In Northern California’s gold country, the western frontier and gateway to the foothills of the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains, Tuolumne County came to be in 1850, the same year California achieved statehood. With the arrival of the thousands of prospectors, a few sophisticated but mostly lawless settlements sprung up. These pioneers were later joined by ranchers, loggers and frontier families that swept into the county and transformed the settlements into a more civilized place to live.
Echoes of its colorful past — Victorian homes, one room schoolhouses, historic churches, saloons, mines, mills and barns — depict a living heritage not found in theme parks. With gold nuggets still waiting to be found and frontier adventures to be enjoyed, the area is the top spot for firing the imagination of history buffs, as well as lovers of the outdoors. Here’s a look at the major towns.
Sonora
Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, Sonora is the southern gateway to California’s gold-rich Mother Lode. The city known as the “Queen of the Southern Mines,” and the epicenter of Tuolumne County was settled by miners emigrating from the State of Sonora, Mexico. Present-day Sonora runs at a slower pace than during its Gold Rush beginnings, but still offers a wealth of rich experiences ranging from historic sites, fine dining and shopping in the many specialty shops along the city’s old fashioned main street.
A visit to the headquarters of the Tuolumne County Historical Society for a glimpse of area’s colorful history is a must. Stop by the Tuolumne County Museum and History Center set in the Tuolumne County Jail where a century of outlaws and desperados served time. Peer into the dismal cell-blocks, view frontier exhibits that let you tap into the hottest adventures of gold mining, and watch a charming Mark Twain vignette. A self-guided tour of Sonora is available here as well. Other downtown points of interest are the Tuolumne County Courthouse from the 1800s, the Sonora Fire Department Museum and the Sierra Repertory Theatre (209/532-3120) where the stage is set for a real taste of professional old time live theater that offers a selection of comedies, dramas and musicals.
The Best Western Sonora Oaks (19551 Hess Avenue, 209/533-4400) is extremely family-friendly with spacious modern connecting guest rooms, whirlpool and fireplace suites. A complimentary continental breakfast with a variety of kid’s options is served.
Columbia
The Gold Rush might be over, but Columbia, “The Gem of the Southern Mines,” is now California’s best preserved town from the 1850s. Billions of dollars worth of gold was coaxed from the earth here by strong men and gigantic machinery. To get the gold they literally took the hills apart, sifted out the valuable ore, and put what was leftover back where they found it.
Columbia State Historic Park was established back in 1945 “to freeze the frontier days in time.” History follows you as you step off wooden sidewalks into yesteryear where iron implements are forged, perfumed candles and soap are handmade, and shopkeepers conduct business in period dress. You also can pan for gold, ride a stagecoach, sip a sarsaparilla (similar to Root Beer) in one of two ol’ time saloons, or mount a horse and mosey into history.
Follow the spotlight to the 1897 Fallon Theatre in the Park that still showcases wonderful year-round productions. Grandparents, parents and kids will love the authentic old-time Ice Cream Parlor adjoining the theatre. Here everyone gets to lick their lips from the yummy made-from-scratch ice cream that’s scooped onto your choice of homemade sugar or waffle cones. Take a tour of the beautiful City Hotel and Fallon Hotel and you may get to watch Marilyn Elligott spinning yarn in the front parlor. It’s also great place to stop for a special lunch or dinner, and we suggest you leave some time for a tour of this historic, first-rate property.
Twain Harte
In this town named for Mark Twain and Bret Harte, the literary buffs in the family will be enchanted with information about the famous authors who fell under the area’s spell. Much of what is known or, at least, believed about the history of the gold country comes from the observations of Mark Twain. His famous tale of “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” came to him in nearby Angels Camp, when he complained of a steady diet of beans and dishwater coffee. Bret Harte, editor of the San Francisco-based Overland Monthly introduced the world to a fictional Wild West through such stories as “The Outcasts of Poker Flat,” and “The Luck of Roaring Camp.”
Modern day gold seekers still come here with dredges to work the sandy bottoms of nearby rivers, and they still pan for gold wherever they can find a place to do so.
Jamestown
Originally known as Jimtown by local residents, everyone will enjoy a stroll to capture a sense of its past. There are still lots of old-time adventures going on in today’s Jamestown, and families can spend an entire day exploring them.
Gold Prospecting Adventures (800/596-0009) are the area’s most experienced teachers, who share the story of the California Gold Rush with all ages. The adventure starts alongside a creek where the original 49ers panned for gold. From there everyone is offered a variety of choices that include Family Sluice Panning, Gold Panning, or sitting in on a Metal Detector class. The attraction’s recreated Jimtown Gold Mining Camp gives the whole family a true sense of life during the Gold Rush.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park (209/984-3953) offers another wonderful family adventure. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 did more to make this a nation “from sea to shining sea” than any other single act of engineering exploration. The story of early railroading is told in living detail. Everyone will love “hitching a ride” on the Sierra Railroad steam locomotives that have been featured in productions such as “High Noon,” “Petticoat Junction,” “Back to the Future III”, and “Little House on the Prairie.”
Lake Don Pedro
Hidden coves, a sunken gold mine and 160 miles of oak-studded shoreline are only a few of the items of interest at Lake Don Pedro. Among the sunken treasures beneath the lake’s surface is the famed Eagle/Shawmut Mine. It was still producing considerable amounts of gold during World War II and was one of the few mines allowed to continue operating during the war.
Moccasin Point, the Marina on Lake Don Pedro is serviced by Forever Resorts (480/998-7199). In addition to ski and pontoon boats that can be rented all year long, rental houseboats range from smaller 44’ craft that comfortably sleep 4, to popular mid-sized boats with extra room for 8 to 10. The Millennium houseboat offers room for up to 12 adults and is equipped with everything from a top-deck hot tub and wet bar, to a captain’s flying bridge, comfortable private staterooms and additional conveniences like a dishwasher, trash compactor and satellite T.V.
Tuolumne City
Founded in 1854 during California’s gold fever days, and appropriate for the times, it was originally named “Eureka.” The real boom came in the late 1800’s however, when timbering was king and lumberjacks were everywhere.
Situated just outside the Stanislaus National Forest, the majesty of the land unfolds in the rugged beauty that has been thousands upon thousands of years in the making. Its riches take the form of outdoor activities that include camping, fishing, hiking, rafting, skiing and biking. The Black Oak Casino (19400 Tuolumne Road North, 877/747-8777) operated by the Mi-Wuk Indians, offers totally different activities for the area. Not just for gamblers, there is an entire floor for family fun centered on 24 lanes of state-of-the art Brunswick Bowling. Also, the Underground Arcade is stocked with arcade games and family-friendly food outlets including Kingpins serving burgers and pizza, and the Mill Sports Bar and Grill offering great casual dining with a large scale video wall and interactive games.
Groveland
Up until the Gold Rush era, this town was home to Native Americans for several thousand years. It was originally named “Garrotte,” (which translates loosely to “hanging,”) after the deed for which the town was once infamous. Groveland has since settled into more sedate ways, and is now a quirky community and charming gateway to the treasured national icon of Yosemite.
Nearby Pine Mountain Lake and Tuolumne River provide plenty of aquatic adventures, but back on dry land horseback riders, golfers, and campers will not be disappointed. History is still very evident in the town in the form of the unique small shops in historic buildings. The new Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum (209/962-0300) showcases memorabilia and collections from bygone years.
The Groveland Hotel (18767 Main Street, 800/273-3314) welcomes families with gracious Western hospitality. The larger of the property’s two adobe buildings dates from 1849, and in 1914 a Queen Anne Revival style annex was added to this colorful hotel.
Murphys
The highlight here is the famous Ironstone Vineyards (209/728-1251) which is much more than just a tasting room. There are exquisite, award-winning gardens dotted with benches where you can while away an hour or two, a beautiful jewelry shop, a museum displaying a 44-pound gold nugget and gourmet deli that all offer enough to occupy an afternoon here.
Yosemite National Park
Surrounded by natural beauty and historic attractions, Tuolumne County is the perfect hub for a visit to Yosemite National Park. Most of the Park, established by an act of Congress in 1890, is located within the county, which is Northern California’s most direct and scenic route to this treasured icon. Nearly 95% of Yosemite is designated as wilderness, thus affording protection to its verdant valley, waterfalls, brilliant blue lakes, giant trees, huge granite domes and timeless geologic history.
Well known for summer and winter sports, the park is open anytime of the year. (Tioga and Glacier Point Roads in the upper elevations are usually the only roads closed in the winter.) Hike, fish, bike, bird and wildlife watch, horseback ride, backpack, camp, rock climb and stargaze or simply enjoy the magnificent beauty of the park on foot, by auto or guided coach tour. Among the many experiences are the Ranger-led naturalist walk, and the Ansel Adams Photography walk.
Trip Planning Details
The county seat of Sonora, 143 miles east of San Francisco, is within easy driving distance to four major airports: Sacramento International Airport (117 miles), Oakland International Airport (120 miles), San Jose International Airport (126 miles) and San Francisco International Airport (133 miles).
For further information visit contact the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau or call them at 800/446-1333.
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On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.