My health and wellness update takes a bit of a left turn this week. I am fine and I have been fine, but I took a break from my regular workouts last week to take a trip with my daughter Jennifer.
Our first day (Wednesday) was spent driving to Rapid City, South Dakota. We were in my daughter’s Jeep and she did all of the driving – driving, driving, and more driving! Between taking the long route to cross the border, slowing down for every small town along the way, slowing down for road construction between small towns, and taking a hundred mile detour to go for lunch in Williston, North Dakota, we managed to make the eight hour drive in thirteen hours. We finally arrived in Rapid City, checked into our hotel, and ran into my brother Pete and his wife Janice when we stepped out of the elevator on the forth floor. We went our separate ways for supper but met up (this time, as we had planned) for breakfast the next morning.
After a few hours of shopping in Rapid City, we all drove to Chadron, Nebraska to celebrate my sister Jeanne’s birthday. We spent a couple of days with family, friends, and an adorable little dog named Buddy. Despite the fact that this was somewhat of a surprise party for my sister (as she was unaware that the Canadian half of us would be there) she and her husband Don were as warm and welcoming as ever. Our time in Nebraska was great.
Late Friday afternoon, we turned back north and drove to Sturgis, South Dakota. That was a relatively short and uneventful drive. We turned in early after a good supper in one of the local bars.
On Saturday, we headed into the Black Hills. We stopped in Deadwood for a stroll around their scenic main street and did some shopping. We left with a few good memories and a lot of South Dakota Beef Jerky.
After Deadwood, we took the scenic route South to a bar in Lead for lunch and on to Mount Rushmore.
The drive through the hills was beautiful and relaxing. Of course, I wasn’t the one maneuvering around hairpin curves, through rock tunnels, and on gravel detours.
From here we headed to Mount Rushmore. I didn’t take any photos. I did go up to the main area and in to the gift shop for a few minutes but I sat on a bench while Jen walked to the look out point. When she got back, we left and made one more quick stop at a small tourist town, drove to Rapid City and back to Sturgis.
Sunday morning we headed back to Canada.
A few notes on our trip:
– The Americans we met along the way we’re as friendly and good natured as ever. 🤗
– The food was great but the restaurant meals just did not sit well with me. 🙃
– My lungs struggled. I don’t know why for sure but I felt much better as soon as we got home.
– My daughter is an amazing driver. I knew that but I had forgotten how good she is!
– The border crossings were quick and easy. No problem whatsoever!
– I was surprised by the lack of traffic – anywhere, everywhere, even during the Memorial Day weekend.
– It was good to go, a great time there, and a joy to be back home!
Take care and have a good day! 🌞💗
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 