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getparkd · 4 years

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The best places to visit that AREN’T National Parks

These first two picture were taken at one of my favorite places I have ever been, which is a huge claim as I have been to the Grand Tetons. Had we not glanced at our National Parks service map we would have never found this place. This is Lincoln Boyhood National Historic Site. In Lincoln City, Indiana, this site can only be found with the help of Lola (our GPS) and those little brown signs on the side of the road.

Lincoln Boyhood NHS takes you back in time to the not-so-presidential homestead of one of the great American heroes. Hearing about that little log cabin in history class does not do it justice. Although it is not there anymore, the site has been replicated with stone works and is an amazing site to see. Also on the site is his mother’s grave. There are stacks of pennies lying at the headstone and it will give you chills to witness such an amazing part of history.

What can I possibly say about Harry Truman? Not much that’s for sure. When I pictured his boyhood home I pictured a cute, humble home that was well preserved from it’s original state. I did not picture a indiscrete home marked by a simple historic sign. Needless to say I was disappointed, but still glad that I got to see yet another Presidential home.

I’d imagine that Minuteman Missile National Historic Site would have been much cooler if we actually got to see the missile. Unfortunately, we were late and the building had closed. Our disappointment was short lived, as we were very excited to get to the Badlands. I’d imagine that it’d be a more eventful stop if the building was open, but if you are right there you might as well.

Mount Rushmore! The only worthwhile part is the lighting show in the evenings. It is kind of surreal to see this after learning about it your whole life. All I could think about was that Phineas and Ferb episode where Dr. Doof takes a lava pipe through Washington’s nose. It was also really cool to see because Teddy Roosevelt is my favorite historical figure and I got some cool socks with his face on it from the gift shop.

This was by far my favorite stop of our whole trip. Little Bighorn National Battlefield is truly sacred ground. I am a huge history buff and learning about Westward Expansion has always been fascinating to me. To learn about the atrocities that the United States government committed and got away with never fails to amaze me, in a bad way that is. Naturally, Custer’s Last Stand is a historical moment that has been of interest to me. To be able to stand where the doomed Custer stood was amazing. The empty field of rolling grass further take you back in time and remind you of what happened on that battlefield. The American Indian artwork is also beautiful in contrast to the bright blue sky. I would recommend visiting this site to anyone and everyone.

Another site that is absolutely magical. Hearing the stories about the giant bear climbing up the tower make perfect sense. It is much bigger than I imagined it to be as well, as you can see it for miles in the distance. It is a bit secluded from anything else, but well worth the drive. Make sure you get a picture of the tower through the puff of smoke pictured above.

Growing up driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, I am accustomed to winding roads of the sides of mountains, overlooking beautiful blue and green valleys. This parkway is something entirely different. I will say that it is amazing in a different way than my beloved Blue Ridge is (although the Blue Ridge will always be my favorite). Seeing the Teton Range looming in the distance puts to scale how vast those mountains really are.

Independence Rock! This hunk of stone is a long ways from civilization. We drove for 2 hours without seeing another car. But don’t worry, you will have plenty of pronghorn to keep you company! In the picture, you can see me and my little brother are both climbing it, but what you don’t see is that I eventually made it to the top. While up there I saw initials carved from the original settlers. I felt like a real pioneer that’s for sure. Luckily, none of us died of dysentery! Also, fair warning, make sure if you are making the drive to this site that you load up on gas before you leave, it’ll be awhile until you see another station.

#yellowstonetrip #independence rock #find your park #national park service #lincoln boyhood home #presidents #native history #wild west #pioneers #history #us history #monuments #memorials

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naitiaclo960writings · 4 years

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Day 13 - Ladies

A frustrated complaint escaped her lips as she opened the door to get out of the car. Her hip had been sore since that ghost had thrown her through a window display and her forearm had been nicked for ten centimeters because of the glass. Her few scratches made her look a bit rebellious which she certainly did not mind, but she really had to think about checking that her shoulder’s Band-Aid did not slip. She would have hated having to deal with an infection now and add to the scars already present on her body. She wasn’t particularly obsessed with her appearance, but Kaia, she would have noticed, and she would have had to deal with another lecture about her health.

Claire had gone on at least four consecutive hunts in the states surrounding Sioux Falls before returning home behind the wheel of her car. To be honest, she could very well have continued with this other case in Montana —a vampire nest if she wasn’t wrong— but Jody had reminded her that they had planned to celebrate Donna’s birthday as a family and the girl could not refuse. Donna was not only a good friend of her adoptive mother, she was an important member of her family. Being present on her birthday was the least she could do. As for the gift, she had managed to find a basket filled with French wines and a snowglobe from Mount Rushmore in a motel shop to complete Donna’s collection.

So, yes, she had quickly finished her last hunt and had driven a good part of the night home. A little aspirin and she’d be back in the game, she knew it. Claire couldn’t afford the luxury of taking a vacation or even a break so she’d swallow some pain medication and get a good night’s sleep and that’s it. But she could not deny that putting her feet back on the porch of Jody’s house was already relieving her bruised body.

She had taken the time to unload her two duffle bags from her trunk before going to the white door that she knew so well. Claire had noticed the other cars in the driveway leading to the garage, including Donna's and Alex’s parked there. Her own jeep was almost on the sidewalk because the driveway was so crowded. Almost. Her attention was brought back to the door when she heard the commotion inside.

In no time, the door swiveled open to let Jody and her big maternal smile appear. Her increasingly gray hair reminded Claire of the passing years, but nothing seemed to alter the warmth that this woman radiated around her. However, Claire barely had time to give her a smile back as Jody’s was already collapsing at the sight of her swollen face. Predictable.

Jody seemed stopped in her tracks. She detailed her daughter’s face, sought her words, rebuffed herself. Then, finally, she decided to sigh and gently shake her head, a fine reprobating smile on her lips.

"I hope at least that the muck that has crossed your path is in a worse state, young lady." She said, approaching and finally embracing her.

Claire clicked her tongue with amusement while giving Jody a hug with one hand, the other being occupied with a bag.

"A muck? What muck?" She teased while she rolled her eyes during the embrace.

Jody smiled more, this little proud though worried smile that mothers knew so well, before moving away. Claire finally had one foot in the house when a tornado of black hair came out of the kitchen to hit her shoulder.

"Ouch!" Claire exclaimed, dropping her bag on the floor to protect her now sore muscle.

Alex raised an eyebrow in return and crossed her arms on her chest with an accusatory look.

"Are you out of your mind?" Claire groaned while massaging her shoulder. "Did you forget to take your pills today or what?"

"Claire Novak." Alex replied as if she hadn’t heard anything. "Always there, giving me work on my days off." She pointed at the scrapes on Claire’s face before taking her hand to examine her arm.

Claire protested again while taking her arm back. She had to go through it automatically, every time it was the same drill. She had to go through Jody’s anxiety and Alex’s or even Patience’s sermons before she could really land somewhere in the house. Of course, she protested every time, but Claire could not long hide the feeling of gratitude that such a concern for her health provoked in her. Teasing, she bit her lip before answering.

"Don’t act like you don’t love practicing your lessons on my beautiful self Jones." She gave her a sarcastic wink, which Alex rolled her eyes at, not without the hint of a smile.

"I’m going to get some clean bandages. Put your flat butt on the couch, I’ll be right back." Ordered Alex before going up the stairs without another look.

Claire replied with her middle finger that Alex did not see and Jody reprimanded her immediately while she was already taking her bags to the vestibule. As Alex went upstairs to disappear into the bathroom, she crossed paths with Patience, who came down with a few books in her arms and Claire was going to end up believing that she was born with those damn books transplanted onto her palms. Claire gave her a v-sign with her fingers to greet her.

"Oh." Patience simply smiled as she arrived at the bottom of the stairs. "I deduce that your last hunt was not easy." She said with compassion.

She remained at a certain distance, but Claire had learned that it was not out of apathy. Patience wasn’t a big fan of contact and Claire could totally handle it. She wasn’t really into affection either, she was just making exceptions with some people like Jody or Donna—it was impossible to not get in contact with Donna anyway—.

"The last four of them you mean." Claire sighed while taking off her shoes. Here, everyone was in slippers, orders for the main lady of the house not to mess up her meticulous work. "And don’t get me started about the quality of the last motel I slept in. Being a hunter is like being a super badass rock star, but minus the money and fame. It sucks."

At these words Patience raised an amused eyebrow and looked around her. When she had made sure that Jody had gone back to the kitchen, where there was some excitement now that Claire was paying attention to it, she lowered her voice and whispered in her ear as she passed by:

"I’ll see what I can do to unlock another credit card. At least try choosing a motel that puts chocolates under the pillow next time."

Claire smiled and watched Patience walk away towards the living room. There, she remembered it now. That’s why she liked to come home from time to time, because she liked to feel this sweet warmth tickling her ribs from the inside. Whether she had been there for two minutes or two weeks, and whether she disappeared on the road for months, she always felt integrated and useful when she came back.

Realizing that Alex had still not returned, Claire decided to go into the kitchen where Donna’s dismayed voice now distinctly came from. When she turned around the corner of the corridor leading into the room, Claire was greeted with a rather unusual spectacle. Donna opened all the windows in the kitchen while Jody put on gloves to pull out what looked like carbonized cookies from the oven. Smoke was escaping in large gulfs from said oven and gradually covering the kitchen in smoke and it was at this moment that Claire noticed Kaia standing on a chair, coughing while trying to deactivate the smoke detector before it came to life.

"I admit it!" Donna exclaimed while opening the last window before making wind with a rag. She wore an apron so neon green that it would make any binman jealous and Claire almost hurt her eyes by looking at it. "Maybe I misread the cooking time, but, goodie grief, Jody-o, can you even read what’s written in your cookbook? That’s a microscope I’ll need to decipher that!"

"Or glasses!" Jody said, throwing the rest of the cookies directly into the sink before turning on the faucet."Just admit that you’re getting old, Don." She joked.

"But still not old enough to kick your- Oh, howdy sweetie!" Donna exclaimed, finally noticing Claire walking cautiously in the kitchen and waving her hand in front of her face.

"Hi Donna." She replied, swallowing back a cough although the smoke was finally starting to dissipate thanks to the open windows.

Claire, however, barely had time to catch her breath as Donna had already crossed the distance between them to draw her into a narrow embrace. The sheriff was like that, enthusiastic and demonstrative with everything and everyone, the exact opposite of what Claire was most of the time. But all agreed to say that Donna was their most indispensable spark of joy in a mostly cruel daily life, including Claire.

Finally, Donna released her embrace and Claire offered her a small reassuring smile to which she had the secret by noticing the worried look of her friend.

"Shut the front door." Donna pouted, cupping Claire’s face with her hands, inspecting her wounds. "That’s why we need more cookies in this house. Jodes, lend me your glasses."

At these words, Claire distinctly heard Jody grunting near the sink.

"Yes, ma'am." Jody said, passing by Donna before slapping her ass for the joke. "Only if you promise not to set it on fire, either."

Donna adopted an incredulous and mocking expression that was probably saying, "are you kidding me?" before kissing Claire on the cheek one last time and following Jody into the hallway. Only then could Claire focus on the last person in this kitchen and not the least.

Kaia had just come down from her chair with the smoke detector in her hands, a happy smile on the edge of her lips. Claire gave her one back and a silence settled between the two girls, not one daring to approach the other. Despite everything, it was not an uncomfortable moment, it was simply a matter of enjoying the reunion with this unusual modesty that made their hearts beat timidly.

Claire could have told the exact moment when Kaia noticed her wounds when the girl frowned and gently bit her lip, worried. She swung from foot to foot, strangely uncomfortable to cause so much trouble to Kaia at once.

"See, you need me during hunts." Kaia joked gently, nodding at Claire’s wounded arm. "Maybe I should go with you next time."

Claire shook her head, amused.

"I’m doing fine, it’s not much." She said in a tone that was meant to be detached.

Then Kaia raised a bored eyebrow and took the time to put the smoke detector on the table before coming to stand in front of Claire.

"Go ahead and say you don’t want me while you’re at it. I’m listening." Kaia whispered.

This time, it was up to Claire to bite the inside of her cheek to repress a laugh before rolling her eyes. To prevent her girlfriend from saying more nonsense, she kissed her gently on the corner of her lips before taking her hand. As she withdrew, Kaia had this spark of pure joy in her eyes that fed the fire growing in Claire’s chest.

They both returned to the living room hand in hand with total ease and helped the others to set the table, not without Alex having applied first aid to Claire first. The house breathed of a family agitation that was not uncommon at Jody’s and it was a special feeling to feel completely integrated into this machinery. The discussions were natural, caring and although Claire enjoyed saving the world, she couldn’t help but keep coming back here. It was her place, her refuge.

The bellies began to grumble slowly when Alex finally asked the question that slowly insinuated itself into each of them.

"When can we start serving?"

Jody came from the kitchen with a bottle of champagne and started trying to open it.

"Sam and Dean should be here soon, they’re picking up Rowena on the road. As for Castiel and Jack, they called me to say that they had finished their case in Omaha, they will be there by 1:00 pm." She said, pulling harder on the cork. "That doesn’t stop us from starting the aperitif, if that... damn cork will open." She cursed.

Claire laughs softly from the couch, Kaia beside her and scolding her for having already eaten several petits fours.

"Oh, men. Never there when you need them, huh?" Claire teased.

Immediately, Jody raised an eyebrow and pulled a pocket knife out of her kitchen apron. She turned the bottle towards the wall so as not to risk hurting anyone, and, just like that, she sabered the champagne. The cork flew away in a resounding pop as Jody grabbed the first glass of champagne to fill it.

"Luckily, that’s not the case." She replied with a firm look to her daughters.

No one dared to contradict her, not that anyone in this house wanted to anyway. Claire moved back to the bottom of the couch, with Kaia’s hand still in hers as she watched her family engage in a new conversation. Alex and Patience were debating the university system while Donna added small comments here and there while helping Jody serve champagne. She had found her family in atypical circumstances, strange ones even. But as she contemplated this surrounding happiness, she knew that she wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.

* * * @winchester-reload

I just love those girls so much, it had a good time writing about them! I’m also really proud of the OS I made for day 13 for Suptober 2019 (you can check my others writings about last year here). See you tomorrow!

You can find the whole series on Ao3

Tag list /!\ PLEASE TELL ME IF YOU WANT TO BE ADD TO (or removed from) THE TAG LIST so you won’t miss any updates.

@misha-moose-dean-burger-lover @styggtroll @thanks-tacos @petrichoravellichor @iamcharliebradburylevelperfect @ladywaywarddsc @hellfire37 @destiel-221b-sabriel @aloha-cowgirl @destielhoneybee @dysfunctional-destiel @ozonecologne @doofcas @castielrisingabove @zoerayne2426 @tibbinswrites @vicmc624 @thegirlofstarlight @berrieseveryday @staycejo1 @certaindeanwinchesterforcastiel @bab-spnfamily @lo-mindpalace

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khakilike · 4 years

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That's how you can tell stuff is sacred in our country -- by how good the gift shop is.

Brent Terhune, giving his take on everything that happened this week at Mount Rushmore

#YouTube #Brent Terhune #Mt Rushmoore #Quotes

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melissactda · 4 years

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Project done in collaboration with Exposures Program

“While visiting Mount Rushmore, Darien and I went to the gift shop where they had a (really small) postcard section dedicated to Native Americans, she pointed out two of them and said those were her grandfathers. Someone in the group asked how she felt about seeing pictures of her family being sold, which gave me the idea for this project. I interviewed Lane and Darien, and after choosing what felt more fitting with the themes (family, profit, appropriation) they wrote their thoughts in a postcard-style design. I overlaid their pictures on the original ones (Sitting Bull and Big Foot) to reinforce the idea of family and reclaiming, not expecting them to look so similar.“

#people

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binoynazareth · 4 years

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Discovering a Rich Heritage at Mount Rushmore

Charismatic. Colossal. Cultural.

Following footprints in the sands of time with legends echoing around the Wild West, I traversed the path of an intrepid traveler through the much-trodden trail to Mount Rushmore. I love adventure and as an ardent adventurer, I indulged in a sojourn in South Dakota, the land where famous pioneers, the aura of pre-historic beasts and the heart of the heritage of American Indian tribes surrounds visitors.

With the sun, filtering through the ponderosa pine, cottonwood, oak and other coniferous trees, I discovered a breath-taking view of the magnificent sculptures of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt carved into the granite surface of Mount Rushmore. While the ranges of the Black Hills of South Dakota provide a startling yet appealing sight, the 1700s sculptures reveal the work of Gutzon Borglum and his son, Lincoln Borglum. The memorial park evolves over 1,278.45 acres and is 5,725 feet (1,745 m) above sea level.

These four prominent Presidents of the United States of America were chosen as they had created the most important events in the history of the United States. The concept of the sculptures can be attributed to the South Dakota historian Doane Robinson so that tourism would be promoted with the mountain being renamed after Charles E. Rushmore, a famous New York lawyer.

Experiencing the Wonder of South Dakota

Walking through trails to experience the massive park in South Dakota, I absorbed the scenic surroundings with wildflowers and Ponderosa pines. Sightings of wildlife are thrilling and as one ventures on a trek, squirrels, marmots, rabbits, mountain goats, chipmunks, deer, mammals, amphibians and birds can be seen at various locations.

With something for everyone at Mount Rushmore, I took in the sights and sounds at the Presidential Trail and the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center & Museum. The amenities include Mount Rushmore Audio Tour, the Amphitheater, the Sculptor’s Studio and the Youth Exploration Area. Some of the tourist attractions include the Memorial Ice Cream Shop, the Mount Rushmore Bookstores, the Carvers Café, the Gift Shop and the Memorial Ice Cream Shop. My love for adventure and the penchant to try out new things took me through exciting chairlifts, wheeled sleds and the Aerial Adventure Park as the latest addition to Rushmore Tramway Adventures with its pulsating courses.

Traveling on a Delicious South Dakota Sojourn

My true-blue adventurer spirit, the secret to a traveler’s charisma set off to explore the delectable side of life as I traveled on a chairlift ride to indulge the senses at an ultimate al fresco experience. The Mountaintop Grille offers scenic views of Mount Rushmore and displays gorgeous views with flowers and waterfalls. Relaxing in a congenial ambience, I savored mouth-watering nachos, burgers & brats accompanied by an ice-cold beer. South Dakota specialties include gumbo, steaks, Italian cuisine, seafood, pizzas, muffins, Cornish pasties, jerky, roasts, tacos and many more delicious dishes. I added to my repertoire of experiences by visiting casual and fine dining eateries, chuckwagon supper and dinner shows, cafes, supper clubs and restaurants that inundate the South Dakota region.

Delving into the American Indian heritage to treasure a memorable culture, I took a piece of the Black Hills and Badlands experience back as a keepsake as I browsed through the souvenir and gift shops that showcase original Western art, Sioux beadwork, pottery, leather, star quilts, gold jewelry and innumerable memorabilia.

Exploring the South Dakota Heritage and Culture

Traveling through the prairies, I visited the American Indian communities whose heritage, art and craft still vibrate through South Dakota. Known as the land of the Nakota, Dakota and Lakota, there are nine Native American tribes who live in South Dakota. I enjoyed and experienced their awesome hospitality and admired their incredible art.

With adventure all the way, I filled my South Dakota experience with non-stop entertainment that evolves over hiking, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, camping and visiting museums. As a perfect way to an adventurer’s heart, the state offers visits to dig sites to discover evidence of prehistoric humans and animals. In addition to outdoor recreation, amusement & theme parks, information and learning centers, I celebrated my action-packed trip to Mount Rushmore with sightings of burros, wild mustangs, herds of buffalo and the largest collection of reptiles in the world. With the spirit of freedom and the love of the great outdoors, I treasured my experience at Mount Rushmore as an inspiring and memorable adventure.

Celebrating the Spirit of Freedom and Inspiration at Mount Rushmore

#mount rushmore #travel #binoy #nazareth

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torreygazette · 5 years

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Hail, South Dakota! and Land of Living Skies

Rhubarb Strawberry pie. The family decided the slice of rhubarb strawberry was the best among the bunch. Trailing behind the victor was a slice of chocolate cream and slice of bumbleberry (essentially ever berry known to South Dakota).

The kids devoured the pies ravenously. The day had contained over six miles of walking/hiking. A trek through the ridges around Stockade lake as well as a short jaunt on the trail around Mount Rushmore left the kids exhausted and hungry. Even after a filling dinner, the pies did not persevere long. And the children quickly feel asleep as the van was loaded for our trek to Canada.

Mount Rushmore though stunning felt like a tourist trap. With much of a viewing area under construction, the many visitors were forced to the same small central location in front of the gift shop. I’ve never seen a gift shop under construction. And yet it was hardly the tourist trap of a similarly named brewery in Custer, SD. (Here I must devolve and protest any completely negative review of the brewery. However, it was painfully obvious the beer and brewers were mailing it in for a tourist crowd. Beer wasn’t served at the right temperature, it was poorly carbonated, and ultimately the interesting beers relied heavily on the flavor of barrel aging.) Just a day earlier trips to Sylvan Lake and Crazy Horse Memorial had highlighted a 24 hour period that witnessed a donkey induced traffic jam, wondering sheep, and multiple cases of bison.

The luster of Custer State Park ran down the excitement of the children eventually. A big park, the travel for a day was higher than the young and easily bored children could handle after driving from Austin to Custer in the course of thirty six hours. The beauty was beyond them after a few hours. Canada was on their mind-until they found out it would take another eight hours to reach our hotel in Regina.

We departed for Canada through Deadwood at 6:30 the following morning. Dropping our keys off, we said goodbye to the strange horses in the yard and plotted a course for the closest ... McDonalds. Once again a breakfast at McDonalds. Leaving behind South Dakota our van crossed into Wyoming, Montana, back into Wyoming, into North Dakota, back into Montana, and finally into Saskatchewan. Judah delivered his stand up routine to the customs officer throughout her questions. Any worry she had of us importing excessive alcohol, tobacco, or a mere modicum of marijuana melted under the boy’s routine. “He must be the smart one,” she said. And we were sent on our way to Regina.

An evening of burgers, swimming, and a water slide restored a semblance of normalcy to the day. Though “heated,” the pool resided in a room hardly in the 70s and only the pool water itself could keep one warm. The chattering teeth of Cora eventually brought us out of the waters and into dry towels. Entering the elevator and dressing in PJs the children were asleep less than fifteen minutes after laying down while dreaming of a large moose.

Moose Jaw is familiar to me because of my interest in Canadian Curling. (They hosted the 2015 Tournament of Hearts.) The family needed little encouragement to go see a large moose statue. Across the street was an infamous Tim Horton’s. Setting aside the strong desire of many to deride the coffee, I wanted to get the kids some of the maple donuts. Always thwarting my headship, Cora, Olivia, and Judah chose Saskatchewan colored (green and yellow) sprinkles.

Our evenings in Regina have mostly consisted of swimming. The hotel was decided on has a splash pad and water slide. Judah claims he went down the water slide fifty times. But it was probably closer to twenty-five. Needless to say the kids have enjoyed themselves. And enjoyed the lack of driving.

For our final day in Regina, we decided to visit two museums. The Royal Saskatchewan Museum boasted of dinosaur fossils as well as some of the best stuffed animal exhibits I had even seen. Almost creepy levels of good.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Heritage Centre came after our family got kicked out of a pub. Okay, in truth they met us at the door and told us no minors were allowed. But Judah and Kenzie totally stepped into the place before some came and ushered us out. Not to be discouraged (we were) we pressed on to our next destination (actually we got stuck waiting for a +60 car train and decided not to sulk back to our hotel), got a tasty lunch, and visited the remaining museum on our list. The museum itself turned out to be quite good. Listening stations as well as video screens recapped much of the story of the famous Canadian Mounties and all the kids seemed to enjoy the sensory experience.

But perhaps the highlight of the trip was our photo experience outside the museum. Upon telling Alaina I wanted to visit the Heritage Centre she told me that she wanted to see a real Mountie. I told her that this was merely a training site and that aside from a graduation weekend it was unlikely we would run into any.

So naturally while I was taking photos of the kids outside the museum a car pulled over and out hopped a woman offering to take our photo. With my back to her I had no idea what to expect and so when I turned around the RCMP badge on her hip gleamed in the sun. On her way off site from a workout, this civilian dressed Mountie offered to take our photo. Alaina’s wish had come true.

She talked with us for a little while before eventually letting us into the museum. And eventually the kids swam again before falling asleep. And now we are leaving the Great White North behind us.

#Moose Jaw #Canada #Vacation

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genderdysphoriablues · 5 years

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27/7/'19

Something I love about South Dakota: outside smells like wildflowers, especially after a rainstorm.

Today was more of an adventure. We went to a place called Bear Country, which is a neat little park (?) where you can drive through different areas and watch the animals there. We saw elk, caribou, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bison, cougars, bears, arctic wolves, and grey wolves. It was really neat, because for the most part, besides being sectioned off, the animals could just roam around, even across the little road (except for the mountain goats-I'm guessing that they liked to headbutt the cars going through). It was nifty. Then there was a more zoo-like area with smaller and baby animals, like weaned bear cubs (apparently separated from their mothers for their own safety), foxes, and badgers.

Then we went to a place called Rush Mountain Adventure Park. We went on an alpine coaster there, which kind of freaked me out (I don't like roller coasters), except on this thing you can sort of control your speed, so it wasn't terrible. But we also went on some sort of rope course/zipline, which was neat. Then there was a giant video game thing where you got to shoot at things to earn points. I didn't win any of the times I went, but I did pretty good. We also almost went on a...well, I'm not sure exactly what it was, but I could compare it to an open and fast ski gondola. I say almost because by the time we got to the front of the line it was dumping rain and there was lightning. So they shut down the park. But before that we went into a nifty cave and got to look around there. I got some cool pictures.

We hung out at the hotel for a little bit to avoid the rain and then popped off to Mount Rushmore. It was cool lookin'. I will admit, however, that how the viewing place itself and even the gift shop looked surprised me because the majority of my experience with the portrayal of Mount Rushmore is from Phineas and Ferb, and how they showed it in there is not at all how it looks in real life. The mountain is pretty much the same though. We sang the national anthem and they lit up the faces. It was rather anticlimactic, really, and I don't think I'm ever going to go again (except maybe for my future kids).

Then on the way back to the hotel room I was in a state of hysteria, probably because while I am normally awake that late I'm not accustomed to really needing to function that much. I saw a billboard advertising a seafood restaurant with the words, "Shrimply the best!" and I just lost it. I had actual tears streaming down my face, and my brother had no clue what was going on because every time he tried to ask me about it I would just laugh harder. My poor mother, who was tired and probably had a headache, was not enjoying my wheezing fit even a little bit. But heck, it was the best laugh I've had in a while.

Also, fun fact about Jensen: I count motorcycles while I'm on the road, like a game. Yesterday I got a record of 311.

#transgender #lds transgender #mormon transgender #lgbt #lds lgbt #mormon lgbt #gender #south dakota #mount rushmore

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irish-nlessing · 6 years

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Road Trip - An “Unlikely” Blurb ft. Niall and Zoe

A/N: For those of you that remember my tumblr wife, @lucyvanpelt78, this was a blurb she and I collaborated on that went along with her fic, Unlikely. This takes place after the fic, when Niall and Zoe decide to move in together and take a road trip to LA. She’s since deleted because her kids are assholes, but she said it was ok for me to post this. I hope you all enjoy it, and let’s cross our fingers that she decides to come back one of these days or lets me post more of her work for her. xoxo

“Pull over up here! That shop advertises a cow made out of cheese!” I pointed to the next exit and looked at my boyfriend excitedly. He grinned and signaled to change lanes, maneuvering the SUV across traffic. Niall had finally convinced me to make the move from Minneapolis to Los Angeles after two years of long distance dating. I stubbornly insisted on driving my ancient 4Runner instead of having it shipped, wanting a proper road trip before I settled into the hustle and bustle of a new city and new life. He just as stubbornly insisted on accompanying me. So far, one day in, we were having a good time. Ask me again next week. Forty minutes later we were stuffed with Wisconsin’s finest curds and had our pictures taken in front of Hilda, the Havarti Heifer. Niall was incognito in a baseball cap, shorts, and a t-shirt, and giggling like a preschooler. He got a 6 pack of the state’s other finest import, beer, for the hotel later.

“Ya know, this could end up being a lot of fun,” he admitted, snatching more cheese from the container in my hand.

“I can’t believe you doubted me. Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, the Field of Dreams cornfield...I’m going to take you on an adventure of lifetime, baby,” I puckered my lips at him as we reached the car, stealing a kiss that he deepened.

“I’ll give you an adventure,” he teased, grabbing a handful of my ass and nipping at my bottom lip.

“There are children around, perv. Watch yourself.” I gave him a little poke in the chest that he exaggeratedly staggered back in response to as I climbed into the car. He bounced back to shut my door, stealing another kiss. “You’re sure you don’t want me to drive? You just did the last shift.”

“Yeah, I’ll go until the next stop. I want to listen to Stormzy again.” He was well aware of my ‘driver is DJ’ rule. “You’d probably put on Tori Amos and make me want to try to play chicken in the middle of the highway.”

“For a ‘sensitive’ singer-songwriter, you’re kind of a dick,” I chided him. “Besides, I like Stormzy. Mainly because I want to put my boot in your ass.”

“Ouch. That would hurt, darlin’.” One quick grin and we were merging back into traffic, and British grime music was blaring through my sound system. To Niall’s shock, I started singing along, rapping the lyrics. He joined in and we were soon car dancing, putting on a show for the other drivers stuck in traffic with us. He was moving like a bad Drake video and I was delighted. Before long we were doing a synchronized dance and I had the hiccups from laughing so hard. We were at a dead stop due to rush hour, and he leaned over to give me a kiss, both of us busting out when I hiccuped in his mouth.

“Lucky ya didn’t bite my fuckin’ tongue off.”

“Next time I just *hiccup* might.” I tried holding my breath and swallowing, which resulted in me choking when Niall started pulling stupid faces at me. I smacked him and he grabbed my hand, kissing it. When he let go I covertly pinched his nipple as he jumped and slammed on the brakes, rubbing his chest.

“Goddamn! You’re going to kill us.”

“I was hoping if I pinched them enough they’d swell up and I’d actually be able to see them for once.”

“See how ya like it when I do that to you,” he stuck out his lip to pout, and I leaned over to kiss his cheek.

“But I like when you do that to me.” My whisper was low and I ran my nose down his neck, nibbling softly.

“Shit, you’re going to start this now? We’re still 20 miles from the hotel and no movement in sight.” His cheeks started to flush, a telltale sign that he was getting a little excited. I loved watching him get worked up and flustered, taking delight in his frustration and in the fact it usually got me partially off before he could even touch me. Keeping this in mind, I ran my hand up his thigh, tracing the seam of his shorts.

“Holy hell,” he muttered. “Get on your own side of the car before you start something we can’t finish.”

“Well, something you can’t finish the way you want to, you mean,” I teased, cupping him gently. “Love you.” I sat back in my own seat, satisfied as he groaned.

“Devil woman.” Traffic started to move and I smirked at him as we picked up some momentum. He messed with his phone, changing the playlist to the one he’d so sweetly named, “Pussy List.” I raised on eyebrow at him, my face illuminated by the headlights of the nearby cars as dusk approached.

“Someone is getting cocky.”

“Someone might be getting cock.”

“That was the worst comeback ever.”

“I’ll give you the best comeback ever.”

I was snorting at his terrible jokes and lines, and missed his hand sliding across the console, to the inside of my leg. I’d been wearing a maxi skirt, but with my feet up on the dashboard, it’d ridden up my legs to my knees. His fingers swept up the soft flesh of my thigh, inching closer and closer to my center.

“Niall James!” I sat up, mock offended. “Hands on the wheel, mister.”

He snorted and continued his ministrations, his eyes straight ahead on the road, a small smirk pulling at his lips. His fingers continued to trail across the damp skin of my thighs. Goosebumps cropped up all across my legs and I braced them harder against the dashboard. When the tips of his fingers finally swept across my slit, he jerked his hand back slightly.

“Are you...? You’re not?” He looked both shocked and mesmerized.

“Oops. Guess I packed up all my clean panties.” I gave him an “aw shucks” shrug and laughed.

“Christ you’re a dream come true.” His hand quickly slid back up between my thighs and softly traced up and down. “You’re so soft. Didya wax?” His furrowed brows were too cute as I bit my lip and nodded.

“It’s my housewarming gift to you.”

One finger dipped in as I tipped my hips up slightly in my seat and let my knees fall open to accommodate him. “This pot of honey is the perfect gift.” He waggled his eyebrows at me obnoxiously, pleased with himself and his terrible puns.

“Oh my God. Shut the fuck up and finger me.”

He giggled and leaned closer, working his thumb over my clit as traffic started to pick up speed. I was trying desperately to anchor myself as each flick of his thumb sent me closer to the edge. I gripped onto his shoulder and let out a breathy moan as I felt the muscles and tendons in his arm move under the taut skin, matching the movements of his fingers over my throbbing clit. I grabbed at his wrist with my other hand, holding him where I needed as I bucked my hips to the rhythm he’d created. I tipped my head to the side, catching Niall’s eye. His face was flushed and his pupils were blown wide. He bared his teeth at me, ever so slightly, then set his gaze back on the road.

“You’re so fuckin wet, love. You gonna come for me?”

I swallowed harshly, my throat long gone dry from the shallow panting. I nodded my head, which was suddenly light from all the blood that had rushed to my lower body. I slid a little lower, almost unable to hold myself up as his fingers slowed down, matching the beat of Beyonce singing “Drunk in Love”. The soft groan out of my mouth expressed my frustration as he snickered.

“Don’t like the teasing so much now, do ya, baby girl?” To make up for it, he started singing along, knowing that his voice on a love song could drive me wild no matter where we were. As the car moved faster and faster I could feel the rush of my release starting to build to a fever pitch. I watched as his neck flexed with the strain of arm cocked at the odd angle. His adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he sang along, his tongue darting across his bottom lip to wet it every few bars. He readjusted quickly, slipping three fingers inside me and found what he was looking for. My g-spot. I let out a loud gasp, perfectly timed with the build of the song as the heel of his palm rubbed deliciously against my clit. I could feel myself tightening, the power of the excitement taking over as I started chanting his name over and over like a prayer. It all bubbled up as I came with a loud moan, a noise straight out an 80s porn, as we stopped. I opened my eyes to see that we were at the top of an exit ramp at a stoplight, and the people in the car next to us were staring, wide eyed. I turned to Niall with bugged eyes. He was staring straight ahead, biting his lip to keep from cracking up.

“You do not have that hand on my steering wheel.”

“I couldn’t very well lick it off with a minivan holding half a footie team staring at us, could I?

I buried my head in my hands as the light changed and we turned, venturing down the road to the hotel. Niall took a few moments to adjust himself before we got out, and I attempted to not look like I’d just had a mind blowing orgasm. “Stay in here. The room is in my name, and you’re much less likely to get noticed in the car. Besides, you reek of vaginal secretions.”

“Vaginal secretions?”, he pulled a disgusted face at me, “Jesus Christ, you can suck the fun out of a moment.”

“You better hope so.” I wiggled my brows at him as I leaned back into the car, kissing him quickly.

“I hate that I’m so turned on by that.”

I grinned at him. “Pretty successful first day of living together, eh?”

He smiled back. “We haven’t killed each other yet.” I accepted his offer of a high five just as I realized…”Niall, that’s the fucking hand you just used on me, isn’t it?” I could hear his chortle as I walked away, pulling out my hand sanitizer.

#niall fic #1dff #niall smut #unlikely #collab

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bahribachir · 1 year

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#Circle-Illustrated T-Shirt Iconic American Landmarks Patriotic T-Shirt Designs Comfortable and Stylish T-Shirt Unique Gift Idea digital illu

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rinnnyxr · 3 years

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. I hate my hair color . I have dyed my hair more than once . I prefer winter over summer . I like school . I like country music . I enjoy smoothies . I'm addicted to a TV series . I'm anti social . I'm currently single . I sleep with the TV on . I prefer to write than to read . I like being face to face . I listen to the radio . have freckles . I wear makeup . I'm an only child . I know more than one language . I'm not from the country I live in . I'm in high school . I've been in a fight and won . Reptiles scare me . I like parties . I hate metal . I love metal . I have a dimple . I like Facebook . I hate Facebook . Ive had / have braces . I've watched an episode of The Walking Dead before . I have a fear of heights . I have a scar . My hair is frizzy . My hair is really straight . I sleep with a stuffed animal . I play an instrument .I have Netflix . I don’t like McDonald’s . I have candles in my room . I've published a Youtube video . I smoke . I wear a lot of black clothing . I play a sport . I've been listening to music while taking this . I'm only taking this cause I'm bored

HAVE YOU EVER…

graduated high school climbed the Eiffel Tower been in love with someone who loves you been to China

been to New York City been to the beach had a pet had a summer fling

read The Little Prince

stayed up all night for fun watched a whole sunrise watch a whole sunset gone on a road trip done an anonymous act of kindness

kissed in the rain been high on marijuana

traveled alone been surprised with a party

had a job you love

won a contest been to a concert forgiven someone for an unforgivable thing

protested for something you believe in cried from laughing so hard laughed so hard it hurt sat in the audience of a tv show

given someone a gift for no occasion seen fireworks repaired/built a house for community service been on a cruise admitted you were wrong learned how to swim learned how to ride a bike had sex with someone you love swam in more than one ocean/sea

been outside your country learned another language learned to love & accept your flaws

learned to love & accept someone else’s flaws

been to a wedding saved a life

gone ice skating found true happiness had a paranormal experience

ridden a horse cried during a movie surprised someone by cooking a meal

got away with playing hookey to do something fun listened to an entire song over 10 mins long

been to a live comedy show ran at least 4 miles without stopping

walked in a charity event donated money you earned yourself

won a game of Monopoly

been to California

helped someone make a life-altering decision

gotten away with something illegal but harmless

learned something from someone half your age

sang karaoke

helped someone you didn’t think deserved it

had a bad experience that ended up changing your life for the better

personally thanked your hero or role model

gone to a psychic

gone camping ridden a train alone saw the movie Into the Wild or read the book

made a stranger’s day

gone to a movie alone in theaters

got out of trouble with the police

made a snow angel held a baby stopped getting fast food

been to a Major League Baseball game laughed off something truly embarrassing

bought something through eBay

waited in line for at least an hour & it was worth it gotten a professional massage won a trophy

stood up for the right thing against all others

1. I love the new Phantom of the Opera with Gerard Butler 2. I don’t own any soundtracks 3. I hate to say it, but I feel lonely without a boyfriend. 4. I feel loved all the time. 5. People know how to cheer me up 6. I cover up my anger/depression 7. I know how to cheer people up. 8. I find offensive things funny 9. Like dead baby jokes 10. I love the Princess Diaries 2 11. I cry a lot 12. I’m wearing a shirt with sleeves 13. I’m not wearing a shirt 14. I’m still in my pajamas 15. I think whoever made this survey up is good 16. That last question was shameless self promotion 17. I like pop music 18. I participate in clubs at school 19. And sports 20. I don’t give people a chance 21. I want to change something about my personality 22. I’ve gone without a shower for more than two weeks 23. I’m afraid of total darkness 24. The movie Darkness Falls was the stupidest thing I’d ever seen 25. I want to see the Ring Two 26. I’m going to turn 16 27. I’ve gotten drunk on St. Patricks Day 28. I’ve gotten pinched for not wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day. 29. I’ve made an altar in homage to something I love 30. I’m going somewhere over Spring Break 31. My best friend is younger than me 32. I buy a new item of clothing every week 33. I love affection 34. I hate affection 35. I freak out when people I don’t know touch me 36. I’ve been harassed or beaten up 37. I’ve gotten over depression without counseling 38. I hate whining 39. I used to collect Pokemon cards 40. I don’t like boys 41. I can’t count the times I’ve smoked weed 42. Or done speed 43. Or dropped acid 44. Or done heroin 45. Or cocaine 46. Or Aderol 47. Or Oxycontin 48. I think movies are too expensive nowadays 49. I gossip 50. I’ve seen a Broadway show before 51. And it’s been in New York 52. I love Count the Stars, even though they’re not together anymore 53. I don’t know who Count the Stars is 54. I knew before reading this question that 4/4 of the Ramones are dead 55. I didn’t know that, but now I do. 56. I wear perfume every day 57. I hate an overabundance of perfume 58. I’ve almost blacked out because of the heat/dehydration 59. I’ve gotten a sunburn 60. I love dancing with boys. 61. I watch TRL every day 62. I have homework 63. I love being a sap 64. I own a pair of stilettos 65. And wear them regularly. 66. I knew before reading this question that Nike bought out Converse. 67. I didn’t know that. 68. Therefore, I don’t buy Converse anymore 69. I like the Locust 70. I want to fall in love 71. Because I never have been 72. Stadium food is gross 73. Icees suck 74. I remember my dreams every night 75. My favorite place to be kissed is the neck 76. My favorite place to kiss is the lips 77. I enjoy recieving oral sex 78. I enjoy giving oral sex 79. I want to be the vocalist for a band 80. I am an optimist 81. I am a pessimist 82. People often label me as “hardcore” 83. I know what band wrote the song “Straight Edge” 84. I do not know what straight edge means 85. I have more than five birthmarks 86. I have freckles 87. I’ve never seen snow 88. I’ve never been on a roller coaster 89. I’ve never been to a fair 90. I’ve never seen a cactus in real life 91. I’ve never been on a plane 92. I went to the WTC towers before they were attacked 93. I have never had a Krispy Kreme doughnut. 94. I’m part Irish 95. And I drink like it. 96. I’ve had sex while inebriated. 97. I wish I was more sociable 98. I’ve seen Green Day live 99. I hate the radio. 100. I want to be held right now.

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