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Travel America: The Secret Swimming Hole of the Black Hills

"Down that trail, you'll find a Secret Swimming Hole of America, and you'll Love it!"

By Chance JamesPublished 4 years ago 4 min read
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Sean takes a Giant Leap into the Clear Waters of the Secret Swimming Hole

Just like the old country songs, the 'swimming hole' is the best way to get cooled off on a hot summer day with your country girls, y'know... just off a country road!

I'm a road tripper! I love to get behind the wheel and drive in no particular direction. The times without a schedule and no time frame to fill it. Life gives us little gifts. Every now and then, you'll stumble across a little spot of the world that is a secret by nature, and it deserves to remain that way...

On this particular hot and sunny summer day, driving out of the Black Hills of South Dakota after an amazing and scenic adventure through the sacred hills that offer so much American History. A perfect choice with an off season journey that left us with little encounters with other travelers.

The Black Hills is so spiritual, and this time around, the trip was a healthy getaway from the daily routine. My advice, a bucket list, a must for the dedicated traveler.

This day - It was hot! We had been out of the hills for about a half hour and we wanted to stretch our legs for a moment. Driving around the repetitive bends around the narrow hills, ahead was a small brown sign that drew enough interest for us to stop.

"Did you read that sign..?"

Now, I can't tell you where we were at the moment, not only because it was one those places that deserves its privacy, but we really didn't really know where we were.

And although I want to tell the world about it, I will protect its location from the curious. Privacy it what it whispered, and our group respected that wish. Besides, even if you knew where it was, you'd never find yourself going that way anyways... Right? It's on the way to nowhere.

Shhh... Don't Tell Anyone!

Beware the Snapping Turtle! Just Kidding...

WHAT WE SAW..!

We got out of our rental car, blocked our hands to the sun and read the sign with a prominent arrow on it... "------- Springs" 150 feet ahead.

Hmmm...

"Let's Go check it out..."

It was mid-day, we were ahead of schedule on the way back home and we could use a rest at an off roadway destination. Even better is what was ahead of us...

You wouldn't believe, but you're gonna now, because I got the pictures!

The Still Waters of the Swimming Hole

Travelers Enjoying the Secret Swimming Hole

Clear Emerald Waters flowing out of the Black Hills

Swimmers relax in the cool waters of the Secret Swimming Hole

Let's Suit Up and Jump In!

As we meandered down the stoney walkway just a few hundred feet from where we parked the car, we dropped into a small creek bed that offered a scene out of a movie.!

Are you for real?? This was the tropics in the middle of the country.

What a surprise! A gentle moving creek flowed over a slippery rock bed that flowed musically into a pool of crystal clear water. The source was near, just miles up into the hills from fresh runoff of last season's snowfall.

Whoa..!

Chance Jumps in off the Rocky Ledge!

Look Ma..!

Sean Plunges in the Black Hills Waters

Nature at its Best

As nice as it was to dive in and submerge ourselves in the natural waters, simply lying down in the elegant waterfall was enough to pass the time. It was like bath water flowing over us. How cool was this?

Relaxing in the Waterfall...

Sean let's the waters give hime a natural Spa Massage

The Girls hang out atop the falls

Our Travel Group discovered this by Accident!

Spend Some Time

The Sun beamed down on us a we waded in the shallow waters. How I wish I had some goggles, this could be even more epic!

We swam around and jumped in and out for about an hour. From the rocky edge of the gentle waterfall, we splashed and laughed the afternoon away.

Other visitors floating in the shallow areas of the creek. The teal waters seemed out of place for this part of the country, but so necessary for what we needed. A magical moment.

Up, Up, and - Here We Go!

Sean and Chance leap unto the fresh waters

1,2,3 - JUMP..!

Whoa..!

Kerplunk!

Splash..!

Bring Your Camera - ... If you can find this place

We grabbed our camera and posed for a few photos for our memory book. Pictures were going to be the only way to explain this secret getaway.

"Yeah, Right" I can only hear as I tell my story back home. "Look" I'll say.

Now it's Time to go >>

After we felt we had enough (Like you can have enough of this), we dried ourselves off, dried off in the sun and headed back on down the road - already wishing we were back.

In fact writing this story has again got me planning an early Summer's visit...

Amanda enjoys the still waters above the Swimming Hole
Chance and Amanda Enjoy the Day at the Black Hills Swimming Hole - (Husband & Wife Adventure Artists and Photographers)

It's Somewhere on this Map >>

Like a Treasure Map - It's here Somewhere...

You Jump.. No, You Jump...!

The Girls overlook the swimming hole from above

Calm, Cool, and Refreshing...!

Just Amazing..!

THANK YOU - THANK YOU!!

We can't thank you enough for reading this and being a part of our lives. Any tips are Greatly appreciated so my wife and I can continue our journey's to bring to you... Who Knows - Maybe we'll tell you where this secret swimming hole is located - Thank You everyone..!!

america
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About the Creator

Chance James

Chance travels the world around, bringing out the light in life. With a Positive Influence in the journey ahead, the people around feel the influence only Chance can give..!

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