We’re back, and I finally got the time to post some pictures of our vacation out in the Black Hills. This year, we kept it light - No pre-scheduled appointments, itinararies, or pretty much anything written down to do besides a few notes on a couple points of interest. We figured that if the girls waste too much time dinking around, then no big deal. Less stress that way, and for the most part, everyone was happier. Heck, we didn’t even book the campground until about an hour out from Rapid City.

First, on the way there, we decided to stop at the 1880 Town. The girls got all dressed up too…. not that I agreed with their choice in clothing, but I didn’t say anything…

That took a serious chunk of time from the ride in, but we still made fairly good time. We set up camp, and got the fire rolling. The kids wrestled around for a while, then slowly passed out one by one….

The next couple days were spent either swimming at the campground pool, or visiting attractions like Story Book Island (it’s FREE!), Old McDonalds Farm, The Roo Ranch, and Dinosaur Park (not that great)….

What the heck is that?!?!?!

Then on Friday, I met up with Mark in Rapid, and we went on up to Deadwood (actually, this is when we went to the Roo Ranch). Mark was nice enough to pick up the tab, and while we were there, I seen this….

The company slogan underneath, is the BEST! Even if the beer sucks, I’m sure these guys are making plenty of cash from guys that just wanna try one, out of shear curiosity.

Then we strolled downtown and visited a few shops. I was hoping I’d spot a set of bags for the bike, but didn’t notice anything that looked good. But then I ran into this god awful monstrosity….

I went inside with hopes of seeing some cool Harley gear. Maybe some custom hardware, glasses, etc. Not that I could buy anything for myself, but all my friends have Harley’s.

To my surprise, the store lacked the gritty, ‘down-n-dirty’ look that you’d get from any of their other stores. No, this store was nothing more than a fashion stop for your average teenager. From top to bottom, every square inch of this store was nothing more than a Gap or Hot Topic, using the HD name to make some sales. I shit you not…. I actually felt OLD walking in this place. IT’S A FRICKING HARLEY STORE! HOW THE F*** DOES THAT HAPPEN?!?!?!?

During this years rally, the bikers should actually ‘rally’ and burn that place down.

Anyways, moving on….

So, Saturday came and it was finally time - I hadn’t seen my dad (long story if ya don’t know) in 20 years, and thought this would be a good time to catch up on things. Despite the nervousness (from both of us), everything went well. Dad got to meet the girls for the first time, and we got some pictures. Just a couple notes from speaking with him…

1) Had some sort of surgery in his guts (something like a hernia I guess). I’ll avoid the gross part by saying “Things came a little loose in the doctors office”….. How fucked up is that?!?

2) Fell down drunk and hurt himself. Forced himself to crawl to the bed and passed out. Next day, called work, couldn’t make it because of the pain. Went to the doctor to find out he had 4 or 5 broken ribs and a punctured lung.

I guess the old man just don’t know when to quit.

Later that night, my sister Shelly (Johns daughter), swung by the campsite after a softball game. She’s doing good, has four kids, and actually cares about keeping in touch with me… unlike other relatives who just wanna use me for a pay check…..

The next day we just packed up and came home. The kids were driving us nuts on the way home, as none of them wanted anything to do with any of us, anymore.

Yeah, it was good… but damn… I need some ‘me time’…..