June 12-Day 26 in Eastern South Dakota
Winds out of the North and West at 18 mph with gusts higher, made the ride from the South Dakota/Minnesota line a difficult day. We managed to finish 82 miles, but it was slow going. We broke no speed records, but we did keep pedaling. We were definitely tired at the pick-up point. We take small victories when they come our way. We managed to stop at our 1700 mile marker to capture the halfway point in our journey. I took a shot of the South Dakota landscape at that point.
We saw lots of cows along the way, including this particular herd that included cattle unlike any I have seen before. Look closely and you will see something that looks like a Golden Doodle. Anyone that knows what that is let me know. There wasn’t a farmer around to ask.
Alan and I kept looking for Buffalo, but a resident told us we will have to wait till we get to the Black Hills. We did see lots of dead birds along the highway today. Fast moving South Dakota drivers and serious wind must make it tough for birds to dodge vehicles.
We stopped at a gas/food station about 16 miles into our journey this morning and had some interesting conversation with the locals. We had at least four different responses to our bike adventure: Holy crap, your kidding, and Wow are three of them that I will repeat on this website. We found the best fried chicken at a Pizza place in Madison, South Dakota. They advertise it as the “best in the country” and it was certainly the best I ever ate. By mid afternoon, we cruised through the little town of Howard, and found this fine coffee shop in the middle of town: Higher Ground Coffee Company. I had Angela make me up an Italian Soda float with French vanilla ice cream. Craig and Alan had Coke Floats. One of the ladies thought we were nuts riding across North America. Alan agreed with her. Later she took a picture of all of us as a later conversation piece.
The day ended with Lisa, Dori and Sheryl fixing breakfast for dinner outside at the RV park on a picnic table (our usual dinner location). Tonight we had pancakes from a mix Lisa picked up in Ontario. It was fantastic. Eggs, award winning bacon from Steve’s Meat Shop in Ellendale, Minnesota, left over steak from the night before, blueberries, Maple Syrup from Ontario, oranges and assorted other goodies.
Lisa and I went for a walk down near the lake here at our RV campsite tonight after dinner and enjoyed a picturesque view (sorry I forgot to bring my phone camera). We have not had a lot of time to get away on our own to take strolls. Last night was the first in a while, when we checked out the Pipestone Monument area in Minnesota. This makes two in a row. I think we will get back in the routine.
After all the wind we had on our route today, this evening there was barely a breeze at the campsite in Mitchell about 20 miles south. Like the lady at the convenience store said this morning: “It’s South Dakota, if you don’t like the wind direction, wait a minute and it will change.” Here’s hoping for a change tomorrow with wind at our back.
Integrated Life Mentoring 
Congratulations making it half way of your Big Adventure. God Bless. Mom
Thanks Mom! We explored Mt Rushmore and the Black Hills yesterday. Now I understand why Grandma Christopher talked about the Black Hills. Really is beautiful! We saw a herd of 200 or so Buffalo at Custer State Park. What a sight! Love you!
Hey gary: sounds like it is going great. Hello to all. Tom Hess
Hi Tom-Thanks and will pass along hello!
I hope you guys had a moment when you were near Mitchell, SD to take a look at the Corn Palace! Travel safely. Love you, Karen
Hi Karen-Lisa, Sheryl and Dori made it there. Alan may have went in the evening. I did not have a chance to. We have been blessed with a lot of sights here in South Dakota. Yesterday at Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills as well as Custer State Park and Buffaloes roaming wild were the highlights for yesterday. That and the US World Cup victory over Ghana!
Hey Gary – As you know, cattle is my business. Those are Scottish Highlanders. More of a novelty breed in the US. Keep pedaling man! – half way there sounds like. Your doing great!!
Thanks Gary! You solved the mystery.
Hahaha! Now you’re in my area of the country! You’ve probably crossed over US 281 by now (Since this post). It goes straight up to Jamestown, ND, my hometown. I used to hitchhike a lot on that road.
Love your country Lon! We definitely passed 281 back near Woonsocket. We probably have a day and half biking left in South Dakota after this two day break we are taking in the Rapid City area. We have to go back to Wall to start riding again. Miss you man! Lisa enjoyed talking to Katherine yesterday. We were wondering how your trip went?
The trip was amazing. Too much to type — but when you get back, I look forward to some one-on-one Gary facetime where we can catch up!!! 🙂
Looking forward to it!