Black Hills and/or Bust COVID-19

I want you to consider a Blackhills vacation this year!
COVID-19 has altered every part of most of our lives even vacation. I put in for a two-week vacation back in February. We had our usual plans lined up and were looking forward to some time on the beach. As the days drew near, Lisa and I began to have second thoughts about traveling. I knew that staying in Quincy was not a good idea. Ministry has a way of creeping into everyday life when you just hang around.

 On our first day of vacation, we still did not know where we were going. We began our road trip south to St. Louis. By the time we stopped for a visit to see our son and his family, we knew we would need to change directions. Everything on the radio was shouting that the south was filling up with new COVID cases. 
After an overnight stay, We decided to head north. That decision did not disappoint! We had been following where the virus had least effected states and we felt confident that our time out west would be the wisest. 
By the time we made it to South Dakota, the plan started to unfold. Getting an out of state fishing license was one of the first priorities. Our stop at the Rapids City Cabela's offered everything we needed to have success on the lake. The representative gave great advice and the proper equipment to land some fish. 

Without any reservations, we were able to find lodging along the way each evening. We were able to visit the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Devil's Tower (Wyoming), and explore the entire Black Hills with all the quaint towns such as Deadwood, Lead, Sturgis, Spearfish, Hot Springs, Custer, Hill City, and Keystone. 

Each town provided opportunities to sightsee, shop, and eat. There was plenty of room to navigate without exposure to COVID-19. We enjoyed time on the trails and by the shores of three impressive lakes. I was able to fish on Pactola, Sheridan, and Roubaix lakes. They offered amazing shoreline fishing with Trout, Blue Gill, and Small Mouth Bass.

The highlight of the trip was our stay at Spearfish Canyon Lodge in Savoy, South Dakota. It was a beautiful facility nestled in the mountains of the Black Hills. There were two falls within walking distance. Spearfish Falls and Roughlock falls were picturesque with plenty of photo opportunities.

The lodge also had a full-scale restaurant on property that we visited a few times and were not disappointed. This property would be great for couples and families alike. Rental of UTV'S, bikes, and fishing equipment was readily available.

I know that many are looking for someplace to go and I thought it would be helpful to make this suggestion. Beat COVID in the Black Hills this summer!