The Black Hills and Four Forefathers

[I had this whole nice blog typed out, and when I went to go get the video link, for some reason it logged me out and when I posted it, everything was erased!  GAH!  At least part of it was saved up until the TV link]
Looking out the window of the bus right now, I see some campers and what looks like a pole barn with the word "BUFF" on it.  If I lean to my left, I can see that it actually says "BUFFALO CHIP," but I think I'll stick with my first glance because it makes me giggle.
Unfortunately for someone on the way in, we saw a bike in minor shambles, looking like it had been laid down on some gravelly pavement.  Ouch!  I send my condolences to whom ever that may be.
This morning we stopped at Mount Rushmore, a place I've wanted to visit since first hearing about it at a young age, when ever that was.  Although there were some mixed feelings about the size of the monument from the driver's seat, I was definitely in awe of such a huge accomplishment, as well as the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.  I definitely hope at some point we will be able to stop back for a longer period of time and get to go hiking on the trails all around.
For those who haven't seen it yet, go check out my new tour video (#16) right now, and then come back and finish reading.
Back?  Okay, good!
Word on the street is that it's getting a little chilly outside, and I think I may have to dig out one of my hoodies or jackets for an evening stroll.  I might even put on shoes!  Oh my!  Last I heard, it was 67 and dropping.
So yesterday we were lucky enough to be invited out on a boat in Minnesota, and it was a beautiful day to be out.  I lost a pair of cheap sunglasses somewhere in the murky abyss, and with the help of some goggles and our nifty little waterproof GoPro Hero camera, I spend many minutes scouring the bottom for them.  I was unsuccessful, unless you count the many beer cans and Sony Xplod receiver faceplate that I came up with.  I like to think of them as bonus items.  If you lost that faceplate in whatever lake it was that we were in, I'm sorry, but it probably doesn't work anymore.
Soon after, we were engulfed by a school of ravenous sunfish, nibbling at our toes and hopelessly staring us down (or up, as physics require.)  I've got some nifty video of that too, although not quite Discovery Channel quality, I like to think it's pretty good considering what I had to work with.
After a few hours of floating, sinking and burning, we cruised over to Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge for some dinner.  I gingerly enjoyed a burger while my coarse tshirt rubbed against my sunkissed flesh, then it was back to the bus for me to finish the releasing process of previously mentioned TV16.
Alrighty, the great outdoors is calling my name, so I must wander.  Have a great weekend, everyone!  Catch ya on the flipside.

(Over-used cliche saying about Band Camp)

Two days off in a row.  That's what we get, and for once, we're not spending the entire time driving a ridiculously long distance between shows!  It's good to be parked in one comfortable place for a day, and tomorrow the plan is golf!  If you're new to Pop Evil, yes, we are avid golfers.  You can see some of our outings in past tour videos I've put together.  This time, I'm more excited than most because I actually have my own clubs with me now!  I'm really hoping to beat Leigh and Dave tomorrow, but the outcome will depend on my ability to stay relaxed.
Last night at Band Camp, Dave and I were hitting some balls with a 7 iron in this big grassy area next to the busses, and after the turn, dave almost hit one of them.  Shortly before that, a ball was hit into a crowded area, and everyone scattered.  Whoops!  Sorry!
So more on Band Camp!  What a great show!  Aside from the intense sun and heat, there was All That Remains, Anew Revolution, Aranda, Saving Abel, Egypt Central, Clutch, Volbeat and many others!  It was an awesome lineup, and a bit of a tour-family reunion!  Have I mentioned that I love festival season?  First time I've ever seen Volbeat, and I was very impressed!
Dylan made it out to the show as well, it feels like forever since we've seen him and it we've definitely missed him!  I've got some more chest-cam video to edit up for y'all, I'll get to it soon, I promise!  I've got about 15 videos in the waiting line right now, so I'll be busy for a while!
It feels strange to think we'll be playing in Sturgis with Alice Cooper in a week.  It feels like summer has just begun, even though tomorrow is the first day of August.  I'll have some new tour dates for you, soon!  I'm expecting a new itinerary any day now, and when I get it, you'll know!
I think I'm ready for bed, already.  It's been a long day of slip-n-sliding, grilling and relaxing, and we have to do it all over again, tomorrow!  I'm gonna need to get my energy back.  Gnight, everyone, hope y'all had a great weekend!