There’s something to say about being out in nature almost everyday. It’s healing, majestic, and reveals surprises all the time. #myxoadventures #badlandstourcompany #burrowingowl #badlandsnationalpark
Thank you! The Pasque Flower. It’s a sign of things to come, the state flower of South Dakota and the first bloom of the year. These little purple petites have evaded me for some time, but last week I got an up close and personal shot. White carpet phlox is popping out, clover and green grass is everywhere. The air is fresh, crisp and inviting you to come out and play! #myxoadventures #badlandstourcompany #springisintheair #blackhillsandbeyond
Have you ever walked into a room, a group, an association and feel like you just don’t belong? Maybe even unwelcome? It’s because you don’t and you aren’t! Time is precious, and so are you. Authenticity, being true to yourself and loving what you do is the prize. The prize of happiness and joy. This is who we are, and what we do. We are round pegs, odd ducks, free spirits and non-conformers. It seems to work well. #doyourselfafavor #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #dontworrybehappy #exploreyourworld #loveacarrot
The Full Monty Devils Tower, Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood and the Northern Black Hills Prepare for an epic 10-hour adventure with My XO Adventures as we unveil the stunning beauty and rich history of the Northern Black Hills. Our "Full Monty Tour" is the ultimate exploration for those seeking to immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes, charming towns, and iconic landmarks of this remarkable region. #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #spearfishcanyon #blackhills #SouthDakota #badlandsnationalpark #blackhillsnationalforest #custerstatepark #winterintheblackhills #vacationplanning #summervacay #FamilyFriendlyFun #windcavenationalpark #buffalogapnationalgrasslands #bearbuttestatepark #devilstowernationalmonument #mountrushmorenationalmemorial https://myxoadventures.com/the-full-monty-devils-tower-spearfish-canyon-deadwood-and-the-northern-black-hills.html - My Xo Adventures - #badlandstour #besttourismcompany #BlackHills #BlackHillsAdventure #blackhillstour #CultureandLandofMatoTipila #devilstower #southdakotatour #tourlover #tourpackage
TRAVEL ADVICE: Predictions show that 2024 is going to be a very busy travel season. It already is by booking count and hotel reservations. Do yourself a favor. Visit a place of beauty. One that is sacred and offers solace. Where ancient rocky peaks and pine tree covered hillsides seem endless. Go where one can view for miles in each direction and have a 360 degree view of the sky, beautiful in the day, and bejeweled with stars at night. Go to where peace thrives and harmony flows. Feel good. Come to the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota. #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #badlandsblackhills #VisitRapidCity #badlandsnationalpark #vacationdestination
Sometimes it takes just a moment, or in this case, a few hours, to get back to my humanity and connection with the land. A short visit, but very missed. I waited until she showed me what she would, and as always, I'm grateful.
Winter is coming, I'm pretty sure. When it does, we'll get out in it to offer our out-of-state and local clients great ways to explore the Black Hills and Badlands. Gear up! https://bit.ly/41dA08y #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #winterintheblackhills,
Shoot for the stars! John Bennet Herrington, a member of the Chickasaw tribe, made history on November 23, 2002, when he became the first Native American to travel to space. Herrington was born in Wetumka, Oklahoma, in 1958 and grew up in Colorado. He joined the United States Navy in 1984 and became a naval aviator, flying combat missions during the Gulf War. After leaving the Navy, Herrington pursued a degree in engineering and worked as a test pilot before being selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1996. Herrington's mission to space was aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, where he served as a mission specialist. During his 13-day mission, Herrington conducted three spacewalks, totaling over 19 hours outside the spacecraft. He also conducted experiments on microgravity's effects on crystals and protein growth. Herrington's achievement as the first Native American in space was a significant milestone for the Chickasaw tribe and for Native Americans as a whole. He has since become an advocate for STEM education and has worked to inspire young Native Americans to pursue careers in science and technology. These photos were taken on our Badlands Sunset and Night Sky Adventure with an iPhone 12 Pro! We love this tour, and it's become one of the most popular in our offerings to Black Hills and Badlands visitors. #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #sunsetinthebadlands #badlandsnightskytours #visitrapidcity
There are mysteries and adventures all around us. Did you know that one of the oldest known petroglyphs dates back as far as 14,800 years ago? That's older than the supposed first civilization in Mesopotamia! When I ask, I'm told that Native Americans' origin and civilization go back much further. I tend to believe that. Scientists all over the world are finding out what they have been told by Indigenous people all along is true. Native Americans knew quantum physics before Newton had an epiphany after an apple fell on his head. Major events, ancient civilizations, scientific breakthroughs, and more have been part of the oral story for thousands, tens of thousands, and perhaps millions of years. https://bit.ly/3GqTEo1
Good morning, Rapid City and the Black Hills! Check out our locals-only page on Meet Up. We'll start out with daily visits to Badlands National Park to rediscover a fantastic place you might not have been in a long time. Each day at 12:30 PM, we'll head out for photos, wildlife, and sunset. Come and join us at this event or the many to come. Some events in the works are rock hounding, fossil hunting, and mystery trips with no description at all.... https://bit.ly/3SVMSOn
We breathe as we go from the golden colors of autumn to the winter months. When did the beginning of this journey begin? I don't know where to start, which has engulfed me with hard work. It's important to say that I didn't do it alone. Countless people, mentors, guides, community, and family over many states. The change from Florida to South Dakota is enormous. The list of yet unfulfilled dreams is no longer in the clouds, but in my heart. Reachable, closer, and tangible. Anyone who tries to say your dreams aren't achievable isn't bad; they are a test of your focus. To the reader: You got this! Distractions are a test. Do your best each day and be kind to yourself when mistakes are made. I had no idea I'd be moving to Rapid City 3 years ago. It was simply putting my best foot forward, one step at a time. Thank you to my family, friends, associates, and those willing to give me a shot. I appreciate you.
What worth would winning be without losing? The secret of the Wolf is perseverance. Continuing in the pursuit of victory, failure comes often but brings success only closer. ~ Old Hawk I love Native American wisdom. One of my favorite stories I've heard about Crazy Horse was when he lost the status of Shirt Wearer. Becoming a Shirt Wearer was a high honor, and to lose it might seem to some as a disgrace. It wasn't the shirt that made Crazy Horse; it was the man. He continued to live his life unchanged, true to his Lakota beliefs. I think of him often, admiring his strength, fortitude, and humility. It isn't the reward that counts, but the actions. Honorability comes slowly when no one is looking and no award matters. As a Black Hills and Badlands student, I find the wisdom runs deep, and the learning never ends. A little road trip and solitude with the fam helps, too. XOXO. #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond
Autumn in the Black Hills has begun, and the trees celebrate a truly outstanding season with bright yellow and gold! #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #hifromSD #fallfoliage #toursofsouthdakota
The Badlands and Black Hills Winter Wonderland, along with "Frozen Beauty: Black Hills Caves, Crystals and Waterfalls". Plan your Winter Vacation in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota!
The Badlands, Mato Tipila, Nemo, Wildlife, Needles Highway, it's truly endless and I like it that way. Thank you to our guests so far for making it an awesome season!
There was a leprechaun in the Badlands today! #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #badlandsnationalpark
The storm was brewing, rain fell all around, and we positioned ourselves for the moment. Knowing the Badlands helps us make what you might think is a bust, into a beauty.
The Badlands sun descends below the horizon. Peering back at you, reminders of the light shown, the dazzled land and razor sharp shadows that will never be seen again. Each day is new, and each moment unique. #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #badlandsnationalpark #badlandssunsetandnightsky
Many places in the Black Hills are astounding. We believe that anything named after the Devil should be given another name, starting with Devils Tower. If settlers didn't understand, or saw that the named place is ceremonial to the "Heathens" that it should be named after the Devil. Nothing in the Black Hills has to do with the Devil. The Devil arrived on the scene with the U.S. Army and settlers of the day. Nothing Thunkasila Wakȟáŋ Tȟáŋka created should be given credit to wickedness. This majestic marvel is called Mato Tipila (Bear Lodge) , or the Pte He Hota (Great Grey Horn) by many tribes. Doesn't this not only sound better, but make more sense and honor those who hold this place sacred?
Sometimes you just have to go with the flow, and not care what anyone thinks. These ladies from Florida brought Flossy the Flamingo to the Black Hills and Badlands. I was recruited rather quickly to participate in the fun, and a first. It was fun indeed! Great days out on tour, wonderful guests, and lots of looks!
Badlands National Park changes its colors each time we visit. Like a chameleon, reds, yellows, purple, beige and greys pop with a little water, clouds, and blue sky. The perfect recipe for the park that changes its spots.
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Sometimes rainy days end up being the most memorable. This time of year the weather can be full of surprises, and what you might think is going to happen, well it doesn't. It turns into a magical sight to behold. #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #badlandsnationalpark #runforestrun #hifromsd #visitrapidcity
The Badlands Sunset and Night Sky Tour always reveals something new. This photo was taken when the sun was low in the sky, and smoke from Alberta Canada was in the air. It acted like a filter, allowing us to see sunspots on the surface of the sun that will eventually reach us in the form of a solar storm, or Aurora Borealis. Check out the little dots when you zoom in. #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #badlandssunset #badlandsnightsky #toursofthebadlands
Clouds and Sunshine! Heading out to Badlands National Park and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands can be amazing with a mix of sun and rain. Colors brighten, while shadows and light dance across this sacred land.
Visiting the Black Hills means experiencing the area's beautiful landscapes and unique culture. A great way to familiarize yourself with Lakota Art and History is through My XO Adventures' Lakota Art and History Tour. The tour provides a comprehensive understanding of traditional elements such as music, ceremonies, stories, and arts that are intrinsic to the culture of the Lakota people. It will also allow you to gain insight into their vibrant history, including territorial boundaries, conflicts with settlers over land rights, treaty negotiations, religious freedom struggles, and more. On this educational tour, you'll have an opportunity to visit museums dedicated to preserving Native American artifacts while learning about time-honored customs from local experts. Additionally, you can explore beautiful landscapes like Red Shirt Table and get a chance to purchase authentic Native American Art. The Lakota Art and History Tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture of Native Americans, as well as gain invaluable knowledge about their history. It's an eye-opening experience that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the people living in this sacred land for centuries. So if you're looking for an exciting and meaningful way to learn about the culture and history of the Black Hills, make sure you book your My XO Adventures Lakota Art and History Tour today! It'll be an experience you won't soon forget!
https://bit.ly/3VkfkJ9
Have you been to Devil's Tower in the Northernmost region of the Black Hills? By the way, "Devils" is actually a messed up translation. The monument's name is Mato Tipila, which means Bears Lodge. Some call it the Great Grey Horn. Anyway, it's beautiful and a fantastic hiking spot!
I’ve never seen anything like it. No words can describe how magnificent the Aurora Borealis were tonight. They arrived gently, grew steadily, then came roaring alive in a supernatural symphony of connecting tendrils, vortexes, colors, and light beams.
It's been interesting in the Black Hills this week with Spring and Winter still tussling it out, but no less impressive. Good friends and awesome guests excited to get out and explore! #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #visitrpidcity #blackhills #badlands
The birds agree, springtime is in the air! In the trees, ponds and grasses too. Come join us on a wildlife adventure in the Black Hills and Badlands.
The birds are back in town! We have Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Magpies, Swainson Hawks, Meadowlarks, Grouse, Turkeys, Mountain Blue Birds and mechanical birds like the B2B Bomber. That one is really dangerous but pretty cool. #southdakotabirdwatchers #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #prairiebirds #buffalogapnationalgrassland
Come summertime, this Bighorn Sheep will be replaced by visitors walking the peaks and spires! The sheep are better at it. Whether you're a local or a visitor Badlands National Park is worth visiting, and full of surprises!
Often overlooked by visitors of the Black Hills, Spearfish Canyon is a real gem. Don't forget to include it on your vacation! Photo Provided by Visit Rapid City https://bit.ly/3nGtWpf
What? Spring is coming? #myxoadventures #blackhillssd #blackhillsandbeyond #badlandsnationalpark
What? Spring is coming? #myxoadventures #blackhillssd #blackhillsandbeyond #badlandsnationalpark
I’m excited for springtime but this winter has been the most significant I can remember. The grass may not grow, and the ground might freeze, yet life persists. It prepares for the season to come. This winter allowed for growth in many ways. Time for friendship, personal awareness, lessons from nature, opportunities to help and time to explore. Winter brought inspiration. I hope spring brings growth to dreams. Thank you to our dear guests and guides. Thank you for the doors that have been opened, the trust established, and the possibilities revealed. Thank you also to our friends visiting the Black Hills and Badlands while it’s frosted white in snow. #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #sdadventures
This is what healing looks like in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. It comes by sitting in silence, interaction with majestic animals, standing in awe of the granite peaks, or watching the grasslands flow like an ocean. This photo was taken of my nephew at Singing Horse Trading Post on Pine Ridge. I love it.
As winter turns to spring the prairies begin to show signs of awakening. The snowmelt erodes the Badlands revealing features never seen before. A light green dusting covers the soil and the days grow longer. Strong winds speak of change. The animals listen and understand. Anticipation builds.
Thanks so much to @elevtaterapidcity for the great article. It's very hard to express the gratitude and excitment we're all feeling! https://www.elevaterapidcity.com/news/2023/02/14/investor-spotlights/investor-spotlight-my-xo-adventures/
HERE! Have a prison, it comes preassembled and with everything, you could ever want. I'll show you where to put it, how to maintain it and how to believe it doesn't even exist. Sound good?... #myxoadventures #Lakota #lakotatribe #lakotanation #lakotavisions #LakotaForever https://bit.ly/3WRfCGm
Rockhounding as a South Dakotan is both necessary and pleasing. I've never been to such as place of wonder in my life. The more you know Mako Sica (Badlands) the more you fall in love. This is what we do. #myxoadventures #BadlandsWinterWonderland #BadlandsNationalParkWinter #BadlandsNPWinter #WinterBadlands #BadlandsNPWinter #WinterBadlands
Did you know that South Dakota has more clear days and total hours of sun per year than Florida? Yeah, it gets cold but we get out in it! #blackhillsfun #myxoadventures #WinterWonderland
Rescue Wolves at West Yellowstone. #myxoadventures #wolvesofyellowstone
May this year bring healing, growth, adventure, good health, great moments and fulfillment for all. Let our chains be broken, our eyes opened, our hearts broadened and our familial ties strengthened. Happy New Year to all! #myxoadventures
May this year bring healing, growth, adventure, good health, great moments and fulfillment for all. Let our chains be broken, our eyes opened, our hearts broadened and our familial ties strengthened. Happy New Year to all! #myxoadventures
Coming up December 13-17, 2022 is the Lakota Nation Invitational! In its 45th year, LNI is holding competitions in basketball, wrestling, golf, track & field, cheerleading, Lakota language and academic knowledge bowls, Hand Game Tournaments, and Archery. An Art Show and Storytelling will be held to top it all off! #lakotanationinvitational #rapidcitythingstodo #nativeamericanarts #myxoadventures
Is a three-legged Coyote good luck? You never know what you'll see on #myxoadventures tours. We are open and offering awesome tours throughout the winter! #BlackHillsTour #BadlandsTour #ExperienceHistory #ExperienceEcology #AdventureTour #ExploreLegends #SouthDakotaAdventure #SouthDakotaTravel #DiscoverWildlife #StunningNatureViews #OffTheBeatenPathTours #LearnFromLocalGuides #UniqueTravelExperience #UnforgettableMemoriesMadeHere
Two of our newest guides, from middle to right,, Emily and Cindy! Cindy is part of a band that plays in the Black Hills and located in Custer called #sistermoonband Rocking it at #myxoadventures
The first of many to come at My XO Adventures AED’s combined with CPR can save hundreds of lives each day! #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #aedtraining
My XO Adventures is the LGBTQ+ go-to for excursions around the world, including the US, Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Central and South America! Choose from multiple packages that focus on your interests and goals as the traveler. Some of the packages even include private transportation, meals, and a personal bartender!
Baby White Mountain Goats spotted in the Cathedral Spires of the Black Hills! #myxoadventures #blackhills #cathedralspires #mountaingoat #blackhillsandbeyond
Baby White Mountain Goats spotted in the Cathedral Spires of the Black Hills! #myxoadventures #blackhills #cathedralspires #mountaingoat #blackhillsandbeyond
Buffalo Chip Cookies on a beautiful day in Custer State Park! #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond
Buffalo Chip Cookies on a beautiful day in Custer State Park! #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond
Off exploring in little known places. Bleu makes her way through the beautiful canyons of the Black Hills. Learning and inspiration is all around. #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond #hifromsd #everymomentcounts
There’s something to be said about a real springtime in The Black Hills. Flowers are everywhere! #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond
Meeting of the minds! Newborns everywhere in Custer. #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond
Meeting of the minds! Newborns everywhere in Custer. #myxoadventures #blackhillsandbeyond