Back in Rapid

Since I hadn't been home since October, I went back to Rapid to visit for about 10 days. Being back in the states was great- family, the black hills, home cooked (American) food, and a comfortable feeling of familiarity. The volcanic eruptions had me thinking I was going to be stuck in the states for quite a while, and there's part of me that was a bit disappointed to hear that the ash cloud was clearing.

A trip home wouldn't be complete without a trip to McDonald's for breakfast with my grandpa! My fourth grade teacher is on the far right.
Dad and I did some exploring around Falling Rock and Dark Canyon. I have always missed the hills when I'm away from home, but for some reason Oxford makes me miss them so much more.
Mark and I got out climbing a couple days, and despite his shoulder and my achilles, it was great to be climbing outside again. Due to lack of time, suitable climbing partners, and a proper achilles, I have done hardly any climbing since in England. We spent one windy day behind Mt. Rushmore, Mark and Slama below,
And one day in Spearfish Canyon. While we were out searching for the routes we wanted, I got really excited to see a marmot in the Black Hills! I only began to associate these animals with their proper name this summer, with Jason in the Tetons. Before then, my parents had taught me that they were 'little brown rock-sitters.'

I returned to Oxford to full-on Spring: the flowering trees are at their prime, there are flowers everywhere, and it's warm! I walked around town today in shorts and a t-shirt! Although Oxford is an intriguing environment, I miss the states. But, for now, back to work, and time to figure out this silly achilles problem; with warm weather, I'm keen to get out on foot and bike and explore the countryside.