Marshalltown, IA (7 AM Central) to Interior, SD (5:30 Mountain). 575 miles.
Notable tunes: Don Henley’s Cass County. Audiobook: Terry Pratchett’s Nation.
♦
It was a dark and gloomy night… er… morning.
I could barely believe that THE DAY had come. No more lists. No more sleepless nights (There’s a Country song in there some place), just my nosey neighbor hurrying out to snoop as I finished packing the car, her barky wiener dog in tow. In no time, I’d shaken the Marshalltown dust off my wheels and set out in the lowering gloom.
First rest stop was Sac City, where I got a whiff of Skunk as I gassed up the car. Auspicious! Skunk became my Animal Guide in a sweat lodge ceremony eons ago. Her scent still makes me feel protected and in the flow. Then, when I walked along the North Racoon River, I spotted a mink at the water’s edge. My aunt used to raise mink, so I knew it wasn’t just a weasel. The gifts seemed to be tumbling out of the trees!
It felt wonderful to squish in mud along the water’s edge, to see geese and hear the bird chatter. I was glad to have my hat, as the wind at 34 degrees still held a bit of winter.
And who knew Sac City was the home of Barn Quilts? The things one learns On the Road.
The next stop was Tea, South Dakota. I mean, really, how could I not stop for a spot of Tea after being bossed around by John Cleese all day (His best bit so far has been: “In 500 yards, bear right; beaver left.”) and listening to a fabulous Terry Pratchett audiobook, read by a lovely British baritone (yes, there are actually a few of those I don’t know or claim as Pretend Boyfriends)?
A few hours further west, the skies cleared, the snow melted and temperatures warmed into the 50s. No more adventures, just clear sailing in the bright sunshine and on into the Badlands. I knew those naughty bits were close by, but didn’t expect to drive through the State park. What a feast to wind through all that topographical drama!
The sun sloped from the west as I drove through The Circle View Ranch’s gate. A family played ring-toss in the yard. A scrappy herder-dog watched them from the porch of the main house. Chickens meandered and pecked along the drive.
My room is lovely with a private bathroom. I think my cowboy nephew would like it here.
Time to wash my Ramen bowl and call it a day.
SandySue Altered
A Mind Divided 
Mar 27, 2016 @ 22:21:09
Love the pictures! Sounds like a fun adventure.
Mar 30, 2016 @ 22:40:21
Thanks so much, Fire Girl. Your comment got buried under Microsoft, but I found it (and appreciate you traveling with me).
Mar 31, 2016 @ 10:43:50
I am enjoying the heck out of your trip!!
Apr 01, 2016 @ 07:07:34
Thanks, Fire Girl (We’re into our Superhero names here).
Mar 27, 2016 @ 22:22:16
Have a safe and fun trip, Sandy
Mar 30, 2016 @ 22:39:17
Thank you, Dee. I lost this comment for a few days to Microsoft, but HA! Found it (and appreciate the warm wishes).
Mar 27, 2016 @ 22:42:20
Sounds like a wonderful day! I so loved your post! Sleep tight!
Mar 30, 2016 @ 22:38:24
Thank you, my friend. I lost this comment to Microsoft for a few days, but I found AND appreciate it!
Mar 28, 2016 @ 04:17:20
You’ve got some great company – John Cleese and Terry Pratchett.! I love the quote I found by Terry – “The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.” A master comic.. 🙂
Mar 28, 2016 @ 08:52:11
As a fellow atheist, I love his gentle poking at religion. This audiobook especially as it’s for teens and prods them to be curious and ask questions.
Mar 28, 2016 @ 05:27:02
Sandy, what an auspicious first day! So glad you are off and running. Enjoyed the day with you…keep ’em coming!!
Mar 28, 2016 @ 08:11:23
Beautiful photos! I think I would LOVE the Circle View Ranch. I think I had a farm in a previous life. I’m glad you are enjoying your adventure!
Mar 28, 2016 @ 08:49:21
It’s beautiful & peaceful here. You would love it.
Mar 28, 2016 @ 08:59:48
Sounds divine
Mar 28, 2016 @ 21:00:37
I think it’s because I’m expecting divine. Trying to SEE it everywhere!
Mar 29, 2016 @ 05:55:50
Then you will
Mar 28, 2016 @ 08:18:35
The excitement! Great details–never heard of Tea, South Dakota! The sky is beautiful. I love the photo of the chickens–you know I love them! Have a grand and beautiful second day! Can’t wait to read about it. (What a cool place to stay!)
Mar 28, 2016 @ 08:47:49
Those chickens were just for YOU!
Mar 28, 2016 @ 08:33:07
An auspicious start indeed! Love the mix of people places and nature sightings. Hope the tea in Tea was good!
Mar 28, 2016 @ 08:47:09
Ha! Lipton’s, I think. 😛
Mar 28, 2016 @ 09:07:20
I was afraid you’d say that. 🙄 safe travels today…and better beverages! Lol
Mar 28, 2016 @ 20:59:51
HeeHee. glurg.
Mar 28, 2016 @ 09:23:16
Glorious!
Mar 28, 2016 @ 20:59:25
I’m feeling truly blessed.
Mar 28, 2016 @ 09:41:43
It appears Mother Earth and Father Sky are sending these auspicious “signs” to guide you on your journey. You can bet yer boots, girl… that your Okie nephew would love your lodging accommodations! What a cool place to stay… I’m all giddy with excitement to hear the next leg of the journey!
Mar 28, 2016 @ 20:58:14
I thought of you, Lori, when I saw that mink yesterday. If we LOOK for the gifts, they’re always right there.
Mar 28, 2016 @ 10:31:06
a WONDERFUL tour… you sound fabulous… hurray!!!!! love, laney
Mar 28, 2016 @ 20:57:06
Hurray is right!
Mar 28, 2016 @ 11:25:39
Ooh, ooh, that B&B is right up my alley: chickens, scrappy dog, and all.
Westward, ho!
Mar 28, 2016 @ 20:53:59
And plenty of Scouting stuff to do in the Badlands next door. Yes, you guys would like this.
Apr 05, 2016 @ 06:47:59
Sounds like a glorious start!
Apr 05, 2016 @ 07:51:33
I think it was. I can’t even remember now!