Western Adventure: Black Hills – Mt Rushmore

One of the most iconic images in American culture – Mt. Rushmore is an emblem of patriotism, a crossroads of hope as the past triumphs and mistakes of our nation meet to invite all-Americans to rise up and fight for freedom, equality and the ideals of democracy. I’ve been blessed to have visited Mt. Rushmore […]

Western Adventure: Black Hills-Iron mountain Road

Next up on our Black Hills Adventure, we are embarking on the famed Iron Mountain Road from Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore. Like the nearby Needles Highway, the Iron Mountain Road was inspired by Peter Norbeck. The road, like Mount Rushmore is a feat in modern engineering – but the earth defying construction plays […]

Western Adventure: Black Hills – Needles Highway

June 3rd, 2022: Fueled by a hot cup of State Game Lodge coffee, I hit the road for a day of Black Hills adventure in and around Custer State Park just after eight a.m. Custer provides unlimited opporunities for breathtaking views, wilderness pursuits and resort fun. I have limited time to explore, and wanted to […]

Western Adventure: Black Hills- State Game Lodge

Stepping into Custer State Park’s famed State Game Lodge is checking into the height of rustic luxury. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022, The lodge was built between 1919-1922 by famed architect Cecil C. (CC) Gideon, in the western slick syle. The lodge embodies the western spirit with a large stone porch, welcoming terrace and […]

Western Adventures: Black Hills – Part II

June 2nd, 2022: With a few hours of daylight left, I decided to explore the park a bit before checking into my room at the State Game Lodge. Losing a day of travel due to my Dallas layover, meant I needed to be mindful of time and use every minute to ensure I enjoyed all […]

Western Adventure: Black Hills Part I

This is my travelogue from my ‘Western Adventures’ from the rugged Black Hills of South Dakota onward to the Bighorns of Wyoming and wonders of Yellowstone National Park and beyond. This is a journal of my adventures…thanks for joining me virtually. June 2nd, 2022: As I last reported, I encountered a bit of ‘turbulence’ in […]

Planes, Shuttles and Automobiles: Raleigh to Dallas/Rapid City

I started my great western adventure on June 1st with a 1 pm. ET flight from RDU bound for Dallas. In theory, I would land in Dallas in roughly 3 hours (around 3:22 p.m. CT) and then have a three hour layover before boarding a flight bound for Rapid City and The Black Hills. I […]