Tyler was bursting with excitement for his second camping trip. He would ask morning, noon, and night when would the adventure begin. During the necessary food and supply prepping he would fill his backpack with essentials nun-chucks, fool's gold, array of books, and his beloved Harry the dirty dog stuffed animal. The morning we left he leapt out of bed, pillaged his dresser, and dressed himself. It was now time to head our family and our cousin's Jory, Tyra, Kaden, and Koda to Custer State Park. This was a second trip to a little piece of heaven named South Stockade Lake Campgrounds. Our campsites had been booked since February because the campgrounds fill up fast. Custer State Park only has a few hundred sites; therefore, the area is not over crowded. That is if you are aware that Sturgis is the first week of August and any family vacations should be avoided in South Dakota at that particular time. Luckily we were well aware.
We made it to our campsites with plenty of time to set up camp, grill, and enjoy the evening. Last year Travis had learned to walk a week before our camping trip. This year our wobbly explorer had transformed into speed racer, always trying his best to keep up with his brother and older cousins. Tyler, Koda, and Kaden had much to explore and talk about.
Our first full day was spent at Sylvan Lake. The impressive rocks makes an epic presence in the middle of the blue lake. Half of the day was spent on the day beach. The boys delighted in the cool waters. They ran, splashed, and filled buckets of sand. Kaden and Koda convinced their dad to dive in and swim to the giant rocks.
After lunch a hike was in order. Four little explorers were determined to climb the highest and most dangerous areas. Travis especially thought he needed no help during the hike and gave his mother a heart attack. His little legs would move faster than he could coordinate. Luckily we turned back after we learned the trail we were on was three hours. No thank you and goodbye trail. It was too long of a walk for such little legs.
I was very hesitant about our next adventure on the lake, the paddle boat. My experience with my toddler is his role as an escape artist. Everywhere we go he would try his hardest to disappear. Tyler wanted to go on the boat ride and I relented. After all it would have broken his heart to see his cousin's experience the paddle boat without him. Too my complete and utter surprise Travis' demeanor instantly calmed down when we began paddling. He was in a state of zen and Tyler was very happy trailing his hand in the lake. Dustin and I would work our legs and float, work our legs and float, and continue the repetition until Travis fell asleep. Only one could run the peddles because our toddlers head and body would bob up and down.
After a blissful day at the lake it was time to refuel on calories. The purple pie palace was next. The boys devoured their ice cream. On to camp to grill and to bed. Such a busy day one would think a two year old would be tired. Oh no Travis went from cot to cot determined to keep all of us awake. After 45 minutes of this nonsense the little man went to sleep whether he liked to or not.
 |
| Tyler is a stinker and refuses to take a nice smiling family picture...this is as good as it gets |
Day two Tyra and I bravely took all four boys to Rapid City. Jory and Dustin would get a kid free, relaxing, wonderful day fishing. We ate at a non fast food restaurant and the boys acted like little gentlemen (for the majority of the meal). Then off to reptile gardens. Tyra and I were totally creeped out but the boys loved it. Travis even wanted to take away the snake from the snake handler. OMG..yuck! The huge turtles looked like statues and I had to include a picture of two turtles stacked on top of one another. My inner junior high boy is giggling.
Next to Bear country. The boys are strapped in and the moms can relax. I think I was too tired to take pictures but I enjoyed this thoroughly. The main attraction, the bears, are wonderful animals.
Day three we separate and each family goes on their own adventure. Our cousins decided to fish and then head to the Hot Spring's mammoth site. Both Kaden and Koda loved becoming paleontologists for a few hours.
Our adventure was a quick stop to Pactola Lake. What an amazing body of turquoise water. I would have loved to explore it more, but the heat was extreme and the boys were tired. On to Deadwood to eat. Both Dustin and I LOVED the Deadwood HBO series. I will love when the boys are older and I can delve into the history.
Lead was our last destination, pronounced "leed". This is a gold mining town, generation upon generation has worked for the gold mine. At the mining museum we learned that it takes six tons of earth for an ounce of gold. Tyler was not interested in the museum but begged and pleaded to pan for gold. He after all is an expert in the field. He panned for gold in Arizona previously. I actually captured a genuine smile from Tyler. He was really really happy in this moment.
At camp we ate our last meal of steak, veggies, and twice baked potatoes. The kiddos played with the salt and pepper, because at that point anything to keep them busy makes mommy happy. A rain drove us into the tent and our kids decided that would be a great time to show us their ninja moves. A tent is too small for ninja moves. Bed time was necessary and we all slept soundly.
We love our little piece of paradise and look forward to it each year. The boys relish the freedom and all enjoy family time away from technology and daily stresses. By no means is camping easy but I feel it's worth it, however I am loving my soft bed right this instant.
