Snow is in the forecast. I’m cold. I’m cranky. Where is Fall?
With cold days like this, it’s easy to forget how awesome Rapid City is, primarily because I have little motivation to leave my house.
When we first arrived this past summer, I was pleasantly surprised with Rapid City. As much as I love Hawaii, it’s also crowded and expensive in paradise. Rapid City and the Black Hills have so much to offer – to see, eat, and do, especially if you love the great outdoors.
Hubby had to work, our household goods were in transit, the kids and I had little else to do but explore our new hometown. We had so much fun playing tourist, although we have yet to visit Mount Rushmore or Crazy Horse! (We were initially waiting for visitors, and then our visitors ironically didn’t care to go.)
Oh, the places we’ve been! Here are a few notable destinations:
City of Spearfish 4th of July Parade
Custer State Park – Sylvan Lake, Wildlife Loop, Cathedral Spires, Sunday Gulch Trail
Harriet & Oak Café *my favorite coffee shop*
Prairie Edge Art Gallery & Trading Post
Sip-n-Stretch @ Hay Camp Brewing Company with Sol Yoga Collective
Spearfish Canyon – Devil’s Bathtub Trail
Now that we are settling in and school has started, our routine is much more mundane. Less tourist, more daily living – school & work engagements, dog walks, never-ending grocery shopping/cooking cycle. I am spending a small fortune outfitting us all for the cold weather. After wearing shorts and slippahs for two years, we have zero cold weather gear. I’ve been told by the seasoned locals that having the proper gear makes all the difference in handling the cold and wind of Sodak. I just bought a long winter coat that looks like it could double as a sleeping bag. Fashionable? Maybe. I just hope when I do venture outdoors, it will keep me warm and toasty (and less cranky).
The hubby and kids are super excited for the winter. As long as they don’t mind me watching from inside by the window, standing guard over the hot chocolate and baking comfort foods, I guess I’m excited, too.
Perpetual Newcomer 