Blogs from Mitchell, South Dakota, United States, North America - page 2

Sunday, August 1, 2010 I was supposed to meet my friends with the RV in Wixom at 6AM but since I got shwasted the night before at a family reunion, I woke up at 6 and could not drive. Thank goodness my mother was able to come get me so that I could show up drunk and without any toiletries. It was an interesting couple of hours before we arrived in Chicago at 9:45AM to pick up out fourth travel mate. The drive to Sioux City, IA was rather boring but we did get to see the world's largest truck stop. When we got to Sioux City, our hotel was actually very nice. We were pretty hungry so after a quick walk through downtown Sioux City, we ended up eating/drinking at Sweet Fanny's. I got a ... read more

We drove north to Rapid City where we turned east onto I-90. We got off the interstate at Wall, SD, and drove the loop road through Badlands National Park. There was grass growing and flowers were blooming in the park, something we had never seen. We asked about it at the visitor center, and the ranger told us that they have received 200% of their normal rainfall so far this year. They even have standing water in some areas of this normally arid park. It made a nice contrast against the pinks, yellows and browns of the formations. We crossed back into central time zone a few miles before crossing the Missouri River. It's nice to be back on our normal time. At Chamberlain, the Missouri River is wide and pretty. We stopped at a campground ... read more

It's 9:51 pm and we're here in...we'll just say interesting, Mitchell South Dakota. It's small but has some cute attractions (like the Corn Palace- a building completely made out of corn and grains grown around the town). We drove alot today! About 8 hours all together. The interstate in Iowa was halariouse!! it was one lane most of the way and had grass growing through the concret. I guess not many people go on Iowa's interstate! Really the only thing we saw today while we drove was corn! fields and fields of corn and maybe a patch of soy beans here and there. it was rainy when we first started out but as we went it turned into fluffy white beautiful clouds. it was a good day driving (partially thanks to Eclipse for keeping me company ... read more

Day 2: Monday July 27th: Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Highlights: Mitchell Corn Palace, Wall Drug, National Grasslands camping, Badlands National Park (camping entries to follow—I’m currently adding this blog in Wall Drugs, having left the campsite this morning. I’m charging the battery of the computer while I type…) Leaving the neutral-friendly town of Sioux Falls (it has the flavor of many Midwestern towns), it was back on interstate I-90 heading west. Sophie (the dog) and I (the human) drive west, leaving Sioux Falls and its yearly air show behind. We drive 70 miles, at 70 m.p.h., passing humorous signs, such as: Dick’s Toe Service, Auto Shoppe, Town Auto Service—For all your drive train needs (It makes me wonder—could there be any “drive train need” other than: It’s broke, so fix it, dammit!), Wall Drug Store signs ... read more

There will be flurry of messages since we are arriving home VERY soon! Do to technical difficulties we have been writing blogs but have been unable to publish them. We awoke in Belvidere, SD and hit the road for what we knew would be a long day of driving. South Dakota is a BIG state!!! We had one last stop in SD and that was the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. I had no idea what the corn palace was and I can quite honestly say that it was a very unique visit. The outside of the corn palace is redone each year do to the birds eating all those luscious kernels. The design of the palace incorporates all corn pieces and parts. This year’s theme, Everyday Heroes…and guess what? Teachers are on it, hurray. The ... read more