About My XO Adventures

Making The Most of Adventures Across America

Daniel was meeting tour operators and stopping at local businesses suffering from COVID. If he saw this, he would stop, introduce himself, explain what he was doing, and ask if they would allow him to promote their business through live video and posting on social media channels. Most often, he was met with bewilderment. What are you doing? Where are you from? How much is this going to cost? He answered all their questions and explained that, as a fellow American, it occurs to him that people should be helping one another rather than arguing. Again, bewildered, they agreed. In the live videos, he asked the owners where we were, their business name, specialization, and how his viewers could order online. After leaving a business card, posting the video, and leaving the area, he would often get calls thanking him for his efforts and that they received sales because of the visit. Part of the journey was accepting that he was being guided into the unknown, and the reasons were starting to become apparent. To do the best, and even in severe adversity, good can come from it all. He still believes this today.

Headed Back to His Roots in Erie, Pennsylvania

Daniel celebrated his birthday in a Walmart parking lot in North Carolina. After waking up on May 2, he thought, “What a strange place to be on my birthday.” He had never seen it coming. He continued north to his hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania, to meet with a childhood friend, his wife, and family. They agreed to allow him to stay, and he is still eternally grateful for the hospitality. During his two weeks here, he continued to work utilizing the van for whatever he could and trying to bring joy to those graduating by decorating the van and participating in the COVID drive by congratulations. These were sad moments but greatly appreciated. He included birthday requests as well. There is no charge, just goodwill. Before leaving Sarasota, Daniel signed up for almost every update on travel. While in Erie, he received notice that Badlands National Park had opened. It was the first in the entire National Park system. It was time to go. Along the way, he continued to meet with Tourism Bureaus, Chambers, Newspaper reporters, and local businesses. So many wonderful people were looking for good news and exciting stories, so they were either eager to meet or refused outright. He accepted either outcome.

The Journey To South Dakota

Daniel traveled through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Minneapolis, and finally, South Dakota. Mind you, nothing was open. Camping in a tent or on an air mattress in the van was what he did. Showers were few and far between. Creature comforts did not exist, but this was an adventure. It didn’t come without doubts or moments of hardship. He would stop and work through it each time this happened, but he was never alone. Recalling a tough time, he stopped, likely experiencing an anxiety attack. “What am I doing?” he would ask himself. Unexplainably, he would hear, “Daniel, everything is going to be ok. Take a deep breath, wipe away the tears, put the gearshift in drive, and press the gas pedal. Move on, I am with you.” So he did. After making multiple stops on the way to South Dakota, he reached Badlands National Park. Not far after entering, he saw his first Bison in the wild. On a live video, he was caught off-guard by this and had a few expletives for everyone to hear. These beautiful beasts are gigantic. Soon after, he settled in Sage Creek Campground. A beautiful sunset occurred, followed by much-needed sleep. Upon waking to an equally beautiful sunrise, he realized Bison surrounded him. This situation forced him to stay put for about 90 minutes while the Bison grazed and moved through the camp.

A Moment That Changed His Life

Daniel had already set up a meeting with a local operator, Black Hills Adventure Tours. The husband and wife met with him and toured the Badlands and Black Hills. It was a great time, and he learned a lot about a place he had no idea was so diverse and culturally rich. A company called Under Canvas offered a glamping tent for free. A meetup with the owner of the tour company led to some hiking and more exploration. There was an incredible amount to take in, and he felt like there was something here to offer his guests while making a new friend. After five days, his time had ended, and he got back on the road. He traveled through Wyoming, the Bighorn Mountains, Idaho (Thank you, Prime Minister Rick Shaffer, from Wallace, Idaho,) a beautiful Norman Rockwell town, and was a great guy. Daniel continued to visit Seattle to view the protests, stay with good friends, and continue through California before reaching Utah to visit the National Parks. Here, the tour company he met in the Black Hills called. COVID cases dipped at this time, and South Dakota was open for business. She explained that her phones were ringing off the hook, and she had no guides to work due to them being at risk. A guiding opportunity was presented, which included housing and modest pay. He expressed concerns about his depth of knowledge, and she assured him it would be fine. He’d pick it up. Downloading audiobooks and reading materials about the Black Hills and Badlands, Daniel returned to South Dakota and was put to work immediately. He never felt comfortable at first. The company provided very little training, and the tours requiring a guide took priority. Still, Daniel has a knack for being resourceful. On each tour, he would write down the questions the guests asked and look them up, texting the guests the answer after completing the tour. He continued his studies throughout the season by reading books, listening to audio at every moment, and getting out to explore any chance he had. Daniel would ask questions of people, businesses, and more, likely to the point of annoyance, but it didn’t matter. He had years of experience as a guide but needed to gain knowledge of the area, so he did what he had to do. Daniel believes each guest deserves the best in his business or as a contracted employee. It was a challenging but enjoyable experience. At the end of the season, Daniel was asked to come back and guide the following year. International travel was still an uncertainty. The owner offered the same terms. Daniel agreed to come back to guide. He packed up, returned to his family in Sarasota, and continued his Black Hills and Badlands studies. Daniel prepared to leave Florida the following year and packed his belongings in March 2021. He began the long trek back to Rapid City using his touring van and a 5×8 covered trailer in tow. Upon arrival, he unloaded his items and prepared for the season. Afterward, he learned that an “uncomfortable conversation” needed to occur with the owner. She informed him that his compensation and living arrangements would differ from what was agreed. The previous year, housing was included, but no longer. The owner informed Daniel that rent would now be part of the deal, and his compensation would be reduced when she paid him $11 an hour. It was a hard blow that required considerable and careful thought. His moral compass told him that no matter the situation, he could not compromise his integrity and self-worth. Leaning on his convictions, Daniel decided if she could not honor her word, he could not work for her. Allowing him to travel 2000 miles before informing him of the change was unacceptable. The owner didn’t budge, and Daniel decided to sever ties. It was an uncertain and scary moment. Daniel packed his things and skipped from hotel to hotel based on rates. He reached out to the only contact he knew, who connected him with a friend who may be able to help. This person remains a loved part of Daniel’s small but valued circle of friends. A mutually beneficial agreement was settled between the two. Daniel would help set up reservation systems and website design and get their business working as best as possible. In return, Daniel was allowed to stay in their garage on a Murphy bed with a refrigerator, desk, fan, and new friend. Then, the answer came to him. “Why not ask other companies if they would like a freelance guide? Why can’t I do this? Why can’t I set up shop here and perform tours using the van? He could and did. Working feverishly, Daniel reworked the website and connected with online tour operators to sell tours in the Black Hills and Badlands. Once Daniel created the new wording and content for the website and the connections made, “the on button was clicked,” and the wait began. Two days passed, but then a booking came through, and then more, the entire summer filled with reservations. These were the overflow from what the other tour operators couldn’t handle, and he was grateful to have it. Sadly, during this time, the owner of the former company began a campaign of harassment. Terrible texts, drive-by observations that most would consider stalking and a smear campaign began. A special thank you to Black Hills Tour Company and the owners, Melina and Kevin, for providing work and support during this difficult time. It was a David and Goliath moment. There is too much to list here, but the once friend-turned-adversary tried to cause as much trouble as possible due to anger, resentment, and jealousy. Ironically, she had put Daniel in this situation, which led to the outcome. In effect, it was, in large part, her creation. The problems persist to this day, but let’s move on. A successful year of learning and building began. He had moved out of the garage to an apartment. He became a South Dakota resident, relocated his business, and started a new life. Some thought it was crazy to leave Florida for South Dakota, but Daniel didn’t. South Dakota is a great place to live and work for many reasons. Daniel diverted his time during the off months to learn about the Oglala Lakota by visiting Pine Ridge regularly. Eventually, he made friends, but it wasn’t easy. There is a terrible history of colonization, genocide, and abuse by the United States Army and Government. Earning trust is required, not bought or easily given. The best learning is by observation, listening, and exploration. An intense campaign began on all fronts. The people of South Dakota are amazing, and the efforts started to bear fruit. Daniel grew his company to nine employees in the second year and added vehicles and offerings. My XO Adventures has been blessed with great guests, guides, new friends, collaborative businesses, and unexpected doors that have opened. Today, My XO Adventures thrives but has scaled back. Daniel has realized that personal time and a slower pace are more valuable than money. Instead of focusing on filling a calendar, relationships and exploration are at the front of the line. It will take a lifetime, but this is where he wants to be. During this time, Daniel has invited and helped move his nephew, mother, and brother to South Dakota. All participate in the business. My XO Adventures is a trustworthy family-owned and operated business that cares immensely about its guests, the Black Hills and Badlands, the State of South Dakota, the Oglala Lakota, and Rapid City. We hope this biography inspires others facing adversity to make lemonade from lemons and to believe in themselves. You are a creator and can define your situation, attitude, and opportunities. In one year, Daniel had traveled to 38 states. He flew to Costa Rica and Ecuador, spending two months with the Indigenous People of the Amazon, traveling from Cuenca to Ibarra, and everything in between. Nothing is impossible, no matter how insurmountable the opposition seems. Obstacles exist for a reason. Learn from it to realize what is essential and how to spend time. For more information, or if you’d like to reach out, please email us at info@myxoadventures.