What would you do if you were to spend the nxt 3 months in S dakota ?

[proud patriot]

I have a once in a lifetime chance to spend the next 3 months in a foriegn country far from my Hawaii home .

south dakota awaits me .. I am not used to such a trumpy land ..

I want to make a difference w/o Dying at the hands of trumpers .

any hints from those whose live in such hostile lands .

Thanks
proud patriot

[LeftInTX]

1. Volunteer at a dog shelter...just kidding...I have no idea...

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

2. don't let the gov petsit your pets

[ret5hd]

3. i would hike/explore the badlands.

i’d check out sioux falls, pierre, and rapid city for bookstores and a quiet glass of wine somewhere.

i’d watch sunrises and sunsets.

i’d walk along the Missouri, James, and Big Sioux Rivers.

i’d see the Crazy Horse Memorial.

i’d camp alone in the quiet.

Then i would return home with my memories and the knowledge that i never have to return unless i really wanted to.

[DFW]

4. First thing I would ask (probably)

Is there a safe, reliable cryo storage facility in South Dakota, and, if so, what would they charge for a three month stay?

On the other hand, George McGovern and Tom Daschle were from South Dakota, to there have to be a FEW kindred spirits
somewhere in that state.

[Polybius]

5. See Mt. Rushmore

Always wanted to.

[niyad]

9. Are you aware of its incredibly racist and controversial history?

[Polybius]

17. Yes

Doesn't mean I can't see it in person. It's there no matter what, me seeing it won't change anytrhing.

[PufPuf23]

26. Mount Rushmore is a desecration. nt

[Polybius]

37. Ok

I still would like to see it.

[PufPuf23]

41. That is fine, I saw it myself. Just be aware of the backstory.

The level of casual bigotry at DU is getting to me.

There are many beautiful places in South Dakota as I and others said elsewhere in thread.

Apologize for bring abrupt. Niyad made a similar comment.

[Polybius]

42. I hear ya

My reasoning isn't bigotry, however. I'd like to see everything historic, as long as it's there. Hell, there are DUers who have been to Stone Mountain in GA.

[niyad]

45. You do know that the racist, traitorous scum who was responsible for

the travesty that is Stone Mountain designed the desecration of The Six Grandfathers?

The problem with going to places like stone mountain, and rushmore, when one knows theur history, is that, however pure and unbigoted one's intentions, tha very act of going to them gives them legitimacy.

[Polybius]

48. I see your point, but can't agree

If I'm in the area, my eyes seeing it won't hurt anyone. Hell, I know someone to the left of me that saw the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, because when he visited his cousin it was less than a half hour drive. I don't hold it against him at all.

[yonder]

6. We've lived in a very red intermountain west state for 45 years.

Not for the politics but for the outdoor opportunities. There's plenty of easily-accessed, uncrowded public land to literally lose oneself in.

I think parts of South Dakota are blessed similarly.

I'd say do it. It's only 3 months, it won't kill you and you just might like it.

Post #3, especially their 2nd to last sentence, says it well.

[SWBTATTReg]

7. Don't worry about what they think, when you're there, enjoy it and you'll find that you had a good time,

and you know the people more, if you know what I mean...they are pretty good people, we should take solice in that, believe me. I've lived in these rural areas, and I love them, and the people.

[niyad]

8. The "Dignity: Of Earth and Sky" statue near Chamberlain on I 90.

Honouring the Lakota and Dakota peoples. I cannot link to it, or post images, but if you google, you can see it.

[Polybius]

43. Wow, I hadn't heard of that

Very impressive.



https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/story/dignity-earth-sky

[niyad]

47. She is amazing. Did you see the images from the other side?

[moniss]

10. Actually it's real nice in

the north central part of the state near the North Dakota border, the south central part near the Nebraska border/Fort Randall Dam area is cool and I like the eastern border region with Minnesota and Iowa. As far as what to do with the people I would say they're mostly nice enough but I don't bring up politics or religion. If you're going right about now get used to the idea of a strong wind blowing with dirt and dust. If you get up in the northern part be sure and ask in some convenience stores etc. for Grandma's Kuchen. You will be glad you did.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

11. Where? Doing what? NT

[proud patriot]

20. i'm going with my MIL

we are going to be with her sister who has just entered hospice care . We will have time on the weekends
for road trips and such .

[Tetrachloride]

12. air conditioning. sun glasses.

[Onthefly]

13. Enjoy. Most everyone is friendly

I have visited SD many times. Explore. Learn about the history and Indian life. If you like the outdoors, so much to offer. I once went on a tour of the Oahu Dam that was spectacular. It supports a huge reservoir just north of Pierre. Camping in the Black Hills region can be a break from summer heat. Regardless of political leanings, most people are polite, helpful, and like to give tips on where to go!

[hlthe2b]

14. Go for the recreation and areas of natural beauty and ignore the politics unless it is your goal

to do outreach. If it is the latter, you need to do your homework and educate yourself, especially about SD history with its Native American population and current status. I have worked with Lakota Sioux at Standing Rock and Pine Ridge earlier in my career. The experience grounded me in both my beliefs and politics like nothing else, particularly because I had had the opportunity to learn and be educated about Civil Rights in the South growing up, while the modern-day Native American experience is an area of intense ignorance for most Americans.

So, if you are going for rest, relaxation, and vacation, stick with the auto-touring, hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, rock-climbing opportunities--or whatever moves you.

If you are seeking an "out-reach" experience then please do your homework and put your assumptions on the shelf. Honestly, there is nothing worse than being an outspoken, but uninformed tourist. Remember the words of Mark Twain: “It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”

That said, go and enjoy. There is a lot of beauty (and quite a few very nice people living there, politics aside).

[proud patriot]

21. sage advice , thanks

Living in Hawaii , I'm very familar with the rudeness of outspoken tourists . That's the last thing I want.

[PufPuf23]

25. You said what I just typed only much better. kr

[imanamerican63]

15. I work for a trucking company up there.

And I do not speak about politics or anything to assume what they want to hear or say!

I just work there and they don’t talk to me about politics!

[Midnight Writer]

16. My recommendations? Be white, be male, leave your dog at home.

[LudwigPastorius]

18. Take a book.

[NanaCat]

19. I wouldn't ever go there again in the first place

I had to be there thanks to the USAF, and I hated it so much I took the first chance to get out of there that I could.

Worst place I ever lived, bar none.

Never went back, and I never will. I hate it that much.

[Chakaconcarne]

22. Consider doing some trips to wyoming, montana, colorado

[PufPuf23]

23. There is beautiful nature in parts of South Dakota.

Also a large Native American presence and history.

[Kid Berwyn]

24. It is an amazing state.

And even if it’s currently in the red column, most of the people are good human beings. Last visited in 2017.

[Ocelot II]

27. The Badlands are amazing, definitely worth seeing.

Visited there years ago - we were there in the evening and it was so quiet you could hear your own heartbeat. The colors are glorious.

[Rhiagel]

28. Visit Deadwood and play some poker.

Just don't draw aces over eights.

[Paha Sapa]

29. I live in the western part of the state (Black Hills). Very red here, but pretty progressive around Sioux Falls.

Where are you going to be based while here? Maybe I could provide some guidance.

[electric_blue68]

52. I recognize your user name...

In 1980 I went to think it was called The Black Hills Gathering (was also going to Colorado Springs, my cousin in Denver took ne up into The Rockies by motorcycle(!), Flagstaff AZ for Greyline return visits to the Navajo & Hopi Nation, Alberquerque/Old City via my dad's friend).

Was held on land east of the Paha Sapa donated for the 3 days by a rancher. A mix of Lakota, and maybe other tribes, a lot of us white people, and some others. About Native American issues, Black Hills issues, lots of Renewable Energy info. I only went for one day - I couldn't manage a backpack (lent to me) & small tent which I'd I might have bought trying it all on at home.

I had donated Illustrations for a few issues of an activist newspaper before the trip.

I did take the Grey Line tour of The Black Hills.

[SupportSanity]

30. Chakaconcarne (above) recommended: Consider doing some trips to wyoming, montana, colorado

Thinking about that, if you could get to the Grand Canyon, you would be able to see the mainland's answer to Haleakala.

The Grand Canyon is so big that you can't tell how big it is. Hard to describe until you see it. Very worth the trip.

And, there is more to do in that area than just the Grand Canyon, but really, the Grand Canyon is it.

No picture or video can do the Grand Canyon justice. It is an experience that you get to have. Very restorative. Good for people supporting someone in hospice.

Mahalo

[doc03]

31. About 8 years ago I flew from Pittsburgh to Rapid City to meet up with a Caravan Tour

group. I thought Rapid City was a pretty nice city, the day I arrived they were having a street fair. I think
there were three different bandstands downtown. There was an Art Alley with murals and several street performers.
Every block has statues of the Presidents, John Kennedy and John Jr. were in front of my hotel. This was a week or two
before the Sturges Motorcycle Rally so I don't know if that was just for that or an every week thing. We visited the Badlands,
Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse then went on out west ending up in Salt Lake City where I flew back to Pittsburgh from.
It was a very nice trip.

[niyad]

46. Thank you for mentioining Art Alley. Several years ago, a friend made

a trip up there specifically to see the Alley, and brought back some amazing photos.

[TlalocW]

32. Two Words

Corn Palace.

[WarGamer]

33. Enjoy it?

Some of the best outdoors-ish stuff around.

I've spent time around Spearfish and Sturgis... Black Hills NF is amazing...

Head west into Wyoming... the Devil's Tower NM... 1/2 of all people who see it think it's a petrified tree trunk lol...

I adore the great Mountain West...

Life isn't all about politics.

[ZonkerHarris]

34. age

[proud patriot]

35. Thanks for the great Advice and ideas

I will try to do as many as I can

[frogmarch]

36. Visit the Mammoth Site

in Hot Springs. Years ago, I worked there training tour guides and giving tours in the summer and cleaning and identifying and preserving bones after summer digs and in the lab during the winter.

me:



https://mammothsite.org/

[proud patriot]

49. oh man that looks so cool

thanks

[duckworth969]

38. What are you driving? And other tips.

Get an old pickup, especially good to not be driving something that looks too sporty or foreign, don’t wear cowboy boots but get ya some worn out boots that look like they been somewhere, be careful what bumper stickers you have, probably best to have none, don’t draw attention to yourself with shirt graphics or texts, low profile is best, keep with innocuous small talk especially when out at diners and bars, your sentences shouldn’t be too long and try not to use “college words”, generally avoid any discussions concerning religion or politics, if they try to draw you in, just nod. Might be a good time to consider investing in some flannel shirts.

Kindred spirits will be far and few between, but who knows.

Oh, watch out for bears, mountain lions, bison and MAGAS.

Especially MAGAS, you’re going to be surrounded.

[proud patriot]

50. ok I will pack accordingly

flying in from Hawaii with my MIL . family picking us up and will be using family car to see the sites .

Is my "Democracy use it or lose it " t shirt too much ?

[Liberal In Texas]

39. Set your watch back to 1962.

Or the way it's going maybe 1942.

[ripcord]

40. They have a lot of wildlife worth seeing

I went to eastern Oregon to see the Malheur Nation Wildlife Preserve but the best part of the trip was seeing the huge herds of elk, deer and Rocky Mountain goats.

[proud patriot]

51. I'm hoping for buffalo

one of our first stops is the Henry dorlan zoo .

[AuntyGravity]

53. Throw some plumeria blossoms in your suitcases!

Your unders will smell nice