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Thursday, July 10, 2008
Epic Journey: Day Four
At our quasi ersatz kindasorta midpoint on Day Four (Google Maps, KML):
Yes, South Dakota is wicked flat once you cross the Missouri, but I found it quite beautiful and a fun drive. Since it was a relatively short driving day and we had plenty of time until our dinner engagement--well, we screwed up on the timezones, but whatever--we took a detour from I-90 to enjoy the Badlands loop.
Neppy will fit in splendidly on our 251 Club jaunts.
Okay, that's better.
We found the Badlands to be stunning, stark and gorgeous.
What a neat ride!
Home on the range.
There was quite a lot of variety in terrain, including grasslands.
A little help, birders?
Got to Sioux Falls around what we thought was 430pm, but turns out we entered Central Time without realizing it because we haven't really cared about time. After chatting on the phone with fellow Atriot fokowi, who lives a bit north, we met up with Uncle Smokes for dinner and drinks. What a lovely time!
Tomorrow's plan: running to The Cities and hooking up with Zap and Zapette.
ntodd
Inching our way across the US:
Last leg: 366 mi
Trip odometer: 1667 mi
Maximum speed: 105 mph
Average speed: 72 mph
Number of plague-infested prairie dogs seen: 0
Number of vintage Wall Drug signs seen: 218
July 10, 2008 in These United States | Permalink
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Comments
Yeah, the badlands are really cool. We spent a lot of time there on our way back east last July. But, we made it all the way to Council Bluffs that night!
LOL
Posted by: aangus | Jul 10, 2008 12:29:14 AM
our quasi ersatz kindasorta ,,,
=====
Wasn't he that guy in Dune?
Posted by: Ghost of Joe Liebling's Dog | Jul 10, 2008 1:39:09 AM
Soon, you'll be in Ohio and I'll be able to moon in your general direction.
Posted by: Buckeye, Dealer of Rare Coins | Jul 10, 2008 6:35:12 AM
If you guys or the dog need a break, you will find a welcoming Atriot around exit 78 or 81 on I-80 in PA. What a fun adventure!
Posted by: camelot | Jul 10, 2008 8:08:18 AM
Happy trails, NTodd. I've driven across country with a dog, in the summer heat, and it was not really a hassle. He had his water dish in the back seat, and it does force you to stop and stretch your legs more often for walkies, which is a good thing. Sounds like you are on the same route, because we came through the Badlands too. It is beautiful.
Posted by: Karin | Jul 10, 2008 8:50:35 AM
This seems like such a fantastic trip -- thanks for letting the rest of us come along vicariously. If you come near Madison (and if you stay on 90/94, you will) and are in need of a break, do let me know. My dog would be happy to introduce Neptune to some of the local fun spots. Be safe.
Posted by: Sue | Jul 10, 2008 11:56:04 AM
Pretty!
Posted by: Batocchio | Jul 10, 2008 12:54:23 PM
Is "fellow Atriot fokowi" related to Warethee?
Posted by: jimbo | Jul 10, 2008 1:39:02 PM
Find a list here:
Wildlife and Nature at BadlandsBirds
Checklist of birds found at Badlands. Includes visibility and nesting status
Luckily for me, the bird that seemed most like yours ;-) was at the end of the list, and when I googled it, this came up, with its beak the most remarkale feature.
Western Meadowlark
Posted by: whaleshaman | Jul 10, 2008 2:17:18 PM
My old stomping grounds! Sounds like you went rather north of Newcastle-our old home, and in a few days will be going just south of Bloomer, our new home.
Safe trip. If you do happen to go through "Bloom" town, there will be warm welcome and a Leinenkugle or two waiting at the parsonage :)
Posted by: left rev | Jul 10, 2008 3:18:15 PM
I woke up a bit hoarse from all the gabbing.
I was also a little hung-over from the amaretto iced tea. Imagine that, worn out by one shot of amaretto--oh, how the mighty have fallen.
Thanks again, NTodd and E--and Neptune--for a rare moment where I leave my apartment in the evening.
Posted by: Uncle Smokes | Jul 10, 2008 6:37:55 PM
Thanks for sharing your trip with us - the photos are breathtaking.
Posted by: Nancy | Jul 10, 2008 11:18:24 PM
Stunning photos and The Tune is HUGE. Looks like you're all having a great time on the road.
Posted by: Lesley | Jul 11, 2008 3:45:57 AM
Buy me stuff off my 
