Submitted by Nancy Clayburn on Mon, 10/05/2009 - 21:02

South Dakota. What does that conjure up in your mind? Hmmm, in my mind, I think of flat!  Maybe sunflowers and gorgeous puffy white clouds that hang sorta low and make big shadows over the ground.  How about Mitchell Corn Palace and Wall Drug??!! Oh, yeah! Wall Drug!  Did you know that was the name of the town? Wall.  Interesting.  Oh, maybe you think of Custer's last stand or Indians.  Ok, we are getting closer.  How about Mount Rushmore, Black Hills and Custer State Park?

That is where we took the Puzzle Boy this time.  He loved it.  We loved it!  What a grand adventure.  We looked at the weather forcast for weeks before heading out as I know that heading north and west in the fall along with a mountainous area could prove to be a risky endeavor.  The forecast did not look good. One day it showed we would have sun all week, the next day it showed rain and cold for a week. Then sun, then rain.  I was feeling a bit disheartened.  I could not imagine going on vacation, sleeping in a tent, and it be rainy and 36 degrees at night.  Brrrr!  I winter camped when I was a teenager, but this forty something year old woman was not really wanting to relive that!

Well, I put my chin up high, prayed a lot, and packed anyways! I wanted to be positive about this time no matter what.  If we had to stay in a motel or lodge, so be it, although I was really looking forward to sleeping in our new tent, on our self inflating luxury thermarest mats!  I was all ready with sleeping bag liners and a goose down comforter. Long johns were also a part of the suitcase along with winter coats.  The only thing I did not pack was mittens, boots and winter hats!  I did throw in my bathing suit and shorts, believe it or not. Just in case! I had heard there was a place called Hot Springs.  Sounded like a good place to head should things be less than desirable weatherwise!

Our trip began sunny and warm  We made it up to Souix City.  Then, as evening arrived, big black clouds enveloped us and a storm dumped upon us....

Until next time, hang on to your hats! Gulp!  What happened next??

Nancy Lynne!

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