My Much Needed Break--Travel

 A FEW THINGS---

For those keeping up--I decided to take a social media break. It was important to me to try to finish up some much needed projects around the house. Have a little family time. Go to a few Fairs. Take a little vacation. All sorts of stuff. So naturally--this blog covers what I did and what I learned. 

Let's get started.

The day after I announced my social media break I took my youngest son to the Black Hills for about 5 days. My daughters had the weekend off. Which is very rare. During that time we shopped. Went to Reptile Gardens. Ate a lot of amazing food. Met with my mom and aunt for brunch. And we went mini golfing. I think mini golfing is becoming a family event like the annual visit to Reptile Gardens. It is so fun. So much laughter and so much competition. If I could put a mini golf course in my back yard I would. That's how much I love mini golf. I really wish I loved to golf. Unfortunately I just want to drink and drive the golf cart everywhere. 

We also took a trip to Deadwood. I have not been to Deadwood in quite a few years. We ate at Diamond Lil's Sports Bar. The food was good. But the shopping was better. When I go back to Deadwood I am always flooded with memories of my dad running the tour bus. Selling tickets for him and being introduced to all of those amazing tour guides through Globus, Cosmos and other charter tours were some of the highlights of my life. And probably why I am transitioning into a career in tourism. I grew up loving Deadwood history. And I still love the history of that town. If I had the money--I would write out a check and buy the bus company my dad created and turn it back into what it was. On the flip side--with the management in charge of the bus company my father built--maybe it will be ran into the ground--which is what normally happens when this particular person is in charge--and I can purchase it super cheap. It's a goal.

We also took the time to drive through Spearfish Canyon. I was absolutely floored how much damage that tornado did to the Canyon a few years ago. It was heart breaking. We did not do the typical stops just a quick drive. 

After stimulating the economy West River we headed back to the middle of nowhere that we call home. Sigh. However in just a few short days I headed back out to the Hills to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally because my oldest daughter and I bought tickets to see MY favorite band REO Speedwagon at the Buffalo Chip. But sometimes things just don't work out the way we want. Sigh.

The Lead Singer of REO Speedwagon contracted COVID-19 (He was vaccinated) and had to cancel this show. Unfortunately we could not get refunds on the tickets so we decided to just check out the Buffalo Chip and walk around Sturgis. I had never been to the Chip and I hadn't been to the Rally since God was a child. So I was kind of excited to check out the motorcycles and the craziness they call the Chip. Sigh.

The Buffalo Chip reminded me of the State Fair--but with motorcycles and no carnival rides. And why not Buffalo Chip? A carnival for adults only? How fun would that be? The same food as the State Fair. We had Frisbee Nachos and a fantastic burger. Lots of young, beautiful women and men that looked like my husband. The positive notes on the Buffalo Chip. Extremely easy to get around. Parking was a breeze. I was very impressed by that. Unfortunately we did not stay for the evening events. But I now have this crossed off of my list of things to see in my lifetime.

We easily found a parking space downtown Sturgis. We had a car. We paid 10.00 to park at the local funeral home and were about 2 blocks from all of the action.

When I was little my mom took us to the Rally every year. Usually around the second weekend because the T-shirts were on sale and there was less traffic. I was always mesmerized walking that main street. All of the incredible motorcycles with the awesome paint jobs. The personality of the bikes always fascinated me. And the people were always just as entertaining as the bikes. Sigh.

There were barely any bikes with personality. They all looked the same. I don't know if the rally has become just a commercialized pile of crap. Or the bikers of the past have just passed away which is definitely possible--I am not exactly young anymore. Or if they were maybe at a campground instead of the main street. I was just so unimpressed. And so disappointed. It was so boring. If there weren't a couple of topless women wandering around in the street I would have just called it a typical day in Sturgis. We did buy a few shirts and then we headed back to Rapid. Sigh.

For those of you wiping your tears because we missed REO Speedwagon. Never Fear!!! I have purchased a front row seat in October when they are at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls. My daughter will be to far along in her pregnancy to go with me. So I hope to take her to see them in the future. Fingers Crossed. With the uncertainty of COVID-19 I DID insure this ticket. If the concert gets canceled I will be refunded. I am glad I had that option. Have I mentioned that I love REO Speedwagon?? Yes...Yes I do.

Other places we have traveled while on break were random trips to the Drive In and to the Movie Theatre with my family. It seems like we were driving weekly out of town to get supplies and try to get some family time in. Side Note: Go see "Free Guy" it is really good. 

Until Next Time--

Kristi