Summer 2012 Road Trip: The Dakotas (Part 2)

As we drove up to the cabin in the Hills, the Andersons were waiting for us at the bottom of the driveway. They hadn't told their girls we were coming and I wish I had a photo of Kirna's face when she figured out it was us! She and Natalie have been friends since they were infants and get so excited each time they can see each other again. What a fun few days we had ahead of us!

After getting settled into the cabin (which was really more of a fancy house), we checked out the beautiful valley, surrounded by tall pines, nearby lowing cattle and even a little stream.

That night we grilled, made s'mores and even got out the telescope to look at the sky. Jason found Saturn and we saw its rings.

Days 3 and 4: During the next two days we hiked (part of) the Mickelson Trail,

stopped for ice cream in Rochford,

 hiked near the cabin,

caught butterflies, floated paper boats, looked at flowers, fed chipmunks and played ball.

Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye to our friends and the Hills.

As we worked our way out of the hills, headed North, we made a few fun stops. We hiked a short trail to the Spearfish Falls. They were stunning. (and apparently promoted a meditation session.)

We grabbed dinner at the cafe in Buffalo and walked through the city park.

A couple more hours in the car and we made it to Dickinson, N.D., to stay with our friends the Woods. They live outside the city in a beautiful hilly area. It was so good to see them!

Day 5: We spent our last day of vacation at the Woods. They treated us to delicious meals and the kids had a chance to play while we caught up. It was the perfect way to end such a wonderful trip (which still included several more hours in the car...and naps for the kids.)