One More Off The List!

In the year or so that we have been doing this blog, we have mentioned our friend Jay several times.  Well, we are going to do more than mention Jay, this time we are going to feature him!

Jay has a goal.  He wants to visit each of the 50 United States of America.  Chrysa and I continue to move around, and that presents a good opportunity to help Jay with his goal.  It seemed only logical for Jay to come to South Dakota and check another state off his list.

The story picks up the Thursday after the marathon.  Jay flew into Denver and made the drive from Colorado to Rapid City via Wyoming.  Chrysa and I directed him to our house by cell phone and fed him some brats and sweet potatoes.  Jay got in a little later than expected so we did a little catching up and then it was off to bed for the Zachary’s.

Chrysa and I had to work on Friday, so Jay did a self-directed tour of the area.  He managed to hit a lot during the eight hours we were at work.  He caught a view of Mt. Rushmore, visited the Crazy Horse Monument, and did the wildlife loop of Custer state park.  His little rental Yaris got a hell of a workout.

Jay got back to the house pretty much as Chrysa and I were getting home from work.  All 3 of us were hungry and thirsty for some frosty brews.  We ended up taking Jay to Murphy’s Pub and Grill in downtown Rapid.  The atmosphere is awesome and the food is pretty creative.  Anytime there is buffalo meatloaf and elk stroganoff on the menu, you know it’s going to be a good time.  We also had some great local beers to go with our meals.  The first day was a success!

We had a pretty ambitious plan for day two.  Saturday we loaded up our backpacks and headed over to Custer State Park to do some hiking.   We went to Custer via Hill City to note some locations to see on the drive back.  When we got to the park we stopped in the lodge and got a trail map and planned our attack.

The path on the way to Little Devils Tower was well marked and easy to follow.  The terrain was a little rocky and a little wet in spots, there were also some pretty significant uphill sections, but overall it was a fantastic hike.  Things got a little more challenging when we got to the spur trail for Little Devils Tower.  Some fellow hikers informed us that the last section was straight up hill culminating with a boulder crawl.  Being intrepid travelers, we were up for the challenge.

During the final assault we reached a landing at just about the top of the mountain.  This was as far as Chrysa was willing to go.  Chrysa is not a fan of heights.  I was really surprised and proud that she went as high as she did!

With Chrysa’s blessing Jay and I began to summit.  The final yards were a challenging climb along unmarked boulders.  At this point there were no real trails, you simply go up until you’re at the top, or you dare to go no further.

The views at the summit were simply fantastic.  It was a truly exhilarating experience to be on the top of a mountain, taking pics and selfies with Jay.  Truly, it was an experience that will never be duplicated.  Reluctantly, and with considerable urging from Chrysa, we came down from the top and continued our hike along more predictable terrain.

The main path lead us to the Cathedral Spires.  We had seen them from the top of the tower, and now we got to check them out at ground level.  After exploring the spires, Jay and I continued to the end of the trail marker.  I have to say, I felt pretty accomplished doing the whole thing.  We headed back to the car and decided to check out some of the wineries and breweries in Hill City.  I had been a long hike and we deserved to treat ourselves to some food and booze.

Our first stop was Sick and Twisted Brewery.  This place was pretty risqué but a lot of fun.  We split a pizza and got a flight of beer.  The pizza was good and we wolfed it down.  The beer was a little gimmicky but still good, and hit the spot after a long day of climbing mountains.  Chrysa tried the wines and said they were on point.  Maybe we will go back for just wine next time.

We headed down the road and hit Miner Brewing.  Miner is attached to Prairie Berry winery so we knew they were going to be good.  Miner has a more traditional bar set up with a more standard, and solid beer offering.

The 3 of us ordered our beers and really enjoyed them.  Chrysa and I also got a couple of their pot pie things to eat.  They were really delicious.  We were pretty taken with Miner.  The place had a good vibe, and the bartenders were cool.  We decided to get merchandise to support the place.  We are always happy to be walking bill boards.

We walked next door to Prairie Berry after Miner.  The tasting room is pretty impressive and Jay seemed to enjoy the tasting he did.  We purchased some wine and snacks for home and hit the road.

Saturday was ambitious but we had concurred it.  Sunday was going to be a little less strenuous.  We loaded our backpacks again, crammed 3 people and the dog into the car, and headed to the Badlands of South Dakota.

Since we worked out so hard the day before we wanted to take it a little easier on Sunday.  The Badlands are about an hour away from Rapid City.  The plan included the drive out to the Badlands, driving the loop road through the park, stopping at various scenic overlooks, eating a picnic lunch and finally stopping in Wall SD as a point of interest.

We entered the park and were immediately blown away by the views at the first stop.  The vistas in front of us were stunning.  It really reminded me of the Grand Canyon on a smaller scale.  We mostly stuck to the paths and took in as much of the scenery as we could.

We were a little more adventurous at the second stop.  The rules of the park state that you should stick to the designated paths.  However, no one really seems to do that.  Jay and I followed the trend and began climbing on and over the rock formations.

The best stop of the day was the paleontology exhibit and boardwalk area.  This area was adjacent to a hiking trailhead and it offers a little something for everyone.  Chrysa and Twicks were able to stick to the path, read the plaques, and greet the other tourists (Twicks was a big hit) while Jay and I climbed all over the place getting pictures.  We really got out to the edge a couple times.  It was exhilarating and provided the opportunity for some great pics.

After a quick trip to the gift shop to refill our water and buy some souvenirs it was time to leave.  On the way out of the park we took some pictures by the Badlands sign and talked to some fellow tourists.  They were a father and son duo taking a camping trip in the area.  Nice people.

Our time in Wall was pretty uneventful.  We all took turns shopping around a little and refreshing ourselves for the drive back.  After Saturdays hike and all the fun on Sunday I ended up driving while Jay, Chrysa and the dog slept.

By the time we got home we were all starving.  We headed back out and went to the Firehouse Brewing Company to eat some grub and try some of their beers.  We sat outside and enjoyed the perfect South Dakota weather.  It was such a nice night we decided to walk around town and burn off some of our meal while taking in the sights.  It was a real nice way to end a great visit from a great guy.

Jay, you are welcome to visit wherever we live next.  Let’s continue to check those states off the list!

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