Traditions worth the drive

Every July for the past two years, I’ve headed west to a cabin in Lead, South Dakota, with the Heydt family.

Somewhere along the way, this trip has become one of my favorite traditions. It’s a week I look forward to every summer because it gives me a chance to slow down, catch up with good friends and enjoy everything the Black Hills have to offer.

Natalee has been one of my closest friends for as long as I can remember. Growing up, we celebrated birthdays together, rode horses and played in the hay mow. Looking back, I don’t think either of us realized how many memories we were making.

Even after heading to colleges hours away from each other, we made time to stay close.

Whether one of us made the drive for a weekend visit or we met up for a concert, we always found an excuse to get together.

Every year, the cabin quickly becomes my favorite place. Sure, the Black Hills have plenty to see, but some of my favorite moments happen without leaving the deck.

Mornings usually start with breakfast outside and conversations that somehow last for hours.

Afternoons often include a time to get out and see the scenery, and evenings end in the hot tub talking about life, work and whatever else comes to mind. It’s refreshing to spend a few days without constantly watching the clock.

Last year, Natalee’s grandparents, Phil and Sherry, joined us.

Phil always had a joke ready to go, and if it didn’t land, he’d say, “Once again, no one understood my feeble attempt at humor.” Truthfully, that line usually got more laughs than the joke itself. It quickly became one of those sayings we all started repeating throughout the trip.

One morning, we decided to hike Black Elk Peak, the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains.

The hike itself was beautiful, winding through the trees before opening up to incredible views from the top. I’ll admit, heights aren’t exactly my thing. While everyone else was walking to the edge to admire the view, I was perfectly content taking it all in from a safe distance. The scenery was just as impressive from a few steps back.

Another stop that never disappoints is driving Needles Highway.

The narrow tunnels, winding roads and towering granite cliffs make it one of my favorite drives. No matter how many times I see it, I always find myself looking out the window just a little longer.

Trips like this remind me how important it is to take a break from everyday life.

Between work schedules, deadlines and responsibilities, it’s easy to forget how valuable it is to spend uninterrupted time with the people who matter most.

By the time you’re reading this, I’ll likely be driving home from my third trip to the Black Hills. I’m sure I’ll return with plenty of pictures, a few more inside jokes and another year of memories with friends who have become family.

If the past summers are any indication, I have a feeling I’ll be making that trip again next July.