West Trip Day One and Two

I had to go in yesterday morning for two classes and was finished by 11:30 so I figured we may as well get a head start on the drive. We packed up the car and got a slow start when after about 15 minutes on the road, we had to return home because Zack didn't bring his computer with his school stuff on it.  

Ollie will not be left behind - he makes sure of that

The first part of the drive was all on 2 lane back roads through cities that are so small I don't understand how people can actually stand living there.  I mean, where do these people do their grocery shopping?  

But there were some gorgeous old houses in one of the cities.

We stopped at the Ho Chunk Casino in Tomah to do some gambling.

Kidding...the casino was attached to the gas station we stopped at

We entered into Minnesota sometime around 5:00 and I told Zack to keep an eye out for a place to get some dinner.  I honestly could not believe it but for the next 90 miles we passed only 2 gas stations!!!!!    That was it...no food...no cities...nothing!!! For 90 miles!!!

We finally found a run down A&W in a hick little backwoods town but the food was good so all was well.

We stopped for the night in Austin, Minnesota and our good fortune continued when the TV in our room got all of about 5 channels.  But one of them was HLN so I could watch Forensic Files.  


Today we made an equally boring drive to Rapid City, South Dakota.  I am so glad we are not returning the same way because that was seriously the most boring drive I have ever made.  At least the speed limit in South Dakota was 80mph so you can make good time.  

We made a side stop in Mitchell to see the Corn Palace where our good fortune from yesterday just carried over into today and the entire front of the palace was blocked by construction.  I knew it was under construction but I thought they would piecemeal it and leave some parts accessible while they worked on other parts-but-no!

We were at least able to see the side of the building 

And a quick picture to prove we were there

I went inside to use the bathroom and was surprised to see that it was a gymnasium.  It is also used as a theater and I knew that but there was a gymnasium floor, a scoreboard, and basketball hoops.

This is what the front should like




And inside



Tomorrow is supposed to be a beautiful day so we plan to visit Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and do the 0.5 mile Presidential Trail hike that takes you directly under the presidents heads...I'm excited.