Saturday, July 9, 2011

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.


 



14 comments:

  1. You both look so happy in pictures together! It's great to reconnect with old friends. Sounds like you had a great time.

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  2. Wow what an awesome story, looks like a great time was had by all! Thanks for sharing!

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  3. Awesome pictures, what a neat story! Thanks for sharing, Mindy

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  4. Friends like at are so rare. I'm so happy for you both.

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  5. sounds like a fun time and an action packed visit!!!

    the pictures really tell the story!!!

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  6. Beautiful scenery and having a best friend to share it is priceless: )

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  7. Looks like a fun time! Someday I'd love to see your part of the country...so beautiful in all of it's "vastness"...is that a word?! So different from around here!

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  8. I'm trying to read your post on my tiny phone screen and it's very frustrating! LOL. Will have to wait til I can get to a computer. I can't wait to read it and see the pictures better. We have ridden our motorcycle thru SD twice and I can believe the awesome beauty of it!

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  9. Belas fotos de boas ferias...Espectacular....
    Cumprimentos

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  10. The girls will be horrified to find out to went to MONSTER LAND! I'm sure it will be a few years before we are ever able to take the badlands route! LOL

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  11. How nice that you are able to reunite with old friends. The ranch looks gorgeous.

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  12. At the end of a frustrating day, your post has reminded me of the things that are the most fun and the most important!

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  13. What a great time with your friend - you have a wonderful family. They have passed on now, but two of the BEST people in the world were my neighbors for many years and she was born and raised in SOuth Dakota. They traveled back to SOuth Dakota once a year - now I see why - so open, so beautiful! You ARE most fortunate!

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  14. Oh that sounds like great fun. These are the moments with friends that stay with you for a lifetime. Your parents sound awesome. Wow when you go to Denmark I want to come. B

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Sit on my porch and let's chat. Due to the amount of spam I am closing my comments to Anonymous users. Sorry.