Mt. Rushmore & Black Hills

Today was a nature day & I completely loved it. 

Of course I checked out Mt. Rushmore, but I was most excited to explore the Black Hills National Forrest/ Custer State Park area.

Beautiful Place

Walking the plank! 

Unfortunately the trail on Harney's Peak was going to be too rough to climb due to the snow, so I settled for a much smaller/flatter trail instead. I ended up doing a trail called Iron Creek which was about a 2 mile hike. It was a pretty flat trail but you did have to cross multiple streams. Those planks hand to be my favorite part. I attempted to clean the snow off from the wood to get safety across. A few times I just sort of said, forget it and quickly tip toed across. In all honestly I think the snow made the hike a lot more fun!

Snowy Trail

After some quality hiking I drove through the entire park to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife. I saw SO MANY prairie dogs! Which was awesome because I was a bit bummed I didn't see them at the bad lands. I must have saw at least 20 deer as well, but no buffalo. Sigh. Maybe they are waiting for me in Wyoming.

Really I don't have much to report on because today was really just about being present in nature. I did a lot of reflecting and gave myself an opportunity to just be. I don't think I do that enough even though I really try to.

All in all a great day. Excited to see whats next :)

xoxo

Becca 

Bad Lands National Park

I woke up from a very restful night of sleep to find out that it was snowing! Although I knew it was coming it was still a bit of a shock to see snow coming down in May. It wasn't supposed to be too bad, so I dug through the trunk of my car to find all the layers I owned and set out on my bad lands adventure.

What are the bad lands?

It is acres and acres of land within South Dakota that is made up of beautiful rock spires with a lot of prairies surrounding it. It was named the bad lands because the terrain and weather is very harsh, not allowing much vegetation to grow in the area.

Overlook at Door Trail

After just a few miles of entering into the park I saw 3 bighorn casually grazing on the side of the road. Unfortunately there was no space to pull over and take a picture which I was a little bit bummed about.

First thing first: I headed straight to the trail because I knew the weather was just going to progress throughout the day. My first plan of action was check out the door trail which has a well known scenic overlook. This trail wasn't much of a trail, just a short walk on a well planned out boardwalk.

Right next to the door trail was the trail head to the Notch Trail, which is about a mile and a half round trip and the park considers "moderate to strenuous" hike. This hike was absolutely awesome! (Not to mention much needed for my well being). It provided stunning views of the rock formations and wasn't too difficult of a climb at all. At one point there is a log ladder that you have to climb up to continue hiking up on the rock's ledge. I thought it would be much more intense, but not scary at all. Eventually the hike ends with a pretty nice view over the entire valley. Unfortunately my camera wasn't working properly (I think because it was so cold) So I only have cell phone pictures to capture the views.

Notch Trail, to the left you can see the wooden ladder I climbed

Medicine Root Trail Marker

After the Notch Trail I hopped into my car to make my way to the visitor's center to get a recommendation of what other trails I could do while in the park. The ranger first recommended the Castle Trail (10 miles round trip) along with the Medicine Root Loop (4 miles round trip). I decided to stick with the Medicine Root Loop because the weather was starting to pick up. Also, the Medicine Root Loop takes you through the prairie so I thought it would be cool to get a different view point of the park sense I just hiked through the rocks.

That hike... oh my. What a mixture of emotions it was. First off, you have to understand that the wind at the Bad Lands is like no other, and it is a constant, non-stop thing. Secondly, the snow was starting to pick up rapidly at that point of the day. I actually got lost finding the trail head because the signs were completely covered with snow. Eventually I found them and started out on the hike. The first 45 minutes was absolutely wonderful! I was slipping around a lot because it was very muddy, but I was having a ton of fun and really enjoying the scenery. Then about 45 minutes in I had to turn to start completing the Medicine Loop. Well... it was at that point that I realized my back had been facing the wind the entire time. It was dead flat and I had a face full of snow and wind flying into my face. I could barely open my eyes! Then the trail started to get a bit treacherous. Basically there were giant puddles and pools of water that I had no choice but to go straight through. It wouldn't be too big of a deal, but I was chilled to the bone and wet feet weren't helping. There was one stretch of water I had to stomp through that was about 10 feet across and the water was halfway to my knees.  I am not going to lie, at that moment I was absolutely miserable. I was starting to talk to myself to keep motivated, I think I was loosing my mind. If I'm honest I was actually on the verge of tears and I couldn't quite figure out why. Maybe it was the cold, maybe it was the fact that I was alone, or maybe it was the fact that it was hitting me that PA is no longer my home. Whatever it was, I was feeling beaten down.

Medicine Root Loop: Looking for the markers

But actually it was strange, there was this one really serene/surreal moment where I swear to god I was hallucinating. I got to the top of a small hill, just after walking through the pools of water, and saw a deer not too far in the distance. It was running, and then suddenly stopped and was just staring at me. I was surprised that there was even any signs of life at this point (did I mention how cold it was?!) 

So I kind of just stared back at the deer in awe. I stood there for about 30 seconds and we were both just standing still staring at one another. Then I decided to break the stares and keep on going. I was trying to draw some meaning from the experience, like it was supposed to rejuvenate my spirit or something. But, only 5 minutes later I was feeling rather miserable again. So, who really knows what it means. I guess I will have to do some further reflection. 

Let me tell you, I have never felt so incredibly happy to see my car! I sprinted to it and starting blasting the heat on to my feet. Although I didn't love every minute of that hike, I am really glad I did it. The whole time I was thinking about this quote about the Bad Lands that I saw in the visitors center. It was something about giving into nature and leaning into the wind. I tried, but I honestly think the conditions were too harsh for me to "give in". However, there was something strangely powerful about being the only one out on the trail in such a desolate place. I guess at the end of the day I did feel some sense of accomplishment.

Mountain Goat 

After that hike I decided that I was going to to the bad lands auto loop to see if I could spot any wildlife or find and other overlooks. I spent a good hour driving around and then jumping out of my car to take pictures. Around 5:30 pm I was feeling really tired so I thought it would be best to leave the park and find my home for the night. Luckily, just as I was leaving the park I saw a small herd of mountain goats on the side of the road! This time I didn't care about finding a place to park so I jumped out of my car and attempted some pictures with my phone. They aren't perfect, but they are something. How awesome is it that I was welcomed by wildlife and then again parted with one last visit.

It was also a good thing I didn't stay any longer because the roads started to become really bad. The highway wasn't plowed and there was barely any visibility. I was driving a good 40 mph in a 80 mph zone. Not all of the cars behind me were happy about this.

Unfortunately, that snow continued all throughout the night and is still going strong even into next day. This has left my cooped up in my motel for the entire day. Yes, I am not happy about this but I don't have much of a choice. Winter storm Venus has done me in. Tomorrow it is supposed to clear up so I am hoping to see Mt. Rushmore and do a few small hikes in the Black Hills. Then it will be off to Wyoming!

xoxo

Bad Lands Becca 

Day 3: Iowa & South Dakota

I started off with an early morning and made my way to Hawkeye Point, Iowa's high point. 

First thoughts of the morning, BRRRR. It is freezing! I can't believe how sweltering hot it was when I was driving the past 2 days and here I am shivering in the motel parking lot as I am getting into my car. Seriously, I got a sunburn from yesterday's drive. I drove past a sign on my way to the high point notifying me that it was 46 degress. A mere 12 hours ago was it near 80. What strange weather. 

The actual high point wasn't too hard to find, which surprised me because I didn't have an address for it. I actually could see it from off the highway (I recognized it from pictures I saw). 

The high point is literally in a family's backyard! I actually parked in their driveway. It's okay, apparently the family loves to have guests visit the high point, and it was a convenient place to park :)

But wow. It was clear how much the landowners are dedicated to this sign. This family/community does an excellent job taking good care of the high point. It was a beautiful area with a mosaic marker and a pretty scenic view (for how flat Iowa is). They also set up a little mini "Hakweye Point Museum" displaying different farm equipment. There were directional signs right after the marking pointing to where other states high points were. It was fun to see some familiar names :) 

Additionally, there was a small little lookout tower, a guest book, and license plates sent to the family from all different states (presumably people who have visited). Both NH and PA were there! Although I had to put on all of the layers of clothing I had access to, it was still 100% worth it. Although these flat high points are not much of a hike, it definitely still makes you feel connected to a community of people trying to see as many as possible. There was a guy who signed the guest book 2 days ago saying that he was off to South Dakota next. I was standing there thinking about the possibility of running into him at Harney's Peak (SD high point). I guess it is those small realizations/thoughts that make me love doing this journey solo.  

At the High Point 

After stretching my legs and enjoying a few last moments in Iowa I was back on the road and heading to Mitchell, South Dakota to see the famous Corn Palace. I have to say.... there is not much to report on this. Unfortunately the Corn Palace was undergoing some renovations so there was not much to see. I did get a good idea of what the Palace looks like in its full glory, but overall I was pretty underwhelmed. Inside the Corn Palace there were a ton of construction workers and painters tearing the place apart. On the one intact part of the place (this big auditorium) there was a high school graduation rehearsal going on. Like I said, pretty uneventful. Monica will be so disappointed! 

However, one good thing did come out of my visit to the Corn Palace. One of the workers informed me that it is going to snow all weekend in the Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore, & Harney Peak area. GASP.  I was shocked/still am. Since I had time to kill I went exploring in the downtown Mitchell area and found a small thrift shop where I bought a hat and mittens for $1 total. Who would of thought that I should have packed those things for this trip? Well at least now I am a little bit more prepared. 

After that small stop I was back on the road to complete some more driving. Since I didn't spend as  much time at the Corn Palace, as I thought I would, I had a lot of time to kill. Also, I didn't account for another time zone change so I did not want to waste the precious day light hanging out in a motel.

Luckily on the way I saw multiple signs for an authentic 1880 western town so I decided to stop and check it out. I was actually really surprised at how cool this place was. Literally it is all buildings and artifacts from 1880 that they preserved and moved all into one area mimic a mock town.

When I first walked in I felt like I was instantly stepping into the past. It was eerie and a bit surreal. There wasn't anyone else there when I first arrived, so that certainly added to the effect. The place itself was surrounded by miles and miles of empty land, so that made it feel very realistic to me. It looked and felt like the only town on the planet. 

I spent a solid hour walking around and channeling my 1800 self. I was trying to picture what it would actually be like living in that time period and imaging if this place was my home. I think my favorite building in the town was the school house along with a church that was a bit separated. Besides the buildings, as I mentioned before I think the outside of the buildings and the effect they made was definitely he coolest part.

School House

Next it was on to a place called Wall Drug. This place.... Well, I decided to stop there because there were signs popping up advertising for it literally every 5-10 miles for the previous 250 miles. I even saw a sign back in Illinois for it! I had to go to see what all the hype was about. Maybe I got there a little too late in the day or something, but I just didn't get it. It essentially is a huge country store that has a few quirky things like a giant mechanical dinosaur as well as a giant bunny you can sit on. I suppose during peak times there are cool things for kids to do, but I was tired and it was nearing the end of the day so I was feeling a bit jaded about making the drive there. 

Inside Wall Drug

Now I am back at my temporary home gearing for the few days ahead. I guess I have some decisions to make about my hiking plans due to this severe weather storm advisory. I have really been looking forward to Harney Peak, a high point that I actually have to hike to get to. If it is snowing as bad as it is supposed to, I am not sure if it is even going to possible. For now all I can do is get a good nights sleep and prepare for a day in the Band Lands tomorrow!

All the best,

Becca 

Day 2: Iowa's Grotto

How to sum up today?

SO MUCH DRIVING.

I got so bored that I actually recorded myself talking about the journey. Here is what I had to say (almost verbatim) during the last stretches of today's leg:

"So I am 600 miles in on Day 2. I am in the middle of Iowa and I'm extremely bored and feeling tired. I have 72 more miles to go to get to the Grotto of the Redemption and then 30 more miles after that to get to the motel.  I don't really feel emotional or weird about leaving Etown to be honest. I'm not having an existential crises or any "coming of age", life-lessons moments. I just am driving and not really thinking. I don't know if that's bad or what. Part of me thinks it has something to do with technology. I think if I wasn't using a GPS and using a real map and being resourceful maybe it would be different. Also being able to connect instantly with friends through snap chat, calling, and texting. It doesn't have that same feeling, that I am going so far away. But when I arrive I am going to change my car clock because I did switch time zones. Granted, I will have to change it again in a day or so. But still, maybe it will help me feel like I am moving. Not that I am asking for an existential crises, don't get me wrong. I just feel like, when is this all going to hit me? More so than just the trip, but dealing with the reality that college is finally over and life from here on out is going to be different. Iowa is.... well it's really flat. It's kind of beautiful in it's own way. But I feel like my tiredness makes me not appreciate it as much. I wish there were winding roads, curves, hills, because that would at least make it more interesting. But the clouds are amazing! Super fluffy, huge, they look like cotton candy. They look so close it's almost like you could grab them. Maybe it's just an illusion because the road ahead is so stinkin flat. Wow. How sad is it that clouds are the most entertaining part of my day?"

Eventually after I made those painstakingly long 72 miles I made it to the Grotto of the Redemption. Throughout the trip I was seriously beginning to think that this place is absolutely not worth it. It is barely out of the way from my main route but I guess I was thinking about tomorrow and how much driving I also have to do then. Like, I could take those 20 minutes away from the Grotto and put them towards the travel tomorrow. I think I was going a little crazy in the car debating this with myself. 

But wow! It was so worth it. I don't know if it really would be worth it to everyone, but after that long day it was much needed. This place is legit in the middle of nowhere. The farms I drove past on the way were absolutely beautiful, and something about those clouds!  In the last 10 minutes of the drive they were looking purple , I think it was because it was raining in the distance. (Hopefully I really wasn't loosing my mind)

But right, Grotto. What is it? Well, it is essential a giant monument that has 9 grotto, or caves. Each cave has a religious scene, most of them from Christ's life. The entire monument and grottos are covered head to toe in stones, gems, and minerals. It is absolutely gorgeous. The site is actually the largest man-made Grotto in the world, and it also has the largest collection of precious stones and gems in the world! Pretty cool. 

But I was really blown away by the intricate details of the grottos. It sort of in a weird way reminded me a bit of the Magic Garden in Philly, but I thought this place was actually much cooler. It was like mosaics but with actual gems! I took a short video clip on the inside of the caves because pictures weren't doing it justice. Click here for the link! 

The location was beyond random as well, this place seriously popped up in the middle of nowhere. I was driving miles and miles through farms until suddenly there was a small residential area and along with it the grotto. It was actually across from a lot of houses. Imagine that being the view from your house. So strange Iowa! 

There was also a small little pond with swans so I took my time to poke around, take pictures, and do some reflection. The site is open 24/7 and they have a suggested donation. All in all, definitely a good decision! 

After the grotto I found a place to grab dinner and then got myself settled at the motel. I am wiped. I think I will be in bed long before 10 pm. Tomorrow brings a new day and a new adventure.

Thanks for the support!

xoxo

Becca 

Cross-Country Road Trip: Day 1, Ohio & Indiana

I know its been awhile. I mean, I kind of left ya'll hanging with those Turkey blogs. Long story short: Turkey was fantastic and there were many more adventures from that trip that will just have to go undocumented.

Lets catch you up to speed. This past week I finished my last year of grad school! Ah, can you believe it! This girl has a Masters! :)

My life in bags

It has been a long and tedious journey, but also an incredible one. To finish my program out I will have to complete a final level II psycho-social fieldwork. I'm excited to publicly announce that this summer I have been accepted to complete it through University of Utah's Refugee Resettlement Program in Salt Lake City, UT! I am feeling so incredibly grateful and excited to see where this new chapter will take me.

So today I literally took the plunge. I started my cross-country road trip with the end point of Utah!

I've always wanted to do a cross-country road trip. When I was in ninth grade I remember printing out a map of the USA and pinning it to my wall. I took a big black sharpie and marked a route I thought would be best at the time. I didn't even have my license yet.

So I can't believe that I am actually doing it-this is real, and it is happening now. If only I could see ninth grade Becca's map to see how far off I am from her plans!

The next 10 days I will be driving across the United States hiking high points, seeing quirky offbeat tourist attractions, and of course experiencing national parks and monuments.

So yes, indeed today I started the trip. Leading up to today there was a whirlwind of goodbyes, packing, and planning  (Hence why I didn't blog about it yet). Now that I have a day's worth of travel under my belt and the wanderlust is keeping me awake I'm here to give you the low down on whats happened so far.

DAY ONE:

This morning I woke up at 5 am to do some final packing and to check through my things. My lovely roommate and friend got up with me to do some final goodbye hugs and a send off. After getting gas and money from the ATM I was en route!

The "Over Look" 

Honestly the driving was a blur, the first 5 hours went surprisingly fast. The next 2 weren't as fun.
Eventually a made it to my first destination: the high point of Ohio!

This high point was so funny to me and very unexpected. It was literally in the back of a random career center. You had to park at the career center and walk up a small concrete hill in order to get to the high point.

At the actual site there are a few signs detailing facts about the area along with a flag. While poking around two other older gentlemen from the area joined me. They graciously took pictures for me as well as told me some other fun facts they knew about the high point. After getting some fresh air and signing the guest book I went inside to make a quick bathroom break before making my way to Indiana.

Campbell Hill! 

I ended up having a conversation with two elderly women who were working in the main office of the career center. I told them about my high point dreams as well as my travel/internship plans. They were incredibly impressed and went on about how adventurous I was, especially since I was traveling alone. I was really surprised by their enthusiasm because I guess at that point the trip didn't feel hard, challenging, or even remotely difficult (Side note- the actual traveling part was not hard. The planning process is an entirely different story...) Anyways, it was extremely affirming and was much needed in order to get through the next 2 hours of driving for the day.


Eventually I made it to Richmond, Indiana where I am staying for the night. Richmond is just a few miles from the Ohio border and I choose to stay here because it is very close to the high point of Indiana.

Indiana's high point was well... not so high. What do you expect though, it's Indiana. However, it did have it's charm. So the high point in Indiana doesn't really have an address. Its smack dab in the middle of nowhere, nuzzled in between farmland. I went on a mini back roading adventure and got slightly lost trying to find this place. I eventually found it and got super excited because it actually looked like a trail. An actual trail which would lead me to have an actual hike.

SURPRISE. No hike, not even really a walk. I think the "high" point was a solid 6 feet from where I parked my car. I did have some good fun looking through the guest book and trying to explore some of the wooded area behind the high point. It was very strange to have a high point with no overlook whatsoever. Certainly an interesting experience.

Tomorrow I will have my longest day of driving and I am actually dreading it. I will be driving through Iowa.... I am expecting it to be very flat with lots of corn and not much to entertain me. Hopefully I'll be surprised.

Until tomorrow! 

xoxo, Becca 

High Point Contemplation 

How did I find this place??

Donde Esta?