Day Two -- On the road in South Dakota (finally)....

After weeks of conversations (supporting A T&T -- they aren't another "too-big-to-fail company," right?) and planning, we are FINALLY on our way. My OKC friend picked me up in Springfield, MO Monday (late afternoon) and we drove to the far side of Kansas City to stop for the night. The landscape was picturesque -- rolling farm land and beautiful rock formations through which some of the roads had been cut. (These exquisite rock formations also line the highway to Branson which is south of Springfield, MO.) Some of our family members who came to Springfield for the wedding, flew out of Kansas City -- a long drive from Springfield.

Before leaving the Springfield, MO connection, I must comment on a few things. "A good time was had by all" at the wedding of my niece, Rachel (a California girl transplanted to Missouri). This joyous occasion brought together most of our family and many fun friends from California, Florida, South Carolina, and Switzerland. Rachel's mother, Eileen, did a tremendous job coordinating (from afar) this occasion -- and thanks, Sue, for all your assistance as well in coordinating the hotel's side. It was a treat for me to be included with all the families and friends. We spent many hours laughing and floating in the pool -- when our services were not required. The last time we saw the happy couple was on Sunday as they headed off together to begin their new life...starting with a honeymoon. We wish them all the best!

For much of our journey on Tuesday we saw bluffs on at least one side of the valleys through which we drove. The highway follows the Lewis and Clark Expedition Trail. So much history! Very scenic. At one point we saw huge turbines lining the crest of a bluff -- almost surreal against the outline. Impressive. We did pass over the edge of the Harry S. Truman Reservoir on our trip yesterday -- very flooded...could see the tops of the trees along the shoreline. All through Kansas we saw corn fields, family farms, silos, and great vistas. Had to take one side trip today in Council Bluffs -- a museum celebrating the four major trails pioneers chose for their trips westward. Many pioneers wintered in Council Bluffs and began their journeys from this point. (And, yes, there are real bluffs.) The museum had wonderful and heart-wrenching stories and pictures from pioneers who made the trek from the Midwest to the West. Additionally, I had not realized that Council Bluffs, Iowa is across the river from Omaha, Nebraska.

Sioux Falls, SD appears to be a "happening place." We landed in town last night ("without reservations" --remember that is how we are traveling?) to find all the motels/hotels filled (and there are lots!). Seems there are soccer, baseball, golfing, and bands from all over in tournaments and competitions here this week. We did manage a room -- weren't too worried actually. At supper last night a distinguished couple (grandparents with grand kids) sat across from us. The gentleman was dressed in a Tommy Bahama-type shirt but he could have been on the plains in a different kind of dress. Classic Native American. Very striking. Looked like a chief.

The drive Tuesday was easy. Wednesday we will be driving west across SD to the far end. If you look at the map, Sioux Falls is on one end and Rapid City is on the other. In between, we will pass through Mitchell and Wall. If you don't know about Wall, think South of the Border ads. Folks with whom I talked before leaving on this trip said that Wall is a definite stop. Think it is famous for the last place to get FREE ice water before crossing something -- with lots of touristy hoopla. I'll know more about this later. :-)

(In the meanwhile, since this is my first blog, I need help. Perhaps one of you techies out there can tell me how to continue posting new blogs AND save the pictures for that day. When I post new commentaries, that is easy. Just don't want to lose the pictures from that day -- which I managed to do with this day's entry.)