Day #3 - Sioux Falls, SD

After torrential rains during the night, we got up early to start the next leg of our journey to Sioux Falls, SD. One of the downsides to a hybrid travel trailer is trying to fold up the canvas sides when they are wet, but we dried everything the best we could and took off. The drive itself was pretty difficult. I don't know what they were thinking when they wrote about the sky not being cloudy all day, but that is all they were today! Gray and dreary and extremely windy.

The construction out here could rival back home. There were numerous places where the traffic crossed over to the other side of the highway to make a several mile long two-way stretch. Speed limits out here are 75 mph, so even in a construction zone they are 65 mph and all that is separating you from on coming traffic is contruction cones. No barricades or cement k-rails, apparently they think small pylons will do the trick. Add to that signs posted everywhere warning RV'ers of the high possibility of strong wind sheers. It was white knuckle driving all the way! Some nice scenery might have helped pass the time (well for me anyway as Tony couldn't take his eyes off of the road). The only interesting thing of note were the huge wind turbines dotting long stretches of road trying to harness the crazy wind energy out here. The towering structures looked like giant planeless propellers turning aimlessly in the sky. They were actually rather creepy looking, but the methodical spinning was kind of hypnotizing. Things settled down a bit when we reached Sioux City.

Crossing the border into South Dakota, I was struck by all of the casinos. You expect them in Nevada, but I didn't know gambling was legal everywhere in South Dakota. It is very strange to drive by strip malls with casinos/gaming parlors right there next to Jimmy John's and Famous Footwear.

After we got set up for the night. The sky cleared and we headed for Falls Park. Falls Park is an old mill that runs through an abandoned quarry. It's not Niagra, but was exremely pretty. Abby's words were "wowee kazowee." There were many different falls and you could pretty much walk out onto the rocks and right up to the water anywhere you wanted (which isn't necessarily a good thing with a fearless almost 3 year old!). We rode the elevator to the top of the observatio tower and the kids enjoyed running around a bit and stretching their legs.

When we returned to the campground, Tony spotted people jumping over in the field. We went over to investigate and discovered what's called a jumping pillow. It is basically what it sounds like - a huge air filled pillow on the ground. The kids and Tony had a blast jumping on it. The thing made me a bit sea sick, so I sat on it and enjoyed watching the fun!