Chris Pelczarski prepares to hide Easter eggs on the summit of Devils Tower

Chris “Tater Tot” Pelczarski, 30 — The climber, caver, storyteller, and Chicago transplant chimes in on rock climbing in the Black Hills and the importance of enjoying what you do.

I had never seen a cattle guard. I was like, “what’s that metal thing on the road?” I didn’t even know there were lots of gravel roads in the United States still.

When you’ve been underground for four days straight and you come out the world looks huge. That’s a neat experience.

The ice under one of my crampons gave way and as I fell back the tree root ripped out of the ground. At that point I know I’m going for a ride. I’m flying straight backwards. The three rules of ice climbing are, “don’t fall, don’t fall, and don’t fall.” I broke all three rules. I fell onto my ice screw and came to a stop hanging upside down with my head one foot off the ground.

I’ve climbed the Needle’s Eye seven times, and every time I’ve drank at least one or two beers before.

We climbed Devils Tower in Easter Bunny costumes on Easter. We hid Easter eggs on top for other climbers to find.

You’re always trying to climb your Everest whatever it is you want to do but what’s most important is to have fun along the way. If you can’t make it your own thing, if it’s just a list of things you’ve done. Who cares?

If you’re going out there to impress people you’re not going to gain much.

The naked ice climb inspired a lot of people. I thought someone would drive by and see me and go on through their day saying, “You’ll never believe what I saw today- a guy climbing a frozen waterfall naked!” I just wanted to make someone’s day. It made national news.

I’ve gotten into some serious situations climbing. I’ve described it as moments you wish you had a red button that you could push and just get out. That’s what I enjoy most about climbing. You’re growing personally. That’s what counts. Resisting that temptation to wish there was a red button.

I’m lucky that I don’t apply for the type of jobs where people Google my name.

Anyone interested in rock climbing during a trip to the Black Hills should contact Hill City-based Sylvan Rocks Climbing School & Guide Service by clicking the link or calling 605-484-7585.

 To learn more about climbing the Black Hills please visit the Black Hills Climbers Coalition.

 Chris’s work can be found at The Enlightened Image

This series introduces you to some of the unique faces that call the Black Hills home. Do you know someone that Black Hills visitors would enjoy reading about? Let us know by sending me a message in the “email this author” link below.

Shayne Porch is a pickup man for the Black Hills Stock Show Professional Saddle Bronc Match, seen here gathering his tools of the trade next to his horse, Sachett. Photo courtesy of Heidi Porch

I’m just a guy that when the buckin’ horses are out and when the whistle blows you gotta go make sure the cowboys are safe, then make sure the horses are safe. You’re the last on the list.

South Dakota is the greatest place to live. The people here are easy to get along with, they are friendly and they’ll give you a lending hand if they can.

Rodeo is about the adrenaline rush of actually doing it and meeting people and people appreciating what you do. I ain’t in it for the money.

I’ve been kicked a few times and stepped on plenty of times, nothing serious at all, I was in the hospital one time and it wasn’t any big deal.

People’s lives count on you doing your job, there’s some tension there but if you know what you’re doing, it usually works.

I can be who I am. I don’t have an 8-5. Ranching won’t make you rich but you can be comfortable. I have my freedom.

In the life I’ve chosen you don’t get a paycheck day-to-day or hourly. When you sell your cattle on a given day that’s all you make and sometimes you don’t make anything. It’s a good life but if the market is bad you gotta be ready to take what you get and hopefully go on. There’s nothing I can do about it. Hopefully the bankers feel that way too.

People get screwed up in rodeo. It happens. Even the good guys get hurt. It’s just a way of life.

Rodeos are supposed to have insurance but I wouldn’t count on it. I might end up toothless.

This nasty scar on my chin? Living the wild life. Got in a bar fight and got hit. Split her wide open. The guy that did it said he’d haul me to the hospital to get it stitched, but I thought ‘na, I ain’t doing that’.  We’re still buds. Actually he’s about one of my best friends anymore.

My girls stole my heart. I know they’ll be cowgirls someday. I always said I wanted a boy but these two girls of mine are just as much fun as any boy, I guarantee you that.

My father taught me to respect people, to treat them the way you want to be treated and the general life of being a rancher.

*Thank you, Shayne for taking the time to become entry #1 into our new series, “Black Hills Folk Stories”. This series introduces you to some of the unique faces that call the Black Hills home. Do you know someone that Black Hills visitors would enjoy reading about? Let us know by sending me a message in the “email this author” link below. 

I spent my Saturday discovering the allure of cross-country skiing in the Black Hills with the desire to offer a snapshot of the area through the activity. My company on this trip was Pam, a downhill skier. I’m always delighted when I talk someone into a new outdoor excursion with me, mainly because many of my friends know better—I occasionally bump into more adventure than I seek. Pam has only known me for a few months so it didn’t take much convincing before we found ourselves at the Big Hill Trail Network eight miles south of Spearfish where 13.6 miles of expertly groomed trail awaited our arrival.

The sheer beauty of the Black Hills never ceases to amaze me. The snow glistened brightly in stark contrast to the dark ponderosa pine. I felt the sun warming my face and a smile spread from ear to ear. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be,” I thought to myself, sinking into a peaceful bliss. Little did I know, my little moment of Zen would quickly vanish once my ski tips pointed downward for my first steep descent.

While I have cross-country skied a handful of times, I’m most definitely not a skier. I don’t downhill ski, water ski, jet ski, or even skee ball; however, within a couple of minutes I was able to keep my balance and almost looked like I belonged on the trail. I started to pick up speed and my confidence grew so much that on a gradual descent I pulled out my SLR camera and started snapping some photos.

Through the lens of my camera I noticed I was accelerating. “No big deal,” I thought and let the camera hang from my neck. In reality, what lay ahead was akin to a local bunny slope, but for me it might as well have been a double black diamond.

It occurred to me that skis don’t have brakes, and I didn’t have the slightest clue how to slow down!  I looked ahead at Pam to try and mime her movements. Pam is quite graceful on a pair of skis so my attempts at recreating her style proved to be futile.  The trees began zipping by faster as I looked for an open area to throw myself into. No dice—a beautiful aspen grove closed in and sealed my demise… and Pam’s.

“I’m sorry!” I yelled out to her. I didn’t even consider shouting a more practical, “heads up!” or “look out!” I apologized because I knew exactly what was about to happen. Much like the perfect bowling ball release hooks into that last remaining pin, Pam went tumbling down.

I opened my eyes to see our skis tangled up and gear scattered in all directions.

“You’re really good at this!” Luckily she was laughing.

From that point on, I took the lead. I continued falling but my morale never faltered.

As Pam and I neared the trailhead, I realized that after my first spill I’d hardly taken any photos. In fact, I was so busy trying to keep my bones intact that I entirely forgot about my plan to write about my day.

“What do you think I should write about this,” I asked Pam.

“How awesome you are at skiing,” she responded, unable to hide her cheeky grin. “I don’t know. What do you think about it?”

I paused a moment to reflect.

“Vast amounts of peace, quiet and concentration, punctuated by brief moments of sheer terror!”

Pam started laughing. “You’re not exactly selling it!”

At this point I realized that this “emerald isle in a sea of prairie,” doesn’t need to be sold. Thinking I can capture the essence of the Black Hills in a blog is like shooting a photo of the Grand Canyon and expecting my friends back home to feel the wonder and awe I felt descending the Bright Angel Trail.  If you’ve spent any time in the Black Hills you know what I’m saying. This place sells itself.

*A big thank you to the Black Hills Nordic Ski Club and U.S. Forest Service for maintaining our ski trails!

We’ve finally made it past the shortest day of the year, but if you’re like me it’s dark before you go to work and dark when you get off of work. A quick Google search tells me it would take an act of Congress to abolish Daylight Saving Time. I’m not holding my breath. So in the last few weeks I’ve found several ways to embrace the long hours of darkness that fall upon us in the Black Hills this time of year.

1- Adapt “daytime” hobbies into nighttime activities
For me, a day on the bike is never a bad day.The mountain biking community has exploded since I first left the area, and there is a reason. While it’s easy to let your bike collect dust in the winter, it doesn’t have to. An investment in a good headlamp pays dividends. Not only can you still ride at night, it’s a whole new sport! An added benefit is the satisfaction from knowing you cheated the season and still got a ride in despite the conditions.

Beans stands guard during a break on Buzzard’s Roost trail. Photo: AJ Miller

The same principle applies to hiking…

The infamous Poet’s Table in Custer State Park becomes an entirely new place in the dark.

2- Make the best of winter sports

I had almost forgotten what snow looked like before our recent flurries. Yes, we’re experiencing a drought, but our ski resorts are open!

Skiers enjoy the Kussy Run at Terry Peak on Saturday. Photo: Pam Altepeter

…and don’t forget that if the turns get too icy, they do serve beer!

The Dark Horse was equally popular on Saturday. Photo: Sarah Krysl

3-Experiment with nighttime photography

You don’t have to be a professional to shoot photos at night. Many of today’s point-and-shoot cameras allow you to control f/stop and shutter speeds. Night photography can be a great way to get outside when it’s dark. If you own an SLR and can’t seem to get off that “auto” setting, grab a tripod and just have some fun! It’s a great way to learn about your camera and experiment with different types of light.

I wouldn’t recommend trying this at home, but if you must, send me a message and I’ll tell you how I did it.

The Rapid City skyline at night from Dinosaur Park.

4- Take advantage of weekend daylight

Don’t forget that we still average 275 days of sunshine a year! I make an effort to spend as many hours as possible outside on the weekend and my dog is thanking me.

Max refuses to come inside when there is snow on the ground

5- Cheer on the home team

As an old school 90’s Rapid City Thrillers fan, it’s exciting to see the area is able to support a sports team once again. GO RUSH!!!

Photo: Mike Schroeder

6- Kick back with a warm beverage

I’m starting to believe that my coffee habit has more to do with how much I love a warm drink in hand than caffeine dependence. Since moving back to South Dakota, I’m  frequenting all the new coffee shops. The Seattle’s Best in the Hotel Alex Johnson is my favorite so far- friendly staff, good coffee and plenty of room!

Photo credit: tonx / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA

7- Organize a weekly event with friends 

It doesn’t even really matter what it is, having a weekly scheduled time to get together with friends is a must. I find that a weekly visit to the Yoga Studio keeps me sane through the week.

Photo credit: Lucy Boynton / Foter / CC BY

8- Spend some time in Main Street Square

Just try frowning when you’re ice skating.

Skaters enjoy the Main Street Square Ice Rink Sunday night.

9- Try a new restaurant 

Rapid City has seen an influx of locally-owned restaurants and bars. Let’s keep it this way by supporting them.

The garlic basil naan at The Everest Cuisine keeps me coming back

10- When stuck inside, make it fun!

There will always be those days that it’s just too nasty to be outside. Just because you can’t play outside doesn’t mean you can’t play inside! Use the harsh weather to prepare for spring.

Tiffiny Durham bouldering at the Athletic Club in Rapid City