What a week it’s been.

We’re still sorting things out with 1Up on the bike rack. A new set of anti-movement parts is on its way to San Diego, and until they arrive, we’ve created a new ritual: every time we stop, we run through a quick checklist. It feels a little obsessive, but honestly, it’s comforting to have one more safeguard in place.

The bigger shift this week wasn’t about gear—it was about home. We officially became South Dakotans! New licenses in hand, new state of residence, and one more piece of this RV life puzzle falling into place. I have to admit, we braced ourselves for DMV drama, but the folks in South Dakota couldn’t have been kinder. Smiles, patience, and efficiency—imagine that at a DMV. The vehicles are still being processed through the system.

With all that behind us, we treated ourselves to a little soul food: our very first National Park stop as retirees— the Badlands.

It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to stand there as the sun sinks low. The earth shifts shades with every passing minute—deep reds, golden browns, soft purples—as if someone is painting right in front of you, brushstroke by brushstroke. We stood there soaking it in, almost holding our breath so we wouldn’t miss a moment.

The Sunset Canvas

Wildlife was added to the show. Watching a longhorn sheep somehow scaling those impossible Badlands walls, a few buffalo grazing like they owned the place (and they do), and prairie dogs popping up everywhere, squeaking their little warnings. It felt alive, wild, and very much worth the wait.

Big Horn Sheep in the middle, climbed up that

After a whirlwind week of logistics and checklists, it was the perfect reminder of why we’re out here—to pause, to breathe, and to be awed.