My time in the Black Hills is nearing an end. I’m packing up and heading to Phoenix by the end of the month to spend a year with the AmeriCorps. It’s going to be quite the change, going from ‘The Mount Rushmore State’ to a state often associated with desert and cactus.

I’m excited for the experience, but I’m going to miss the Black Hills. It’s been a great home for the past 5 years since I first moved here from De Smet to attend Black Hills State University.

Here are some of the things I’m going to miss the most….

-Waking up to the smell of the pine trees from the Black Hills National Forest. It always made the drive to work worth it.
-Hiking, all of the beautiful hiking.
-Going for drives through Spearfish Canyon. Always put me in a good mood, not matter how the day had been going.
-Spending the day at Iron Creek Lake.
-The way the snow looks over the Black Hills. Well, I’ll miss this to an extent. Maybe not this part so much.

-The crazy fun celebrations in Deadwood. Fun was definitely had at Deadweird and on News Year Eve.
-Keeping my eyes open for Jackalopes by Wall Drug.
-The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. After working as a server/bartender for 4 years, I can honestly say, “I love you bikers!” I always had a blast, even when I was working.
-Evening strolls on the River Walk in Belle Fourche.

Black Hills, I’m going to miss you. Don’t worry, I’ll be back to visit soon enough! I’ll have the Black Hills Travel Blog to keep me updated until then.