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.
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
