Friday, June 19, 2009

Kelly Date June 18, 2009

Good morning to you!  I spent a long day yesterday driving through South Dakota.  Over 830 kilometers in one day with only two serious pit stops.  

The first was Mount Rushmore, which is a place I had always wanted to see.  This too is a busy iconic American destination and it is a huge facility with over six levels of parking to accommodate all the visitors.  I had to park on the very top because of my boats which was too bad because it was in the hot sun and again I couldn't go in as it was too hot for the pooch.  So, we had a break in the parking lot and took some pictures.  This work out well though as the view was perfect from right where we were.  Ha, I can only remember two of the presidents - Lincoln and Jefferson: any takers on the other two?  No peaking on the net.


The next pit stop was the result of extreme weather warnings in the area of Sioux Falls.  They were breaking in over the radio waves to say that there was a tornado warning and that anyone in the area should take cover.  Well, to me as I was about 55 miles west of Sioux Falls that was the 'vicinity' so wasn't sure what to do.  I mean how close is close and exactly where does one take cover?  So, I pulled into a small town garage area in Alexandria to ask these all important questions and they assured me the storm would hit about an hour northeast of where we were.  They had this cool little doppler (sp?) screen they could view to see where the storm was located.  

I did get some cool pics through as I couldn't help but pull over to the side of the road to watch.  It was amazing really - for about an hour and a half the lightening struck every two to three seconds and I'm sure for the people living in that area it must have felt like they were in a war zone.  Wow!  I got a nice sunset pic as well at the same time as the storm. 



So, today I'm into Minnesota and I'm currently in a little internet cafe in Luvern.  A small but quaint town in the heart of farming/cattle country.  My goal is to get to Wisconsin today and spend some time camping there.  Did I mention I drove 830k yesterday.  Finnigan is hoping we don't repeat that again today lol. 

Anyway, have a great day and drop a comment if you have time.  Would love to hear from you.

Kelly

Next Stop:  Wisconsin
Distance:  830 kilometers


3 comments:

  1. Hi Kelly, I am enjoying your adventure - Arnold & I remember our drive into Yellowstone Park from the northeast entrance - drove throught Bear Paws Pass -a very harrowing experience in the motorhome & pulling the Susuzki. Will never do that route again!!! My heart was in my mouth as I read about your drive through the rain. You are a strong , brave woman to be doing this trip --- your master's work will be a piece of cake after this experience. Keep safe - p.s. you were missing Washington & Madison - we saw Mount Rushmore, but as with you -- too hot and we had to keep the dogs in the shade as we took turns looking at the sites. Love, Ann Marie.

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  2. Hi Kelly, Arnold & I send you belated birthday wishes - happy that you got to spend time with your daughter in Calgary - I see that Lynn is following your travels - I had a nice visit with her as we celebrated Paul's high school graduation June 3rgd. Laura was with us as well. Arnold reminded me that we were in the Susuzki only when driving through the pass -- that was a scary drive. So, adios for now - looking forward to the next blog. Ann marie.

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  3. Hey Anne Marie,

    Nice to hear from you and thanks for letting me know the two prezzy's I was forgetting. Yes, I heard the Bear Paws Pass was pretty bad. That's why elected to not go that way. Thanks for the bday wishes as well. Kelly

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