Left Council Bluffs Walmart lot this am, drove about an hour to Sioux City, IA where we read about park that had a good dog park - good reason to detour and have another picnic lunch. The road was a little harrowing as it kept narrowing down and looked like some of our Pittsburgh neighborhoods, where you would never dare to drive an RV, and then just for meanness, it was garbage day, so all the Herbies were sitting there waiting to be knocked off - didn't hit even one! And even had to turn around on that road due to a slight miscalculation, but even managed that! Bacon Creek Park was a large lake, 3 miles of hiking/biking trails, and a great dog park.. Met couple other dog parents and the Plott hound and Huskie puppies, and the cocker named Boomer. Their owners gave us the lowdown on Sioux City (some moved here when it was Gateway headquarters) and recommended the Hard Rock Casino, but we decided to eat in the park because it was so pretty. Sara had a good run and we had a good walk, but are definitely doomed if we have to climb a real mountain. Then back on the road to Sioux Falls, South Dakota and took a left (WEST) to camp at Mitchell, SD - home of Carla's mother!!! Didn't find anyone who knew her here 95 years ago, but I believe you that she was here!! Did talk to a trucker/helicopter pilot who gave us the low down on Rushmore area - recommended a helicopter ride to really see the mountain and also cautioned us not to get out of our car at the reservations - "you'll be mugged and killed!" - charming! But I think we will be a little cautious just in case! The landscape is flat and farmland as far as the eye can see, and the speed limit is now 80 mph - just saw our second policeman since leaving Atlanta! I guess you have to be going 90 to be speeding here!

QUOTE OF THE DAY: local billboard in Vyborg, South Dakota - "Eat steak, wear furs, and keep your guns - the American Way!"