Through South Dakota and on to Minnesota

July 21st

It was pretty much a travel day today. We left Black Hills National Forest and headed East. Outside of Rapid City, SD, we drove through parts of Badlands National Park. It is quite a contrast in such a short period. Lush forests, to barren rocks and sand in about 45 minutes. Then we hit the plains. Endless rolling hills of hay, corn and soybeans. We encountered a bad head wind and our gas mileage plummeted. I found a local city campground in a small town, Montrose, about 15 miles west of Sioux Falls. The town has a population of 587, but they have a campground. It’s nothing special, but clean and safe.

July 22nd

There are no laundromats in Montrose, so we drove to Sioux Falls this morning. I got an oil change on the truck while Kathy did the laundry. Then back to Montrose where we will stay another night. For such a small town, they have a lot going on. First there is the campground that Dave runs, then next to that is an immaculate baseball field, and a rec center with a pool. Mia spent the rest of the day at the pool. $3 and you can stay there all day. Quite a difference from CA. There were two teen lifeguards on duty, and we were encouraged just to leave Mia there with them. There are two diving boards and a slide in the pool, both no-goes in CA. Just a sign at the front, WE ARE NOT RESPNSIBLE FOR INJURIES.

July 23rd

Kathy was excited that there was a Cracker Barrel in Sioux Falls. W

e packed up early this morning, so we could have breakfast there. As Kathy was walking Oreo near the creek, she spotted a beaver building a dam. We all gathered around and watched for 10-15 minutes. We did get to Cracker Barrel, and it was just like I remember it. A lot of food and kinda greasy, but it hit the spot. Our campground tonight is Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, about 50 miles south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. It is heavily wooded and lush green. There are a few mosquitos, but it could be much worse. It is quiet, all we can hear are the birds and the rustling of the trees. It’s very beautiful. The only complaint so far, is the humidity. It is only 88 degrees, but it is sticky hot. The breeze does pick up sometimes, and when it does, it feels heavenly. After dinner we hiked to Hidden Falls, gorgeous, but we couldn’t stand still or we would be overwhelmed with bugs.