Across the prairie

And the caravan adventure begins…A week ago, we traveled along the Missouri River north to Sioux Falls, SD where we met our 42 Airstream traveling companions. They come from all over the USA…Florida, California, Connecticut, Iowa, Texas and Ohio…and of course Virginia. Two of the couples are full timers…in other words, they are homeless except for their Airstreams. We have 22 rigs…all kinds…trailers big and small and motor homes large and gigantic. We spent four days in Sioux Falls exploring with the gang and by ourselves. You will hear about some the adventures from the Roving Reporter. We were impressed with this prairie town and felt very welcome. We are now in Aberdeen, SD, our second caravan stop. We drove through Mitchell SD on the way to once again see the Corn Palace…one of those sights that just can’t be missed. Then we headed north across the heart of the prairie…very few towns and lots of corn, wheat and beans. Aberdeen again is a much more interesting town than we have ever imagined…if we had ever even thought about Aberdeen which we probably hadn’t. We continue to enjoy being with our friends, Pat and Bob Collins, and others from former caravans, and also meeting new friends from new places. We are in the younger end of the age spectrum of the group and one of the least traveled…at least if you are counting caravans. But each couple brings their experiences and expertise to the group making for an interesting social atmosphere. Wednesday our travels continue north (as they will do for several weeks) first to North Dakota and then into Manitoba. As busy as we are, our thoughts frequently turn home to friends and family. We are only an email away. Please keep in touch.

And now prepare yourself for some random thoughts from the Roving Reporter.

Eternity Defined. Sometimes it is a challenge to define words. And, something that seemingly lasts forever is one such word. So I have looked for examples – that is what we do, right. My non-stop flight from Hawaii to Australia takes an eternity. I found yet another. About 2000 friends and we took the trailer and chased the path taken by Lewis and Clark. We followed the Missouri River up the Iowa/Nebraska boarder. The road surface through the prairie changed little since L & C, and I declared at the time, Interstate 29 is one of the worst roads in America. Still is! But there is hope. Here almost 10 years later, they have started repair with an estimated 10 year completion date. It has taken them an eternity. I wonder what that says about the Stimulus Package?
Cycle Nite today. In Sioux Falls they substitute cycles for old cars. They expect over 1,000 bikes this evening. Park you chopper and hang out. Look. Stroll. No riding or slow trolling. Made me want to run right out and purchase Sally a wardrobe of leather. Want to attend?
By now you know we prefer to travel back country roads through bitty towns. They have a charm all their own. It’s America. Countless American flags. Small churches [where we often borrow their parking lots for lunch]. When we are dismounted and see folks, they smile and say “hi, can we help” They always wave when they see the silver beer can passing them on the road. Down home folks scratching out a living. It finally dawned on me, there are not any foreclosure signs. No homes for sale. No for sale placards. No reduced price. They seem to have purchased what they needed and could afford and then paid their bills. Seems there is a lesson to be learned out here in the heart land.
Often people get a funny look and inquire, “Why do you caravan with your trailer?” Here is one answer. How else would you get to Lyons, SD, pop 157, located down the road from absolutely nowhere. There we meet a young energetic plant manager who took a break from his hectic schedule so he could personally take us on a tour of “his” plant. Proudly he and his staff of local men and women hand build fire engines, one at a time. His product sells for200K to $1M … and for that you may select any one of the over 700 colors of red.
I passed the sign. Hummm. A challenge. I wonder, I thought, can I? But I am approaching 69, so should I even try? Why not! The little engine said I think I can so I hitched up my jeans, spit on the hands and gave my hands a brisk rub, palm to palm. Heavy breaths. I am ready. Straight back. Remember use the legs. I firmly grasped and tugged. Wow. Not enough power. I visualized I was the Green Hulk and revved my engine to 110%. My face turned red. Yes, a slow start and then progress. A millimeter. Two. A half inch. Success. I JUST LIFTED A NEW CAR, a 2,500 pound compact. Really. OK, now you want to know how. Sarah’s former 3rd grade class would know immediately. I used a simple machine located outside a former high school now a municipal cultural arts and science center. One area was set aside for kids, and since I am still a kid at heart, I could not help but participate. Incidentally it was the same facility that had a world class collection of Rodin sculptures.
Culinary Sign of the Week. “ETHOPIAN FOOD and Take Out . We service lap tops”