Travel day from Interior to Mitchell

 August 1, 2025

Mitchell KOA = site C 12

Mitchell, SD

Last night was HORRIBLE.  I woke Momma up and told her about the thunder and heavy rain and hail shortly after midnight.  SAVE ME!!

Well, I did survive the night, but at one point, Momma told me she might have to dig out a paper bag for me to breathe in before I passed out from hyperventilating.  Momma agreed it was noisy as she could just make out the rolling thunder and pinging hail without her hearing aids.  

It was nice that the rain took place during the night and not while we were packing up or traveling.  It turned out to be a great travel day weather-wise.  

As we left the campground, we passed over White River.

Dad said couldn't understand why they would ever name such a brown, muddy looking river, White River.  

We entered the Badlands National Park to zip up hwy 240 to get on I-90.  We had another option, but after talking with neighbors about hwy 44, we decided that was NOT the way to travel.  We decided the best route to take was the way we arrived in Interior, SD from I-90.  We would just capture the magnificent views from the opposite direction. 

  Here's one of Pam's favorite shots from yesterday.

The Badlands are definitely impressive and memorable.  You can't help but think of sand castles like the ones kids make at the beach...only magnified x 200.

Once we got on I-90 heading east, Momma dozed off.  I guess I didn't let her get enough sleep last night.  She woke up in time to direct Dad to the mid-way rest stop.

Dad has been keeping an eye on the tires on the door side of the camper.  They are not wearing evenly and the tires appear to be getting closer together.  The concern is, why are the tires on that side of the rig closer together than those on the other side?  Dad has been under our rig several times pondering the issue but has been unable to find a cause.  

He got under the rig one more time during our rest stop and made the decision it was time for a second opinion.  So....Momma spent the second leg of our journey calling light trailer manufacturers in Mitchell, SD to see if anyone would have the time/knowledge needed to offer some insight.  She finally was referred to CHS Mr. Tire who offered to slide under and take a look.  Alas, the tech was unable to see any issues either except the flattened springs that Dad had noticed but he did offer a good referral for A bar K Trailers.  He said it is where they purchase their trailer parts and they have a good reputation.  

We now have altered our plans a bit to let A bar K Trailers offer some assistance on Monday morning.  A bar K is located in Sioux Falls which is mid-way to what would have been our next destination.  We will all depart Mitchell as planned on Sunday, but we will spend Sunday night at a campground in Sioux Falls while the rest of our travel group keeps the original plan to travel to Sioux City for 4 nights.  If all goes well, we will join them for the remaining 3 nights.  

After spending so much time rearranging our schedule and campground stays in order to keep our newly made repair appointment as well as moving into Central Time, it was past dinner time.  Dad decided Momma deserved a night off from cooking ~ especially seeing as there is a Culver's in Mitchell.  Great plan for sure!!

I asked Dad if this campground knew I was coming.  Check out the dog park. 

Now how about that!?!

I'm Chloe

Badlands

 July 31, 2025

KOA Badlands/White River site 155

Interior, SD

This morning brought a light rain but that didn't stop Momma and Dad from entering Badlands National Park once again.

With their America the Beautiful park pass, they can zip through the gate with ease.

The lack of sunshine and misty rain toned down the colors, but the formations were still impressive.

Following the twisting, turning road thru the park is easy, but without a path/road to follow, I can comprehend why they named this Badlands as it truly would be bad lands to try to travel and find a path that didn't dead end into a towering mound or drop off cliff.  One could very easily lose their way.

It was a good day for baking with the rain bringing a bit of a chill to the air.  Time to replenish Dad's cookie supply and turn those ripe bananas into the rest stop snack for tomorrow's travel day: banana nut muffins.  

I'm Chloe

Travel day to Interior, SD

 July 30, 2025

Badlands/White River KOA site 155

Interior, SD

It was travel day today so Momma and Dad decided to make their rest break at Wall Drug in Wall, SD. 

Wall is a very small community and in order to stay in business back in 1937, the owners of Wall Drug store needed to draw in some travelers.  The wife had the idea to offer weary, thirsty travelers free ice water so the husband made signs to post on the highway...and the rest is history.  Of course the drug store has grown in size since then and the variety of items for sale has multiplied under the current management by the grandkids.

And the number of tourists who stop daily has multiplied as well.

 

The signs are still drawing people in.

They didn't drink free ice water, but they did purchase some of the homemade ice cream from the soda fountain.  I guess they are helping Wall Drug stay in business.

 They received service at the cafe with a great big smile.

With only 36 miles remaining, the rest of the trip went by quickly but I'll have to say, as soon as the Ram drove through the gate for the Badlands National Park, the oohs and aahhs began as the two-legged viewed the scenery that Mother Nature has so graciously created.

  It took years to accomplish such magnificent landscaping.  

Upon arrival at the campground, it became apparent that the request to have the three rigs parked close together was ignored.  'If you had paid an extra $20 each to lock your sites....'  But the gal did make an adjustment to we are relatively close rather than opposite ends of the park.

We observed a first at this campground.

This slip in camper that rides in the back of the truck has a slide out to add more room.

Tonight, I got to check out the dog park and stretch my legs

while getting my heart rate up as my tongue hung lower and lower.  I guess they wanted to tire me out before they went out for a wildlife hunt.  The quick trip into the Badlands National Park wound up taking well over two hours, but it was a successful night for spotting animals in park.

The animals tend to be more active as the sun begins to set.

but without much natural light, the animals are harder to see.  

I'm Chloe

Land of bison and other animals

 July 28-29, 2025

Custer's Gulch RV Park site 25

Custer, SD

Momma and Pam returned to the rig today after their excursion and Momma said she really can't understand why they picked the name 'Bear Country USA' for the attraction.

  The bears were really cute, especially the playful cubs

but there were so many more animals than just bears to see.  

The attraction has a drive thru area to view larger animals

as well as a walk around area to view smaller creatures.

Now here's a creature who has a unique life.  

This monkey's owner/caregiver is here for the Sturgis Rally and travels via motorcycle.

Of course a trip to Custer wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Purple Pie for a taste of their delicious pies and/or ice cream.

Downtown Custer has a bison on every corner.  Each one painted in a unique way.

You can easily find bison on the menu in this area as well.....served as a stew

or a meatloaf

or you could enjoy a bison brisket sandwich

There is also the opportunity to go on a bison hunt on a hay wagon, complete with cowboy hats.  Yeehaw!

  Dad and Momma didn't think sitting on a hard wooden bench in a wagon didn't sound very appealing when they could be viewing bison from the comfort of their cushioned Ram seats.  They took a pass.

Some entrepreneurs even name their business after bison...as in the Bearded Buffalo Resort.

Tomorrow we depart from this area for a visit to the Badlands.

I'm Chloe