Domicile Changes, Quick Road Trip, and Farewell to the Tetons

Jackson, WY (46 degrees, below freezing at night)

Devils Tower

Our mail service in Sioux Falls, South Dakota - Dakota Post (formerly Alternative Resources) recently announced they were moving to a new office building which would require us to have to change our address.  They are adding a scan service which will email a picture of the front of your received mail envelope allowing you to choose to  forward or destroy each piece prior to forwarding it to you.  In addition, they are now the mail service for FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) and for a variety of reasons need a bigger building  It's a huge inconvenience to us to have to change our address and there have been no offers of any kind by this mail service to compensate you for this inconvenience.  I'm not sure the scan service is all that important to us since we don't receive very much snail mail anymore.  

I started to  research changing our residency to Florida since we will be visiting this state more frequently than South Dakota  In the process of this research I read it is no longer required to return to South Dakota every five years to renew your drivers license. We've always been able to register to vote and obtained our vehicles license plates by mail after our initial visit. This recent change now allows you to renew your drivers license once by mail therefore only having return to South Dakota every 10 years. Sounded like a great idea, however, there is a catch.  You have to spend one night in a hotel or campground within the year of  renewing your license.  This receipt has to be less than one year old.

We talked about our upcoming plans for travel and it looked like our current location was our best and least expensive time to secure the one night stay in South Dakota.  The closest city with a  hotel from Jackson Wyoming was Hot Springs South Dakota and so without much time to plan we took off for the weekend.  It was one long road trip (over 1100 miles roundtrip) but we now have the receipt to use next spring for the renewal.

Residency requirements for states change frequently and many South Dakota full time RVers had to change to another state after Obama care went into effect. If this is your option for  medical insurance you are  required to live in the state for at least 10 months and this really is not an option for a full time RVer. We have Federal insurance which does not have this requirement and allows us to seek medical care wherever we are at the time.  

Deciding which state to call your domicile as a full timer requires a lot of research and what fits for one RVer may not work for you.  There is more to consider than just whether or not a state has income tax.  Somehow I missed this recent change in driver license renewals in South Dakota, so be sure to check often and watch forums, blogs, and state websites for the current information.

The cost of changing our residency to Florida would be more expensive in the long run. Our motorhome insurance would increase by $300 a year and licensing our car and motorhome is slightly more expensive. We would also have change to a Florida mail service because I think it's important to be able to have a good defense if your residency is ever challenged.  Claiming you are a full time resident with an out of state mail service in my opinion could be problematic.  Trying to coordinate license plates and registration take a lot of planning as well to avoid a big cost in the overlapping of dates.  

We did detour out of our way to visit Devils Tower National Monument.  It was an interesting place to visit and is considered sacred by many Indian tribes.  We saw four groups of climbers ascending the 867 foot tower.  A ranger we spoke with said there were more injuries from folks hiking around the monument rather than climbing it.  They average about five climber rescues year mostly due to climbing ropes getting stuck.  Working in a National Park this year has made us more aware of rescues and injuries  which occur each year. It really was not something we were very aware of until this season.  The Jenny Lake Rangers in the Grand Teton National Park were very busy this season rescuing climbers and there were several deaths and severe injuries.  We have great respect for the men and women who help out and risk their own lives in the process.  

The Devils Tower was named by explorer but the Indians named it Bear Lodge. The folklore around this name can be read here .

Back in Jackson you might notice there is SNOW on the mountains.  It sure is beautiful to see but also makes us realize it's time to go.  

Our last week with Grand Teton Association went by very quickly. It was very difficult to say good bye to the full time staff  and the friends we have made while living in the area.  It's been such a great experience and by far our favorite workamping job.  

GTA Luncheon

There were several good bye lunches and dinners and we really feel blessed by all the friendships we have made.  We will certainly return here again in the future and a long list of "wanna do" hikes and kayak trips is already being compiled.   We would highly recommend GTA to others workampers who might be looking for summer/fall employment for 2015.  

We will soon be on our way back to Florida but a few side trip are planned.  Be sure to check back soon.  

Our Last Week As Camp Hosts @ Sheridan Lake–Black Hills South Dakota

(Sheridan Lake, S.D) 65 degrees,blue sky

Lake Sheridan

We have one week left at Lake Sheridan, one of the campgrounds in the National Forest.  For the past two months we have managed one of the camping loops (Woodsey) and collected fees at two day use areas on the lake.  It has been a wonderful experience and we will definitely return to this area again. 

Dakota Point

There is so much to see and the weather has been delightful.  One of our perks has been a VIP pass.  It has given us mostly free or discounted admission to many of the areas attractions.  We certainly have take advantage of this pass.  We have even gone to several places that we probably would have passed by such as Reptile Gardens.  The Black Hills are so beautiful and an amazing place to visit. 

Mt. Rushmore

Our campground is a jewel and looking out over the lake each day has been a treat.  The landscape and wild flowers are ever changing. The sites are large and mostly wooded. 

Woodsey Loop, site 63

We have worked with ten other camp hosts and have had some great times together.  There have been several pot lucks and fire side gatherings organized by Sharon. She loves planning parties and getting everyone together.  Fun stories and travels  have been shared.  One of my favorites was shared by Jim.  He works here year round.  Jim takes care of the campground and plows part of the lake for the fishermen. Lake Sheridan freezes over and fishermen cut holes in the ice to fish.   One fisherman claimed that he had caught a huge perch.  He had tossed it up on the ice and continued to fish.  Shortly later an eagle had flown down and carried it away.  Now that’s a fish story!

Marsha and Malcolm

Jim

Louis and Alma

Frank and Ruby

Sharon

Taking care of our loop can be challenging at times.  Patience in large amounts and a sense of humor is required.  I was told once that campers pack everything but their brain.  That is not always the case but at times it is very evident.  Dogs are oftentimes running loose, fires are burning way too high, vehicles and boats are parked so that other campers cannot pass, campers howl loudly across the lake late at night, generators continue to run late at night, and fire pits are used as trash cans. 

Trash can firepit

John handles most of these issues and more.  He really has done a great job and kept his cool.  Trying to gain their cooperation is essential and the right attitude really helps.  Our manager told us early on not to take whatever a camper does personal.  Good advice!  He also suggested saying “in order to continue your stay keeping your dog on a leash is essential” rather than “your dog needs to get on a leash right now”.

I have mostly worked  at the day booths.  It can be very hectic at times and then the  time goes by quickly.   But at other times, it can be very slow and boring.  Sometimes the booth is freezing and at other times it can be like an oven.  Most of the time it is very pleasant and the sound of the wind blowing through the trees is delightful.  It has also given me the opportunity to read some great books this summer.

Day Booth North Cove

Forest Recreation Management staffs 38 National Forest Campgrounds in the Black Hills.  There are several located on lakes and others that have about 25 sites.  If you are interested in working here next summer the best time to apply is now. Be sure to note that most campgrounds do not have cell phone or internet service.  Full hook up sites are provided at no cost to the hosts and a flat fee per week is paid to each camp host along with a VIP pass.  

From here we plan on visiting Estes Park (Rocky Mountain National Park area) and then attend the Albuquerque Balloon Festival. It will be great to be back on the road again.  The rest of the fall and winter will be spent in the New Mexico/Arizona area. 

Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary & Mammoth Site

(Black Hills, South Dakota) 78 degrees, cloudy day with intermittent rain

We dedicate this post today to our friends J.C. and Bev.  Due to health reasons they were unable to go with us today.  We hope that you can join us again soon. 

On our day off today from the National Forest (only 14 days left) we drove out to the Hot Springs area.  Our VIP pass gave us a free admission to visit the wild mustangs at the Wild Horse Sanctuary.  This ranch of over 11,000 acres is owned by Dayton Hyde.  It is a non profit home for hundreds of unwanted mustangs once on BLM land. 

Our guide, Martina, took us on a private jeep tour. It was very rainy day and we were the only visitors. So she was able to take us in a vehicle rather than a school bus normally used to see the mustangs.  The weather was cool and windy and the horses were galloping through the meadows and fragrant sage brush.  What a sight! 

Our guide Martina

The Wild Horse Sanctuary

Office

We watched them run below in the valley and eventually she drove us down to see them up close.  I did not share with her that I was a little nervous and shy around horses.  She filled our ears with stories about the ranch, owner, her previous life, and special stories about some of the horses.   It was delightful. 

At one point she asked us to get out of the car and walk among a huge group of them.  I looked at her in disbelief and she said “I’m serious, lets get out”  So, gingerly I opened the door and walked out a small distance among the herd.  They were so beautiful and curious to see us.  What an experience.  It has not been several days and I’m still  thinking about this  moment.  I am not exactly a “horse person” but it was really a thrill and something I’ll always remember. 

Martina and her husband are volunteer workampers at this ranch.   They met on the ranch three years ago.  Martina was from Minneapolis and while on vacation stopped at the ranch.  Her husband was the tour guide.  After a long distance relationship she left "cooperate america" and joined him at this special place. 

She also took us by a sacred place where the local natives hold a special ceremony each year.  Not far from this area is a rock wall with may petroglyphs to view and some interesting caves where the cowboys once had stayed to watch over the ranch during the cold winters.   

Some of the mustangs can be sponsored and certain foals are also sold each year to help raise funds.  Be sure to stop here if you are visiting the Black Hills.  Reservations are recommended.

Earlier in the day we had also visited the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs.  This is a very interesting archaeological dig where mammoth bones were accidentally found in 1974 by a developer. 

Today the dig is under roof but is still in progress.  Around 25,000 years ago a large cave collapsed (there are many in the area) and was filled in with warm spring water.  Mammoths and other animals were drawn to this area.  However, once they went in the water they were unable to leave due to the steep sides. 

Over 52 mammoths have already been discovered and they estimate the dig will continue for about another 20 years.  There are walkways that surround the site and a tour guide talks to you through telephones  at several points and tells you more about each of the discoveries.  The cost is $7/person and we found it to be a very interesting place.  There is also a very nice gift shop and book store. 

We have only 14 more days left working at the National Forest.  The time has gone by so quickly. 

Off Road Safari Jeep Tour–Custer State Park

(Custer State Park, South Dakota) 82 degrees, slightly hazy

Christy (our tour guide)

The combination of an off road safari at Custer State Park was just too irresistible. We meet Christy (our guide) near the State Game Lodge and took off down some amazing roads in this open sided jeep for two hours. She was able to use roads the regular tourists cannot.

We have been in this park many times and just love. it Christie told us even more about the area, buffalo roundup, wild life, and history. She is the first female jeep guide and she is great. Her love of this area just shines through.

Buffalo eating his favorite snack

Prone nose antelope

This overlook was worth the cost of the tour. No one was here and you could see forever throughout the park. Priceless!

The photographs are a little hazy due to a nearby fire caused by lightening. Unfortunately, a fireman was killed yesterday trying to extinguish it. Hopefully they soon will get it under control.

The tour costs $40 per person and is well worth it. If you are in the area be sure to add this to your “to do” list. Afterwards we had lunch at the State Game Lodge. Their buffalo stew is so delicious.

State Game Lodge

Near Custer State Park is another National Forest Campground called Bismarck. Rates are reasonable ($19/night or 50% discount with Golden Age/Access Pass). We were interested in checking it out due to the lake. It is great for kayaking or fishing. It has an easy launch site and the campground was quiet and peaceful. 

Bismarck National Forest

Later that evening we met up with another camp host and went to a cowboy dinner show near Rapid City. It is called Fort Hays and is the most popular in the area.

They moved the Dances with Wolves film set here to tour while you are waiting for dinner. The floor is marked with Kevin Cosner stood in the movie as he received his orders.

Fort Hays

We met Frank one of the workampers that has been here for many years. He helped me make a Dances with Wolves pie plate with equipment dating back to the 1800’s. It was fun and nice keepsake. 

Dinner was served on tin plates (made byFrank) and included roast beef, baked beans, applesauce, roll, drink, and apple cake. Feeding the crowd was very organized. Afterwards there was a band and show. The fiddle player was amazing.

We both thought it was a good time but would probably not go again. Cost is $19 per person for the meal, tour, and entertainment. We would have preferred going to one that was outdoors under the night sky. The hall was rather hot and the entertainment too corny for our taste.

It certainly was a great day off.  We are loving the Black Hills!