Day 2

I wanted to be on the road by 8am today. Well, I was the only one up in the Bothwell suite in the morning. Took out my gear to the Explorer and gathered a change of clothes. Hunter said good morning with a cautious bark from his sleeping spot by the house. Brad and Amelia greeted me. We sat outside and visited. I soon decided I needed a cup of coffee to wake up. Made my coffee and seen that Dollie left breakfast out for us. Sat down and had breakfast at the table. Muffins, bananas, and grapes, they hit the spot with the coffee. About 9am Mari, David and Marissa got up and joined us. We visited some. We hit the road about 10am. Seems like a lot of construction between the Moorhead and I-29. We stopped at the north side of Sioux City and filled up with gas and grabbed a bit to eat at McDonalds. Let Mari drive for a little while. We made it through Sioux Falls, SD, and then made a stop at Hartford, SD for restroom break and drinks. Well I’m going to take over driving so I will continue this later.

We made it to Mitchell, SD. I about had Mari convinced to go to Ingalls Homestead (aka Little House on the Prairie) but when I pulled off the interstate she realized it was going to be another 55 miles. She and the kids decided they did not want to go but go to Cabala’s in Mitchell. So we got back on the interstate and headed to Mitchell, SD.

Arrived at Mitchell and went to Cabala’s and walked around, got a hot cup of pre-brewed coffee. We walked around the store and looked. Called parents to see where they are since we are to meet up with them here in Mitchell. I did not get anything at cabalas. David signed up for a credit card to get a free ball cap. Says he will destroy the card once he gets it, will see. Mari ended up buying a nice ball cap for David. Since we did not have or make any plans we stopped in the parking lot of a culver’s next to an inn to use the internet with the laptops. Found that best price and accommodations that the Super 8 Motel was the place to stay. Kids are out in the pool and here I’m blogging. Tried calling parents to see where they are but they have not answered the phone. My sister, Michelle, just called me and said they left Indianola about 3pm and are just north of Omaha. They are making good time. Well I better go find something to do until the rest of the caravan gets here.

Well we ate supper at the motel. Had old fashion packed lunch meal; bread, mustard, sliced turkey, cheese, chips and carrots. Yum.

Finally the rest of the crew showed up. The kids went swimming and Mari sat at the pool side watching.

Go figure, we don’t have any real plans set on paper for the next couple days. We have to be out at Cody, Wyoming by Saturday. Mari, Michelle (my sister) and mom started making plans and brainstorming as to what we should stop and see between Mitchell and Rapid City. Sounds like we will be hitting the Bad Lands, Wall Drug and what ever else that gets the troops excited. That will be another chapter. I’m hitting the sack.