#8 The Gang’s All Here

Welcome to Mitchell, SD

We finally caught up to everyone at a KOA in Mitchell. We got there just in time to say, “Where are we going to dinner?

Looks like we found a spot. It’s a pub that was having margarita specials. I think that was the choice maker.

Let me introduce you to the gang. We’ll be with them for the next 10 days. Robert has given me horns which are appropriate. He is sitting next to Cyndi, his wife, who typically rolls her eyes as he tells one of his Boudreaux from Louisiana jokes. If I can remember any I’ll tell them to you when I get home.

Next to them are Sheila and Mike who used to be from Michigan. They heard we are planning to go to Michigan on next year’s RV trip so they moved. Can you believe they sold their farm and all their equipment and they’re going to Alabama to live on a lake near Robert and Cyndi. The neighborhood will never be the same.

At the head of the table is Dave, the birthday boy. Everybody in the restaurant was sick of us after the 4th or 5th time we sang happy birthday. Since birthdays last a month, we’re still singing to him every day whether he wants it (and he doesn’t) or not. Susie, Dave’s wife is next to him. They have a vacation home in Florida and are great hosts. Last time we visited with them, we went out fishing and lost at pegs and jokers. Always a fun time at Dave and Susie’s.

Sue is next to Susie. On our arrival to Mitchell, Sue greeted us with a bowl of fresh blueberries and bags of trail mix. That was so sweet. Her husband, Art, is not in the picture. He was back at the campground dealing with a dead RV refrigerator. Unfortunately, it could not be revived. They will be roughing it for the next 50 days or so. Can you believe to get a refrigerator into a motorhome they have to take the front windshield out? See, we aren’t the only ones who have RV issues.

Delissa and and Roger are seated next to Sue. Delissa gets excited about the wildlife and beauty that is all around us as we travel and she takes great photo memories. Roger likes adventure and loves his toys. In fact, he brought his Harley with him on this trip. You may get a glimpse of it later.

Why wait… here he is now.

And all of you know Pam. She’s the one with the big smile, happy to be out of the big honkin’ truck and ready for dinner. She’s really glad the group is together again.

At The Mitchell KOA

Our first night in Mitchell and after dinner, we played corn hole, boys against the girls and Pam and I got absolutely pounded. I think a 4 year old invaded my body. All signs of good hand/eye coordination were replaced by arms that threw like slinkies.

After our embarrassing defeat, we slinked away and did our laundry as punishment. Laundry isn’t exciting but when the clothes are all clean and folded, it’s thrilling. We typically pack enough to get by for 2 weeks. I’ve heard that some people turn their underwear inside out to go a few more days. That’s not us.

After we cleaned our clothes we joined everyone for birthday cake for Dave. Let’s sing again.

The Next Day At The KOA

The next day was a free day. We talked about driving an hour to Sioux Falls to cycle The 30 mile paved bike path around the city. The ride sounded like fun. Someday I would like to return and take that bike ride.

Instead of a bike ride, we opted to take a day off from travels in the big honkin’ truck and fixed bothersome issues around the camper. My mother would call that piddling. Some hinges had come loose, one completely fell off. We hung pictures that had been waiting and taking up space in closets. When we were all done bumbling around, we carried our chairs across the way where the group had gathered. We had linner (combo lunch and dinner) together. Susie made super subs. Heath bar and chocolate chip mint ice cream bars completed the yummy picnic.

The Rematch

After linner, Pam and I were fortified and sauntered off to the corn hole area to practice our tosses. We threw those stupid bags until we got our mojo back. About that time, I glanced over and spotted our nemeses ambling our way. They were ready to clobber us again.

We were very different challengers. We made a come back. In fact, I think they were a bit shocked.

That’s us in the winners’ circle. We were undefeated until the last game of the night. We were declared the winners.

Belvidere and the Badlands

The day after the big tournament, we caravanned to the Belvidere KOA. It only took a couple hours to get there and check in was noon. It was an easy travel day until we stopped for gas. Between motorcycles coming from Sturgis Bike Week and motorhomes arriving from everywhere, the Pilot Truck Stop was a complete fiasco. We were happy to get away without losing a bumper or worse.

Set up at the campground went quickly and several of us hopped into vehicles and drove to Badlands National Park. Pictures don’t do this terrain justice but let me share some quick shots.

I saw lots of prairie dogs and tried to get photos of them hopping in and out of their burrows. After a quick review of my best shots, I figured you would look and say, “Huh?” So no prairie dogs this time around.

We ventured to Wall Drug on our return trip to the KOA. It’s more than a drug store, it’s a town. The vibe is western and the shops are primed for tourists looking for all manner of shirts, hats, belts, ice cream, candy, donuts, games etc, etc, etc. If you haven’t been, you must go. On your way east or west on I90 in South Dakota there will be billboards with western Wall Drug slogans.

We returned to the KOA, where we ate pizza and watched the sunset.

Tomorrow we pack up again. Our leave time is 9:30. Next stop, Spearfish, SD. Pam and I have never been and we have heard good things about the town. Our campground is 8 miles from Deadwood. We have been there and loved it. Come along. I’m sure we’ll have a good time.