volksmarch hike

Out of breath and out of shape...but I didn't give up.

Well, that was exhausting and breathtaking.  I'm definitely out of shape and had to take several breaks while Tyler and two friends trekked ahead of me.  The Crazy Horse Volksmarch is held once a year at the very beginning of June and I was finally here to partake in it.  If I'm not mistaken, I've heard they may open up another Volksmarch in September during the Buffalo roundup.  
 

Here we are at the beginning of our hike through the hills to get to Mr. Crazy Horse.

The Volksmarch is a 10k (6.2 miles) up hill to the top of the Crazy Horse monument.  My legs were screaming after the first uphill walk, but seeing moms pushing strollers, dads carrying kids, and 80 year old hikers marching ahead of me motivated me to keep going.  The view on the top of the monument was incredible and well worth the march.  

For all of you who are interested in the doing the march, which I highly recommend, know that there are 4 check points throughout with drinks and snacks for purchase and ever so clean port-o-potties.  There are also many, many great picnic spots to stop and rest.  I saw several groups and families stop along the way, enjoy their own packed snacks, and the beautiful weather. 

Bring water and snacks if you don't want to purchase any on the way up.  Also, wear layers.  It was perfect weather for a good hike.  The temperature dropped as we hiked higher and the South Dakota wind was strong on top of the monument, but I only wore my sweatshirt on top of the monument.  Just remember you don't want to over pack...you will be carrying whatever you bring for a good 6 miles uphill.  

Getting closer!!!

And closer...

 Warning: you will see many, many, many people picking Crazy Horse's nose or trying to "squeeze" his head.  We were no different.  

For those of you who missed the march this year, enjoy some of our pics from the top!  Check out http://crazyhorsememorial.org/?s=volksmarch for more info on the monument and the Volksmarch.

 

one year stronger

We made it!!!  Celebrated our 1st year anniversary in South Dakota the only way we knew how...horse back riding in the Black Hills and a delicious dinner made by Tyler (and I helped!). Plus, we finally received our Wedding DVD the day before our 1 year anniversary, so we stayed up on our anniversary crying our eyes out, laughing hysterically, and enjoying our wedding all over again.

I'm trying to follow the traditional wedding anniversary gift guide.  The first year anniversary gift is "paper."  I made a Shutterfly book of our Top 10 moments this past year as well as a Top 50 reasons I love you book.  Next year is cotton.  I wonder how I'm going to pull that one off...

Woke up to flowers, a card, and the most beautiful note on my mirror.  Ignore my fantastic bed hair.

I'm thinking this will be the only anniversary where we have snow on the ground.  I doubt April 26th is a popular snow date.

I have found my new love.  Horse back riding is unreal especially when you are in the Black Hills surrounded by snow.  Our guide let us run with our horses.  I could not wipe the smile off my face even if you paid me to try.  I cannot wait until family comes to visit so we can take them for a horseback riding tour of the hills. 

Our horses were so well trained and knew what they were doing.  It was quite funny.  My horse, Trigger, did not want Tyler's horse to pass us up.  Trigger would begin to jog if Tyler pulled up close behind or on the side of us.  Apparently, Trigger is controlling and likes to be the leader...sounds just like my kind of horse!

Thinking of going horseback riding??? We loved our trail guide, Andy.  He owns his own trail riding company and was amazing!  Check out his site: http://www.andystrailrides.com/.  We won't be using any other person.  Andy was calm, funny, and knew all about the Black Hills.  His horses were brilliant and also knew all about the Black Hills.  It was incredible how the horses know where to go...guess they've been trained well.  

Andy leading the way!

devil's bathtub

I have found a little piece of heaven and it's called "Devil's Bathtub." 

Tyler wasn't game for coming with me so onward I went.  Mom, don't get too worried!  There were many people along the trail.  I passed a family with kids, some local twenty-somethings, and hiked back with another group.  The trail was super easy to follow compared to Hippie Hole and I didn't lose my keys.  The temperature is much cooler in the Black Hills.  It dropped from 70 degrees to 60.  The creek was FREEZING so I made sure not to fall in; however, almost had a tumble once or twice.  

If you know how to get to Bridal Veil Falls, then you can easily find the trail to Devil's Bathtub.  Coming from Spearfish, you pass Bridal Veil Falls and then about 2 miles afterward you take a left on Cleopatra.  Park and follow the trail to the right of the bridge.  
I can't wait to take this hike again.  I didn't venture farther down the trail but hear there is an even more narrow trail with more falls.  Guess that'll have to wait for our next trip to Spearfish.

Check out the videos below!

Fall is gorgeous here.  This picture doesn't do it justice.  The yellow leaves are so bright and every now and then I come across a tree with stunning, red leaves. 

Not the most flattering pic, but I had to prove it was me out there.

The creek was so peaceful, beautiful, and COLD.

Devil's Bathtub. 

thibaults keeping busy

The Thibaults enjoying the sun and cold water in Speafish.

Bridal Veil Falls photo op with the "honeymooners."

Spearfish Canyon Creek.

Between setting up our home, setting up my library, and entertaining guests, Ty and I have been keeping pretty occupied.  Tyler's dad came in for the weekend and we did some serious exploring.  

We drove all over "west river."  For you southern folks, people up here have divided the state in two: West River and East River...the river being the Missouri.  Took me a little while to figure that one out, but had much help from my fellow librarians.  

First trek through Sturgis.  We have already seen tons of bikers and I felt left out.  Can't wait to see JOURNEY at the Sturgis Rally!

Tyler was not being a good sport...

Main Street.  NOT busy...JUST WAIT.

 The roads here have been heavily populated with bikers.  One almost took us out, well, we almost took him out.  Everyone is preaching safety, so hopefully everyone remains safe.  I'm so pumped about the Sturgis Rally.  I'm heading to Goodwill tomorrow in search of leather.  I want to fit in this coming week with the thousands of other biker tourists.  Look for a fun blog update about my adventures at Sturgis.  Tyler is not looking forward to it, but I did bike several miles uphill just for him when we first moved...I think he can trek through several miles of bikers for me. 

Spearfish Canyon creek.

Tyler had to climb up to see the falls for a closer view.  He's insane.  Pretty sure our insurance will not cover injuries sustained at Bridal Veil Falls. 

 Traveling through Spearfish Canyon was stunning and truly awe inspiring.  Free with the exception of gas, anyone can drive through and stop at Bridal Veil Falls.  If you look at the top of the waterfall, the pattern mimics that of a bridal veil.  Neat!  We loved the scenic route a bit too much and took a very long "detour" to get back to the city.  Instead of making our way back to Deadwood, we ended up in Hill City.  The joys of getting lost on dirt roads and trying to figure out how to get to civilization without being able to use our iPhones is always entertaining.  I finished a whole book on day 1 of our travels.  

The gorgeous view Tyler got from climbing so high.

Do you see it?  The veil?

The water was cool, refreshing, and "clean"

We made a stop at Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.  Both allowed us in for FREE since Tyler is an active military man.  From what I remember, Mt. Rushmore has a parking fee of around $10-15 and Crazy Horse has an insane fee of $30.  Tyler and I both agreed that Crazy Horse memorial is great; however, not worth that much money.  We would suggest going with someone who is active or waiting until the Volksmarch in June.  We weren't able to get any closer to the monument on just this regular visit.  It is rather cool though that the monument has not accepted any federal funding and plans on obtaining money through the "people."  Most probably why the price to get into the museum was so high.  

I am looking forward to going back on September 6th for their night blast.  Also, check out their website for days when admission is free!  You can find their info at  http://www.crazyhorsememorial.org/pdf/2012-calendar-of-events.pdf .

Day 2 of Mr. Rudy's trip included fishing with Rob (and time for me to catch up on some school work...and read of course).  After having seafood gumbo on Day 1 thanks to Mr. Rudy and Tyler's mad cooking skills, we had some delicious fried fish thanks to Tyler's mad fishing abilities.  We are waiting on our DuceRod (hint, hint).  What a great couple of days for both me and my ever growing appetite for Tyler's cooking. 

I'm so spoiled!

Gumbo from the night before.