Goodbye, Black Hills
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.
You will love Arizona in its own way. I grew up in the Black Hills but have been living in the Phoenix area since 2002. You will love the desert sunrises, the rugged mountains, the monsoons, the cactus blossoms, Mexican goldpoppies, and every second of wildflower season – not to mention the wealth of truly delicious and authentic Mexican food. Once you get the desert in your soul, you’ll realize there’s nothing like it.
We already miss you, Heather. Hope you have a great experience in Arizona. Stay in touch.