday we started orientation at Crazy Horse. What a spectacular place; we could not be happier with our decision to work here this summer. We've taken a couple of drives in and around the area and are very excited about the motorcycling opportunities and attractions that we'll be able to explore this summer. Joan is working in the gift shop and I'll be driving the bus that takes visitors on a tour of the property and to the base of the mountain. A job where they're going to pay me to talk......who a' thunk it!





We've already made new friends and met up with old friends in the few days we've been here. Jim and Barb of Jim and Barb's RV Adventure parked in our campground for 3 days and we got to sit down and spend some time with them. What a neat couple. We were really surprised about the number of similarities between their ideas and experiences and ours. We're really hoping to see them in the future.

And yesterday our friends Phil and Rudee of Workin' RVers arrived and are parked right next door. They worked Crazy Horse last year and enjoyed it so much they decided to return. Reading their blog about their experiences is probably the primary reason we decided to try Crazy Horse.

A View from Crazy Horse's Arm
back towards Visitor Center and
our campground

Crazy Horse from the base of the mountain

Just one of the roads we're
anxious to ride!

This may turn out to be a strange summer what with my dad's situation, but for now the family is doing well and we think we have a plan in place. And we'll appreciate you keeping my dad in your thoughts as we find out more about what the future holds.

That's it for now. Stay Tuned, More to Come.