South Dakota Welcomes You

In fact, it likes you so much, it will hold an amazing five hour long aerial electric show just for you. That’s how we spent last night, our first night in the tent. But let’s back up.

Wednesday evening we went to visit my sister’s family. We spent time playing with my niece, enjoying a tour to a local playground, and, finally, preparing and eating a delicious meal: chicken with mango, avocado, and lime dressing. So. Good. (Rachel and I added it to our list of delicious easy meals we could make.) Oh, and we might have eaten strawberry shortcake with Kevin’s ice cream, too. Also good.

Rachel learning how to drive stick in NY.  E-brake makes it difficult.

Thursday morning’s 4:30 came early. It was then that I realized we were actually doing this trip; it was happening. We quietly got dressed (ate another strawberry shortcake – sans ice cream, since this was breakfast, after all) and backed out the driveway, Stella’s delicate diesel-ly rumbles breaking the peaceful dawn. Time for a road trip. Destination: Wisconsin. Via: Rt 90. Duration: Fourteen hours.

Chicago at 4:30 p.m. is not really all that fun. It’s hot, and congested, and smoggy. And the traffic moves really slowly, unless it’s someone who’s cutting into your lane. Rachel did a great job keeping the music varied (yes, she did allow some Dave Matthews. And we listened to a book) throughout the day. And she fed me, too. Lori, your granola bars were fantastic. Our bodies thank you. Thankfully, Chicago ended (and so did a very long train) and after a long day of driving the Clarkes welcomed us into their home.

I’m not sure I can effectively convey how nice it was to spend the night with these generous people. I’ll try. We were first offered ice water, then a leg stretching tour of their beautiful home (don’t get me started on their kitchen), then a visit with their gardens, sheep, and llama, followed by a look at their post and beam barn (which they raised and put a foundation under), a darkroom (with chemicals and all!) and then, only then, did we sit down to an oh-so-satisfying dinner of pasta salad, multiple bean salad (five?), bratwursts, and brownies. Then I acquired a food coma. It was great. After dinner we sat down on their dock and watched muskrats and carp. Did I mention their property (and kitchen sink) looked out over a marshy river valley?

Friday morning greeted us with delicious food. I could get used to this. Then we were greeted with heavy winds and rain. Thank you, Madison. Thank you, new tires. Minnesota followed, but with clear skies and long, straight roads. I think we’ll both agree that Minnesota is a big state to drive across. The night before we looked at driving all the way to the Badlands, and discovered it was another twelve hour day (driving time). This wasn’t high on our to-do list, so we split the drive and stayed at Lake Vermillion, SD, cutting one huge day into two smaller, more manageable days. Our plan was to write a blog, plan our next few nights, make a grocery list, and get to bed early. We did one and a half of those.

Part of the excitement of traveling is seeing new places. Part of it is meeting new people. Last night we met some very nice folks who welcomed us to their campsite and we spent the night with them, telling stories, laughing at jokes, oh yeah, and dodging rain drops.

Today was short: 240 miles. We purchased a park pass (!), groceries, ice, postcards (sadly, not deliverable via owl post) and diesel (fourth time since Maine – and some were just top-offs). But here’s the best part of today: we arrived at Badlands National Park. Arrived. We’re here, doing the American thing touring parks. If anything happens and we have to turn around now, we can say we visited a National Park. It’s Rachel’s first, and my third (behind Acadia and Great Sand Dune). After months of planning, purchasing, fixing, sewing, and dreaming (and a few weeks of worrying, too) we’re actually doing it.

One of our first views of the Badlands

I could write pages, but I’ll end here. We’d like to thank those who have already helped us on our journey whether it’s a slideshow of a childhood trip (at a very appropriate time), a garage to do last minute car tasks, a bed to sleep in, or food to eat. Without your support we might not be here. Thank you.