Welcome to our Van Life blog. The stories highlighted on this website are journals of our favorite places and our best days while traveling. In reality, we have a lot more stories we haven’t posted yet. Our blog is always adding and updating our content. Thank you for visiting our site. We hope you will enjoy our travel journal and will return routinely for travel ideas and information.
TRAVEL SLOW – STOP OFTEN
The Narrow Tunnels of the Needles Highway
At the heart of Custer State Park lies 14 miles of winding pavement called the Needles Highway. Built in the 1920s, the road is an engineering marvel that’s located within the South Dakota Black Hills. Known for its three narrow tunnels, steep climbs, and hairpin turns, the 2-lane road offers park visitors an unforgettable driving… Read more
Stunning Sylvan Lake Offers Something for Everyone
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… Read more
Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Hiking & Camping Guide
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… Read more
Life Flows Like a Stream
Life flows like a stream. When I walk next to a stream, it reminds me of life. I look at the moving water as an analogy with its twists, turns, and uncertainties along the way. It is amazing how streams are so different, as is our journey in life. Some streams start small and change course… Read more
Black Elk Peak Hike: Trail Guide to the Highest Point in South Dakota
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… Read more
The Remarkable Scramble to Little Devil’s Tower
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… Read more