... homeward bound ...

Rains and flooding in Colorado were sending water to the Platte River in Nebraska. Our original plans were to make one more night of it camping on Lake Ogallala and hanging out with the Van clan. Instead Michelle suggested we stay on Hwy 385 to Sidney, get on I-80 and head on home. This photo was taken as we crossed Platte River at Big Springs NE. The water had arrived, river was being monitored regularly at key spots. The crews were here, bridge was one lane, but water was not running across the highway. Saw a lot of low land flooding along interstate to Brule area ... we were ahead of the water ... phew.

It was a long day ... while we prefer the 4-6 hour drive ... that day's decision to forge ahead home was necessary to get there safe and sound. As it turned out flood waters were moving slowly, doing minimal damage along the way. The state, so far, has faired well.

Sightseeing in the Black Hills ...

Between lunch at Sugar Shack and dinner at Sanford's, we had a few hours to fill. Larry had never seen the Crazy Horse monument ...

... and because we were in the "neighborhood" we also visited Mount Rushmore.

NOTE: We did not pay to go into either site, but viewed from a distance. I, of course, didn't have my camera with me AND cell phone photo wasn't clear enough. So I "borrowed" these photos from the internet.

 

It was a beautiful drive and we saw another one of the sights from Larry's roadside book!

Rapid City ...

Our drive west to Rapid City was "white knuckle" time for Lars, as there was a lot of wind and semi traffic. It was a slow go keeping speed at 65-70. We passed up the opportunity to cruise through Wall and Wall Drug ... we never intended to stop - to many tourists ... still! (even though it was listed in his Roadside book, but had visited previously) While the east end of the state was cool when we left, by the time we hit Rapid City it had warmed up to the high 80's-low 90's. We were both a tad over dressed in our jeans and long sleeves!

Gary and Judi gave us a tour of their property in the hills. While it felt as though we had walked the entire perimeter I don't think we did one-third of it! Did spook several white tail deer as we plodded along. Joplin (Pati's dog) went in hot pursuit ... don't know what she was going to do if she caught one. They have a cozy little setting ... camper pad, fire ring and necessary firewood for a pleasant camp out.

There is also a very large clearing up top suitable for a large Morton style building "one day".

Gary celebrated his birthday the next day which required lunch out at "Sugar Shack" near Deadwood. The restaurant is reminiscent of your typical "out of the way" highway diner with a small inside dining room and an outside covered deck with picnic tables. The atmosphere is friendly and the hamburgers are huge and oh so delicious...

the "world's largest rocking chair" (AND not listed in roadside book!) is also located near the Sugar Shack ...

 The birthday celebration continued through the evening meal at Sanford's with the Schmidt/Gonzalez family ...

... where Ms. Avalen "worked" the camera!

What a cutie.

 



"Happy"?

After spending several hours "touring" in Mitchell ... we departed for Chamberlain SD to camp that night. The appeal to that night's campground was the "full hook-ups, bath house and full laundry facilities" listing. Happy Campers Campground had recently added fifteen new full hook-up pads ... which was our choice that night. New area was pretty much out in the open, no new plantings, etc., but having the luxury of full hook-ups offset the surroundings. It had become very windy and had begun to look stormy ... but we stayed toasty warm in our "humble" abode.

The next morning Larry whipped up a "breakfast skillet" (minus the skillet) for each of us using the rest of our eggs, potatoes, sausage ... yummy ...

The "Corn Palace"

 

When Larry retired "the last time" he received a gift of a book - America's Roadside Attractions. It's become as important as the atlas when packing up a vehicle for a road trip. As we progressed through this trip we referred to it for important stuff we needed to see along the way. We discovered the Corn Palace in Mitchell SD! So ... into Mitchell we went ... lucky us they had designated parking for RV's and campers!

My first and only previous visit was with my mother when the girls were very young, I don't think Melissa had even started school yet! (that's a "couple" of years ago!)

I don't believe that on my previous visit that we went into gym area or if there was even a gym. But this was way cool ... gym with a stage! Good use of space ...

 

I loved the corn murals on the walls. I think that this area was just a big open area when I last visited?

There was a looping video being shown in concourse/gift shop/food court area that explained how corn was planted, selected and adhered to wall. Most interesting...don't think it will be anything I will try anytime soon. As we left building heading back to vehicle we noticed bins outside where sorting and cutting (with a table saw) was happening. They are always replacing corn that refuses to stay adhered to the building. Talk about job security!



Onward ...

We camped two nights at Derge Park. Rain was in the forecast for the following day. We prepared, we put everything away, anticipating a wet departure the next morning. In hindsight we should have also hooked up to pickup! Wisconsin forecasters were correct ... it began raining around midnight. Not a downpour but a steady patter on the roof ... nice sleeping weather! We awoke to a misty overcast morning - weather report was that it would be an off and on occurrence rest of day. We had a leisurely breakfast, cleaned up and prepared for our departure.

Our plan for the day was to head out, going northeast and heading into Minnesota on I-90. For a Sunday morning traffic was very heavy and it continued to rain most of the morning. As we passed the Wisconsin Dells exits I remembered attending the "Tommy Bartlett Show" as a child. The area now is a lot like Branson ... very commercial and catering to tourists. The sisters and I did the "drive-thru" tourist-y thing in 2008 -- before a storm drained the lake that Bartlett preformed on. I guess every region has their "to go" place.

Our stop for the night was Albert Lea, MN, Myre-Big Island State Park campground. It as a beautiful park and very well maintained.

 Lake Albert Lea - saw flock of pelicans

Tree Canopy

Infamous Cicada

Our Campsite (site next to us was vacating)

 

After setting up camp the campground host stopped by to welcome us and to offer us firewood. Seems as though all parks are asking that firewood not be brought in because of bug infestation. An interesting gentleman ... obviously retired and very chatty! We learned that the this portion of the lake was only about four feet deep, no boating, but had very good fishing!

 

This was a very good park to stay at. Very peaceful and "facilities" were small, but clean.

 

 



 

Beaver Dam Lake

No, this isn't the Hoover Dam ...

it's the Beaver Dam dam!

Fish amongst the rocks at the flood gate ...

 (dark shadows ... ripples in water made by fish)

View from the dam looking toward the "swimming beach"

(in center along shoreline)