My XO Adventures

10/15/2024

There’s a universal truth in this, and wisdom.

10/15/2024

Rethink the box's limitations. Better yet, challenge its absurdity, own it, and wear it with pride. Be yourself. That’s more than enough and beyond imagination.

10/13/2024

The wolves were wiped out. The Grizzly’s are gone, the Black Bear eliminated, the Elk decimated. All for different reasons but the force behind it is human beings believing they know best, their actions will be the burden of our grandchildren, and certain animals are pests, disease carriers, a threat as they encroach on “our” territory. The Mountain Lion isn’t the problem. Overpopulation, urban sprawl, destruction of ecosystems, lack of water, habitat and the arrogance of human intervention of natural selection. Spend every day out in the natural world and you’ll find there is a grand design. Whether a person of God, a belief in evolution, or an atheist it’s clear that mankind knows very little of the consequences created by tinkering with Mother Nature. All creatures of this planet have a purpose and we should be protecting them. Look at us, our current state of affairs and ask yourself if we’ve done a good job as caretakers overall.

Facing public opposition, a state commission abandoned a plan to reduce the Black Hills mountain lion population goal by 50 animals.

10/11/2024

Autumn colors in the Black Hills and Badlands. Golden shimmering leaves on our private tours let us stop to enjoy anywhere you like, and the Badlands Sunset and Night Sky has been green, red, purple and yellow from the dark night skies.

10/08/2024

10/07/2024

Friends, family and folks of Florida. You’re front of mind and we’re holding our breath. Please, with all that has happened protect yourself. A shelter beats the alternative. Love from SD and asking for the best possible outcome.

10/06/2024

Big shout out to our newest top fans! 💎

Todd Michalczik, Beth Curran

10/05/2024

Still Amazing. Never disappoints. Spearfish Canyon, Devils Tower & Deadwood!

09/24/2024

This is a great article about fossil extraction on Lakota land. Dr. Craig Howe seems to be at the forefront of preserving knowledge, cultural heritage and scientific research of the earth and stars. I admire the way he works along with all people preserving the history of our ancestors.

Supported by a Mellon Foundation grant, a Brown historian teamed up with a Lakotan scholar to illuminate overlooked histories of fossil extraction on Native American lands.

09/24/2024

Good things come to those that wait, and knowing where to be can make all the difference.

Sunset in the Badlands is the place to be, and last night we had some great surprises when the sun came out to say “Good Evening”

09/24/2024

Good things come to those that wait, and knowing where to be can make all the difference. Sunset in the Badlands is the place to be, and last night we had some great surprises when the sun came out to say “Good Evening”

09/24/2024

Good things come to those that wait, and knowing where to be can make all the difference. Sunset in the Badlands is the place to be, and last night we had some great surprises when the sun came out to say “Good Evening”

09/22/2024

Stunned really. Not what I expected and totally taken off-guard. Last night at the Mount Rushmore Illumination Ceremony a Ranger named Gabriel told the story as she saw it.

She told the crowd about the Lakota. This sacred land, the harm that was caused, parts of many origin stories.

Of course she talked about the Presidents, as one would expect. Today, there is Hoop Dancing at the Grand Terrace Overlook.

Somehow, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a government run institution, is turning a corner, changing the messaging, becoming inclusive and weaving it all together in a wonderful way.

Her points were

1.) We are all related.
2.) We want the same things.
3.) Reminded us of the greatness and potential within us.
4.) Talked about respect.

The story was thoughtful, balanced, weighted with more Lakota backstory, and honest about the Presidents above.

By all means it doesn’t tell the whole story. You need years and teachers for that. Ironically, what is happening is the government is righting the ship, and doing so arguably quicker than anyone else. You don’t hear that everyday.

While Rushmore stirs strong feelings in many Lakota, I’m sure grateful for Gabriel, The Flute Player, Star, Jasmine and their family for the Hoop Dancing Demostrations.

Anyone who works up there like this isn’t doing the easy thing. They are working hard to preserve and teach Native American heritage. They are standing in what many consider sacred ground. The Holy of Holy. The Six Grandfathers is its name so I’m told.

This has a very painful past for many, and these folks are showing the way forward. I love seeing that, it felt so right and good. I thought it worth sharing. Have a wonderful day!

09/22/2024

Look up to the sky. It’ half your world! at Mount Rushmore and we’re treated by clouds called Kelvin-Helmholtz Waves. First time for me, and I wish the lighting was better, but it never damped the excitement!
badlandstourcompany

09/20/2024

Just a reminder that comes up from time to time. When I’m storytelling I bring in experiences from other countries and places.

After explaining a powerful moment in the Andes, typically people say “You must have felt so small and insignificant” to which I say, “No that’s when I realized I wasn’t either of those things.” Testimonials of life experiences are what help us grow, and maybe even provide a key perspective for someone else to break through a wall. Tell your story, it’s powerful and good medicine.

Great group of guys that rotate their planning of getaways each year and this time it was the Black Hills of South Dakota! They were surprised. It was way more than they expected. You’ll feel the same way too.

09/20/2024

Throughout history, many struggled using words to describe the Badlands. When you visit, it’ll make sense.

09/19/2024

Those things we love to foster through direct observation and interaction with the Black Hills and Badlands.

09/05/2024

What an eventful day in the Northern Black Hills! On this three day adventures we got to see Mother Nature at her brightest, and darkest moments. Having up to the second forecasts and an understanding of rapid weather changes while exploring can make what could be a dangerous situation into a wonderful observation.