Our '99 trip was the last week of August. It was very quiet and relaxing (except for the bugs on Spire 4). In '96, '97 & '98 we were there during Sturgis week. With any luck we'll be back again for the Sturgis 2000 festivities. Our '96 & '97 trips culminated with excursions to Devil's Tower and '98's trip with an outing to the Tetons.

We usually camp at Horse Thief Resort which is south of Hill City on the Needle's Highway. No stay would be complete without at least dining at the Alpine Haus in Hill City and the Pizza Factory in Custer.

I recommend John Page's guide (for climbs in the Black Hills needles) which can be purchased in the Sylvan Lake store. John is a consumate public relations type and is always ready to give advice. If you're looking for a guide, try Bob Archbold out of Rapid City.

My favorite climbs to date in the Black Hills are:

I didn't have my camera when we did Waves and W.A.S.P. I'd highly recommend each. Waves is a two-pitch climb with several variations. W.A.S.P. is one long pitch. Both are in the Rushmore Needles.

Other fun climbs are Hrum Hroom, Inner Course, Beyond the Door, Trojan Determination, Old No. 8, X Marks the Spot, Jack Rabbit or anywhere else that trips my trigger. God forbid, if you get tired of climbing, there's an Orc Cave in Middle Earth full of spooky stuff. If you really want to tempt fate...check out the abandoned mines in the area.