Our week in Hot Springs, South Dakota, was an exciting chapter in our ongoing adventure. Nestled in this charming town after our explorations in Custer, we found ourselves surrounded by new experiences and breathtaking scenery. Let's dive into the details of this remarkable week, shall we?
We began our journey with a travel day, venturing about an hour south of our previous location. Having full hookups was a true luxury, allowing me to indulge in an exceptionally long shower, a simple pleasure that makes life on the road all the more enjoyable. Our destination? The Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival, a captivating event that added a unique twist to our week in Hot Springs.
Arriving at the festival park around 6 PM, admittedly a tad early, we eagerly anticipated the "Glow Around Town" event. This spectacle involved inflating hot air balloons on the ground and lighting them up together, casting a mesmerizing glow that painted the sky with vibrant colors. While we waited in anticipation, we ventured to a charming "book barn," a rare find open only open select days through the year. There, I discovered an old copy of Peter Pan, a delightful addition to our collection. Our evening was made complete with a visit to a food truck, where the ambiance was elevated by a DJ spinning tunes. Unfortunately, strong winds prevented most balloons from fully ascending, but their valiant efforts left us in awe.
The past few days had been packed with adventure, exploring new places and embracing all that this captivating region had to offer. So we finally decided to take it slow and bask in some relaxation.
Lucas, renowned for his grilling skills, decided to work his culinary magic on our trusty Traeger grill that evening. The result? Chicken that was nothing short of spectacular! We spent the evening on our deck with our two furry companions, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
As the day gently faded into night, a spontaneous craving for waffle cones from a local ice cream shop led us into town. We satisfied our sweet tooth and ended the day on a high note.
The next day, we embarked on an exhilarating hike through Custer State Park, following the picturesque Sunday Gulch Trail. This hidden gem wound its way through dense forests, along precipitous cliffs, and past meandering creeks. It felt as if we were stepping into an enchanted forest, surrounded by towering trees and moss-covered rocks.
The highlight of the trail was the descent into Sunday Gulch itself. The path guided us down a series of wooden steps and bridges, into a narrow and rocky canyon. We navigated wooden ladders, scrambled over boulders, and reveled in the soothing sound of flowing water.
Amid this natural beauty, a vibrant pasture next to our camper caught our attention, adorned with yellow flowers.
Upon our return from the hike, darkness had fallen, and to our amusement, a group of cows had chosen to bed down right next to our camper! Stella, our furry watchdog, was taken aback and made quite a fuss. The cows, however, seemed to adore Louie, one of them even leaning over the fence to give him a friendly lick.
As the night grew late, we decided to fire up the grill again, whipping up some delicious smash burgers. Though it was late, and the sun had long set, the experience was undoubtedly worth it, and we couldn't help but chuckle at our unique bovine neighbors.
The following day, we ventured to Cascade Springs and Cascade Falls in the Black Hills National Forest. The springs offered a unique experience, with a local making himself comfortable, complete with a towel and a speaker, in one of the smaller springs. Although chilly, we lingered to appreciate the beauty.
Cascade Falls, on the other hand, buzzed with activity. We opted to view them from the overlooks above, taking in the breathtaking scenery. The abundance of wildflowers added to the charm of the place. As day turned into night, we were treated to a rare sight - a blue supermoon casting a soft, enchanting glow over everything.
With the week progressing, we dedicated a day to practical matters, including a trip to the laundromat to wash our oversized comforter, which refused to fit in our RV's washer. We also devoted time to route planning, fine-tuning our travel plans to include more boondocking.
As the days rolled on, our adventures continued, with a memorable visit to Wind Cave National Park. Though cave tours were unavailable due to a broken elevator, we proudly secured our National Park stamp. We wrapped up the day with a leisurely bike ride, and to our surprise, our bovine friends made a return appearance. This time, we even had the chance to pet a few of them, resulting in a delightful and unexpected encounter.
As our stay in Hot Springs, South Dakota, neared its conclusion, we chose to spend one more day taking care of matters around the camper. From meal prepping to laundry and dishwashing, we ensured everything was in order for our upcoming travel day.
So, that's our week in a nutshell – filled with grilling adventures, unexpected cow encounters, breathtaking hikes, and nights under the stars. Life on the road may be our norm, but each day brings a new chapter in our ever-evolving journey.
📍 𝐿𝑜𝒸𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: Sunrise Ridge Campground | Hot Springs, SD
▶️𝑀𝒾𝓁𝑒𝓈 𝒯𝓇𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓁𝑒𝒹: 0 Miles
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