Where to start with this trip? So much already…another drive, another group, another trip with new experiences. Here I am again-on the reservation with 10 students and an alum. This will be the largest group that I have taken since I’ve been at IUS, and unfortunately, that means moving back to the 15-passenger van. At this point, I feel like I could drive an RV without difficulty!
We left at 11pm on Tuesday night—one alum and 3 students and the van loaded with lots and lots of donations. The other 7 students chose to fly with an arrival on Thursday. A long, long drive with no hiccups beyond my travel credit card not initially working, and we arrived in Kyle around 4. Since the burrito stand was open when we drove in, we started our trip with an Indian Taco of pure deliciousness (this was before we even got to the motel!). A smooth check-in later and a siesta (or fiesta if you are Jordan) was had by all. I probably could have slept from siesta-time at about 5pm until the next morning, but my excitement at arriving overruled the fatigue. We went to Singing Horse to say hello, and I got to see Freida, Andrea, and Rosie briefly. The students climbed the ridge and took photos before we returned to the motel.
The other 7 students arrived in Rapid at 12:15 on Thursday. We didn’t waste our morning before our drive though—we stopped by the Badlands Visitor Center and took photos around the visitor center. The group of 3 and Suzie already have a great vibe. Energetic and enthusiastic for anything—this is my favorite trip mindset, and it is not always possible with students. The other students arrived on time, and we went to Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse. There was a Theodore Roosevelt actor at Mt Rushmore for the first time, and we enjoyed meeting him and getting photos (there has to be some sort of new draw since Mt Rushmore is generally a drag!). We found out that he was from Indiana and will be coming to the Corydon Historical Center in October for a re-enactment. Such a small world! After eating at a very interesting Mexican restaurant in Rapid, we went to Walmart for the usual divide and conquer shopping trip that ends with trying to cram everything in the van with the luggage and the passengers. Of course, it fit—it always does! We’re off to a great start, and I am looking forward to a productive and fun week.
Nursing Students at Pine Ridge 