Nestled inside the stunning Custer State Park and the Black Hills of South Dakota, Sylvan Lake offers visitors an opportunity to experience nature at its best. The pristine lake is surrounded by towering granite cliffs and lush forests, creating a breathtaking backdrop for nature lovers. After a long hike to Black Elk Peak, a swim…
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of those places that surprises you — not because it’s hidden, but because it’s far bigger and more dramatic than you expect. Carved deep into the Texas Panhandle just outside Amarillo, this vast canyon stretches for miles with layered red rock walls, winding trails, and wide-open skies that…
Hiking the Black Elk Peak Trail is considered by many to be the best hike in Custer State Park. The 7.5-mile loop starts near Sylvan Lake and winds through the Black Forest Wilderness area. At the summit, hikers stand on a 7,242-foot granite peak—the highest point in South Dakota. Perched on top of the mountain…
Little Devil’s Tower was one of our favorite hiking destinations when we visited Custer State Park in South Dakota. On our second day in the park, we met a local couple who strongly suggested we climb the rock tower. They were very knowledgeable about the park generally and convinced us we should add the hike…
On a morning in September, the stone spires on the Cathedral Trail in Custer State Park stood tall and imposing. Contrasting the towering rock was a vivid blue-sky background draped with fluffy white cumulus clouds. We were on the trail at the break of day and the picturesque landscape in front of us was stunning….
When we were planning our trip to Arizona, I contacted a person who follows us on Instagram. Knowing she lives in the state, I asked her for recommendations on places to see. She ranked Chiricahua National Monument as her favorite place in the entire state, and she also encouraged us to hike the Echo Canyon…
When we decided to visit White Sands National Park, I wasn’t especially excited. I couldn’t quite explain why. Maybe it was the idea of spending a day surrounded by nothing but sand. That changed almost immediately when we pulled into the parking lot near the visitor center. The landscape didn’t feel like a desert in…
After spending the morning at Carlsbad Caverns, we decided to hike the Slaughter Canyon Cave trail in the afternoon. The trailhead is about 18-miles south of the caverns but still inside the boundaries of the national park. Interestingly, we learned about this hike from a total stranger who we met at the Carlsbad Cavern National…
The art of Boondocking off the grid is popular by many van and recreational vehicle (RV) owners. Simply put, the people who boondock are choosing to camp without electricity, water or sewer hookups. Although this method of RV camping has it’s challenges, it has many advantages too. One of the biggest advantages to boondocking is…
Our van Alice is nimble on pavement, but she can get bogged down quickly in less-than-ideal conditions. Before visiting the area, I wouldn’t have even considered driving her through sand for a South Padre beach camp out. After spending three days on the island and assessing the risks of getting stuck, we decided to go…
The fun thing about being on the road is stumbling onto the unexpected. These moments can be highlights of any road trip in our van. The impromptu wedding in the Flint Hills of Kansas was one of those times for us. While traveling west on I-70 we decided to stop at an overlook and watch…
On a morning that Gail had a two hour conference call, I had some time to kill. Instinctively, I grabbed my camera and went for a walk. A half block later, I found the Pelicans of Padre Island and all the entertainment I needed for a while. Walking along a pier on the bay side…
Goblin Valley State Park in Utah is an area covered with soft sandstone “goblins” and numerous other interesting formations. Truly a surreal place to visit, the odd natural shapes are a result of years of erosion. Walking amongst the goblin formations, we instantly felt like we were in a family friendly playground of sorts. It…
