We all have those days, so structured and scheduled we hardly have time to even breathe. When's the last time you've just let time slip away, for the sole purpose of enjoying the moment? Over the past few days, I've had days packed so full I've felt like I was suffocating, and others when I was able to stop and take in everything around me. I appreciate the balance of those two extremes.
When I visited Mount Rushmore, I had just one day - so I had to make the most of my time. I started my day at sunrise and headed to the memorial.
Thanks to everyone who's reached out with great suggestions of places to see and things to do, I then mapped out my journey to the Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
The monument honors, protects, and preserves the culture, tradition, and living heritage of the North American Indians. My experience was immensely powerful, and for those interested in learning more, you can find more information, or make a contribution, here.
When I left the memorial, I traveled to Custer State Park, where I drove along the wildlife loop. There, I saw some incredible animals, up close and personal.
Like, really close.
After that I drove to Wall Drug, a cowboy-themed tourist attraction and a throwback to when I was a kid and played with toys like pop guns, tinker toys, and wooden horse. They also have a giant dinosaur.
Next I headed to Badlands National Park for the grand finale: a beautiful sunset. All packed in a single day, it was both exhilarating and exhausting. But at the end of the day, I felt content. The good kind of exhausted.
There's something about nature and the beauty that humans play in the whole balance that seems to get lost in our day-to-day busy lives. Being reminded of the vast glories that are all around us brings us back to our core. Remembering who we are, and that we were created to live vibrant and wonderful lives here on this earth for however long that may be.
Being able to come home to a warm Airstream at the end of the day was a big comfort after a long day of travel, but what's even better is when you can open up your windows and hear nothing but birds singing and crickets chirping. That was my peace at the end of a long day.
I'm now in Yellowstone, and will be for another couple of days until I head out to the Portland area. The magnitude of this park is impossible for my mind to fathom.
I've driven and hiked a small portion of it and have already seen elk, buffalo, and a coyote (sorry, couldn't get a picture - it was at night and he moved quick!). I've also seen some other incredible landscapes that have colors I'm afraid a photo won't do justice. I'll post again later on, recounting my Yellowstone adventures.
What I now would like to ask is for your help. I'll be in the Portland/Seattle area for about four days and what I would really love is to give back to the Airstream community or a local charity. What I need are suggestions for places I can go or support while I'm in the Portland/Seattle area. Whether it's an upcoming charity ride or run, a home that needs rebuilt for someone in need, or even something as small as helping out with house chores to get you caught up on life, let me know! I'm a master leaf raker (should probably add that to my résumé somewhere).
Hope you, dear reader, are doing great and if not, take a moment to just sit and soak in everything around you. One thing you can always count on every day - the sun will rise, beautiful as ever.
Follow Brett Schwab as he embarks on the Live Riveted Tour, a two-month nationwide Airstream adventure. Along the way he’ll be joined by friends old and new, discovering new experiences and lending a helping hand to non-profits and charitable organizations along the way.
Keep up with his trip online at roadtrippers.com, by searching the hashtag #liverivetedtour and on Instagram. Share destinations he should visit, or even join him in his travels!
Other posts from the Live Riveted Tour:
