Welcome to South Dakota USA

If I haven't mentioned it before, I am an extremely lucky woman.  I have the greatest husband, wonderful parents, and good friends.  I was lucky enough to be able to spend time with one of my good friends from high school, Christina.  As I mentioned before Christina is from Denmark, so time with her is precious and a more fun than one could imagine.  Chris was here in 2008, but it was a whirlwind tour that was fun, but we had little chance to spend quality time together.  This time it was different. 


First we took an ATV ride up to Mt. Roosevelt.  My students worked with the Forest Service to restore this historic monument and improve it for future generations.   We are overlooking Deadwood on the ATV.

Of course we went to Deadwood.  We didn't gamble with money, but the calamari with banana ketchup was a bit of a risk:)  Then it was off to Harrold to an all school reunion.  We reconnected with old friends.  I was pretty bummed we missed the slowest tractor races.  If you have never seen one you are missing out.  I am not being sarcastic; they are a hoot. Still we had a great time and I really appreciate all of the work the reunion committee put into it as everything was great.

Next we went home.  My parents really went out of their way to make our time there wonderful and it was.  I don't think things could have gone better.  We went for a ride.  The only way I could describe that ride was the title of the painting "The Prairie is My Garden."  The grass was stirrup high, the wildflowers were incredible and everything was so green. Then my Dad took us out on the boat.  The photo below is of their ranch from the boat.  Sorry no boat photos.  Some were taken, but they will not be released to protect the innocent.   

Then we took Christina on her first fishing trip.  She caught a fish, then another, then another, and a few more after that.  She is so excited to take her fishing photos back to work to show the guys.  Of course my husband, a Minnesota fisherman born and raised, pointed out that we need to work on our catch photos.  I tend to agree.  My Mom then proceeded to make the best catfish supper with homemade ice cream for dessert.  I dream of the that meal (there are not a lot of catfish in the Black Hills).

 I cannot thank my parents enough for such a great trip.  Both Christina and I will not forget the experiences we had.  Not just all of the activities, but also just sitting in front of the house visiting.  It was perfect.

We went home via the Badlands.  My nieces will be impressed that we tread on such dangerous ground. The next day was an extremely relaxing day in my garden, just visiting and visiting.  For a perfect end to a relaxing day my husband grilled us the perfect meal for supper.  Then the grand finale, we climbed Harney Peak with high hopes of swimming and relaxing on the beach after.  We made it up and down the peak with no problems, but the hail storm cut our stay at the beach short.  No problem we went shopping.  

 One of the final highlights is Christina got to see her host family before she left.  They just happened to be on their way home from Washington as we were waiting in Rapid (shopping) for Christina's flight.  I am happy they had a chance to visit.

It was the best vacation ever.  I can't say enough how important it is to have such a good friend.  I was sad to see her go, but Kelly and I are going to Denmark in 2 years and look out Denmark!  I sure appreciate how everyone helped us make this a special trip.