Hiking in the Black Hills National Forest

[@dragoninwinter]

That place is awesome.

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

It definitely is!

[@herbsmith6871]

Beautiful country! Thanks for sharing my friend 🤠

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

It certainly is, and thanks for watching!

[@randy-9842]

Thanks, Jake. I've always loved the Black Hills and the Badlands areas. Gorgeous country, crisp air and the smell of pine needles! Thanks for taking us along and teaching us a few things. Oh, yes. I did know what a saddle is and, in this case, it's not one you can put on the back of a horse. :) Maybe we can catch sight of the white tails in the next vid. Have fun!!! _[edited to correct the spelling of "site" to "sight" -- argh!!]_

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

One of my favorite areas in the country! Didn't make it to the badlands this trip, but that's a cool place too. The smell of the pines is intoxicating, especially when it's warm. Glad you enjoyed it! True, definitely not a saddle for a horse (haha). I've still got some adventuring to do out here in the west, so more critters will surely show up. I'm certainly having fun and intend to continue doing so!

[@randy-9842]

@@americanwoodloreandforestcraft "intoxicating" is a good word for the smell of pine needles. Watch the campfires when it's this dry. Does your dog travel with you on these long trips (what's his/her name)? Mine would have loved it! btw: My last trip through that area was when Yellowstone was engulfed in its massive fires ('86 or '87-ish if I remember correctly). We could see and the smoke before we got to the Black Hills and, when we arrived in Yellowstone, they wouldn't let anyone stay longer than the drive through it no lingering. It was something out of a disaster film with abandoned and burned firetrucks and various work vehicles etc.. It's been a while!

[@americanwoodloreandforestcraft]

The fire danger was pretty low there at the time. It actually rained the afternoon I recorded that video. Still, it's always best to pay attention for sure. Unfortunately, I don't have a dog at the moment. If I did, it would surely go with me, though. The scars from that fire were still plenty visible when I was there a couple of years ago. I bet it was crazy being there during that fire event!

[@randy-9842]

@@americanwoodloreandforestcraft It was, but that fire was nearing its end and there was very little danger. Park management wasn't taking any chances though. Still lots of lingering smoke trails and horrendous damage. Of course, I know I'm "talking" to a forestry guy though, so you're quite familiar with fire safety and forest management. I think that Yellowstone incident changed a lot of people's opinions of that. Btw: we went through Mount St Helen's on that same trip. Wow! Dogs are amazing companions. They are never "replaceable" and no two ever have quite the same personality. Each "new" dog has their own personality. You seem like a dog-guy to me, so you have my best wishes there. Thanks for the conversation -- I'll see you in your next video. Until then ... Godspeed and Happy Trails to you!