Wednesday, July 20, 2016

July 13th to 20th - ND, Minnesota, Iowa, SD

July 13th - 20th – ND, Minnesota, Iowa, SD
Wed – The weather was clear and mud mostly dried up so we didn't leave big ruts when we pulled out this morning. Not too early as we were only going to Bismark. We talked to Bob & Peggy Paul (VVVers) and they came to visit with us for a couple of hours before leaving for a week of camping & boating. Quiet evening.
Thurs – We wandered around a huge Menards store before meeting Jerry & Phyllis for an early lunch at Perkins. We talked way more than we ate so it took a while! Then another quiet afternoon & evening.
Fri – On the move again to Minnesota. The drive was fairly uneventful – just lots of construction near “the cities” but we were going against the traffic most of the time so not too slow. A little nerve wracking when there were only 2 lanes rather than the usual 4 or 5 and the lane we were in was normally the shoulder or breakdown lane. Dennis & Gloria were busy Saturday night so we decided to stay for a couple of nights at Dakota Meadows RV which happens to be right next door to Mystic Lake Casino. After setting up in a lovely long pull-through, we took the bike to the casino and spent quite a bit of time there. Home for dinner, TV & games.
Sat – It was way past time for a haircut for me so we got some info from the RV park personel and immediately forgot where we were supposed to go! We were looking for Great Clips and found Fantastic Sam so I put my name on the list and we went across the street to Subway for lunch. Then I proceeded to get the WORST haircut ever!! Once she clipped up the back and then continued on one side I knew I was in trouble. And did she listen to my instructions for the length on the top & bangs? Hell no!! I'm going to look a little odd wearing my motorcycle helmet in the grocery store! Terry went back to the casino when we returned while I pouted & hibernated! We both returned to the casino later with no better luck than other visits lately. We loaded the bike when we got back as rain was forecast.
Sun – We had a HUGE lightning & rain storm last night. It rained most of the night but had cleared up by morning so we had an easy drive to Woodbury and the RV park where we stayed last year. It was easier to get to this year as there was no road construction. We called Dennis & Gloria after we got all set up and asked if we should go to their place. Gloria said she wanted to see our rig with the back deck set up so they came to see us. We were in another long pull through with big trees for shade so we had a great time sitting on the deck having a drink. Then we followed them back to their new town home where Gloria made dinner. We had a lovely evening with Terry having more “fun” than me so Dennis led us back to the RV park with me driving the bike!
Mon – We did some grocery shopping this morning and then ran around trying to find a Verizon store that had moved. We had to get a holster for Terry's phone as he broke the old one on a doorknob. Finally found the new location and then got back and put things away. We met Dennis & Gloria for lunch at Applebee's and wandered through a big furniture store afterward before following them back to their place. Gloria couldn't find all their games so we settled for a few games of Yahtzee. Then it was time to move outside with a drink before dinner which Gloria cooked! Lovely day.
Tues – We got a fairly early start and immediately ran into a big backup on 94. When we saw it we first crossed 94 but then I couldn't figure out quickly how to get onto 494 so we bit the bullet and joined the crowd on 94. Turned out to be an accident involving a couple of semis and lots of Hazmat vehicles so it took us at least 30 minutes to go a few miles. But then it was clear sailing all the way south to 90 and then west. We decided to stay at another casino in Iowa just across the border from Sioux Falls SD. It happens that our friends Clem & Marlene live in Madison SD so we called and they could meet us for dinner at the casino. Actually they came earlier, saw our new rig, had a drink and we caught up on each other's news before going to the casino. We all entered a free slot tournament (no winners in our group), played slots for a while and then hit the buffet when it opened at 4:30. Hugs goodbye after another great visit with good friends.
Wed – We walked to the casino for an inexpensive breakfast buffet before heading out of Iowa and back onto 90 to continue west. Very hot (OK maybe not by AZ standards but hit 104) so happy to be in the truck with AC turned up. Lots of construction which you can tell is needed by the bumpy current lanes. Three fuel stops (head winds affected diesel consumption and we weren't sure where the next service station with easy in/out was located) and a stop at a DQ. We checked out one RV park and immediately left and ended up in Wall at a so-so park but a pull-through with 50 amps to run the ACs. Luckily I had leftovers that needed to be consummed for dinner so a lazy evening for both of us.

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