Tuesday, June 1, 2021

What a long day!  The length of a day is not always measured in hours; sometimes it is measured in activities and a day can go quickly.  Today was a day of inactivity; we sat around most of the day at Lichtsinn RV while they did maintenance and upgraded the van – installation of new house batteries and a new and quieter air conditioner; sanitizing the water tanks; changing the shower head to one that is more water-efficient; working on the generator which hasn’t been used for two years.  These are all things that had to be done but sitting around doing nothing is hard, boring work (for us; the technicians worked hard).  We took a short walk but mostly we had to be on call in case they needed approval for unexpected services.  Since our AT&T cellphones had no reception, they could not call us.

Now we have to make a decision.  The generator needs a new carburetor, a part they do not keep in stock.  Do we wait around for a few days for them to get the part, or continue on our way and hope we will not need a generator in our travels until we get to Las Vegas where (maybe) they can complete the job.

The exciting conclusion to this dilemma will come tomorrow.  To go or not to go, that is the question.

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

We decided to go. 

There are millions of people living in cities; have you ever thought about how they are supplied with enough food from the most prosperous nation in the world?  Today we drove 4-1/2 hours from Iowa through southern Minnesota to South Dakota.  The entire way was filled with farmland – as far as the eye could see.  The heartland of America feeding the nation and parts of the world.

On the way here we saw a Trump for President 2024 sign and at the campground in Iowa, a thin blue line flag (honoring America’s law enforcement folk) hung from one of the campers.  Possibly, this represents the political leanings of middle America.

In both small town Iowa (Forest City) and small town South Dakota (Madison) we spoke with people who are happy and proud to live where they are.  

Where are we now?  Sitting on our camp chairs in Lake Herman State Park, South Dakota.  We picked it out randomly on a map, took a chance that it would be worth it, and that there would be a campsite available for the night – and were we right!  This is a beautiful park on Lake Herman (formed during the last ice age by mile-high glaciers) where the campsites are delightfully far away from each other.

So, who was Herman?  Herman Luce and a group of friends visited this area on his son’s urging (a Minnesota cavalry soldier who was stranded here in a blizzard in 1855).  They were so impressed by the beauty they saw that they decided to settle here.  The first cabin built, Luce Cabin in 1871, served as home, post office, land office, and hotel.  In constant use throughout the years, the cabin was deeded to South Dakota in 1945 in order to create Lake Herman State Park.

Indeed, this park is enchanting.  A couple of long walks around the park paths, and we could have gone on and on. 

In the evening, a beautiful sunset over the lake.

Thursday, June 3, 2021

We decided to stay an extra night.  Checked availability in the morning and the spot right next to the one we were in was open, so we took it.  We first drove into the town of Madison, South Dakota – 3 miles away – and took care of business (laundry, shopping).  Now, the rest of the day was free for relaxing and walking; temperature in the high 80s F with the sun shining.

The adventure will continue tomorrow as we head towards the Hot Springs, South Dakota Black Hills KOA and Wind Cave National Park.