4/30/2014 Oacoma, SD
We spent yesterday trying to stay warm & dry. It rained until about noon, with the rain going horizontal at times. We can't imagine living in this environment...the wind is incessant.
About noon, the rain stopped and we started to see shadows at times. So we unhooked the car and went for a ride. We are on the Missouri River, so we crossed back to the tiny town of Chamberlain, east of where we are camped. There isn't much there, a small town left over from the early 20th century, before I-90 was built sometime in the 60's. We checked out a campground on the river, and both of the occupied spots. We suspect there will be lots of fisherman there in the summer, something Chamberlain seems to thrive on. On the west side of the river is a thriving 'resort', with a conference center, marina & large hotel & campground. 2 little cities thriving on visitors to the river & folks headed to the Black Hills. I commented to Barb that I bet it gets crazy when the migration to & from Sturgis happens for the motorcycle rally.
Oacona was founded in 1919 when folks settled here after a road was built from Sioux Falls to Rapid City & beyond in each direction. Autos have driven a LOT of development in this country...folks doing what we are up to. We stopped & had a burger at Al's Oasis across the road from our campground...been there 95 years, hawking food, souvenirs (junk), gas & $.05 coffee. The next closest thing going west is Wall Drug, 200 miles away. It is truly a desolate place out here. Lewis & Clark must have been wondering what they were doing out here when they crossed the Missouri in 1904...better them than me..lol.
We are moving north today, Dickinson, N Dakota is our destination. Our route will take us thru Pierre, the capital of S Dakota & Bismarck, the capital of N Dakota, should be an interesting day. The sun is shining, it is 36 degrees, heading for 43, and the wind is rocking our camper, with the jacks still down...that could prove to be the making of a stressful drive...we shall see. It is supposed to be 60+ tomorrow...whooohoo!.
Steve & Barb Larson
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