A Day in the Dakota Badlands

COVID-19 VIRUS SAFETY UPDATE 1) John, (your TBL Guide) is married to Cindy, (also a TBL Guide) since 1984. They live in a secluded area of the Black Hills and practice social distancing. We are both fully vaccinated and do not mind sharing our medical status with guests. Our primary job is to keep each other and our guests safe. We closely monitor each other's activities and health. So even while not giving tours, "THE BOSS" is always watching; 2) The vehicles are thoroughly cleaned before each tour and we use them for no other purpose; 4) John monitors his temperature before each tour and monitors himself for symptoms of illness, 5) Proper social distancing is maintained in all areas while giving tours and masks are worn when necessary and at guest's request. I request all guest to freely voice all requests and all concerns. THANK YOU AND STAY WELL I was born and raised in central New Jersey, and when I was 5 years old, I decided that when I grew up I was "going to go out west". Well, I am now grown up and I have lived in the Black Hills of South Dakota for 30 years. So I guess you can say I did it! Along the way I went to college in Idaho; taught school in Alaska; sailed to Hawaii; met a girl from the Black Hills while going to grad school in Hawaii, and I am guessing that you can figure out what happened next. I am a lifelong-learner, but more importantly - I love to share what I have learned and hold dear. Trust me, the Black Hills & Badlands has plenty to teach and share. This is a land of well-know legends and stories (some of which are actually true) as well as mystical and spiritual qualities that are waiting to be discovered. This is where I come in handy: anyone can drive you around this land; it takes a special set of skills to reveal and illuminate that which is not readily seen. Allow me to be the one to guide you to these special places and help you experience this land to the fullest. I use a rich mixture of geology, history, folklore, paleontology and poetry to expand your understanding of this unique land and those who call it home. I will work with you to deliver the finest in traditional itineraries such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Mountain and Custer State Park - to unique and novel experiences - such as Sunset and Stargazing Tours of the Badlands, Dinosaur and Fossil Tours, Mining History Tours, Winery and Art Gallery tours, Walking Tours and other specialty tours. My mission is to design and deliver tours that are unique, intimate and emotionally fulfilling. Using a blend art & science to light the path, you will acquire a unique understanding of the region's history and natural resources. This enables you, the guest, to experience a strong emotional attachment to the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota while having fun. John's Experience and Qualifications: • B. S. Degree in Education followed by 4 years of practical classroom teaching experience. • 25 years as Operations Manager at Beautiful Rushmore Cave, creating and delivering cave tours and natural resource educational programs in local schools. • Four seasons experience as a National Park Service Volunteer conducting tours at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. • Three years work experience in Paleontology at the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research. • Eight seasons instructing "Black Hills Geology" for Road Scholars (formerly Elder Hostel). • An experienced guide who is entertaining and comfortable with any group. • A life-long learner who has pursued graduate-level classes in Natural Resource Interpretation at Black Hills State University and a variety of local classes that relate directly to the historic, cultural and natural resources of the area.