It's Opener There....(Part 1)

Yesterday we had our trek across South Dakota.  We started at 8:30 in Sioux Falls.  Traffic was pretty light and we made great time to the Corn Place in Mitchell, SD.  For those who don't know- the exterior of the Corn Place is decorated entirely in corn cobs, corn husks and grasses.  Each year there is a new theme to  the murals adorning it.  This year's theme is Celebrating Youth Activities.  It really is a "corny" place- but it is a tourist "must see."  It takes months for them to finish and in August there is a big festival.  Apparently the birds love to come and feed on it.

After out brief visit here we got back on the road for the LOONNGG  ride across the state. We again were passing through beautiful farm land.  The views were gorgeous.  You could see for miles.  After we crossed over the Missouri River (about half way through the state) the scenery began shifted from farmland to cattle farms.  The landscape became much more hilly.  By mid afternoon we reached the entrance to the Badlands National Park.  I thought it would only be a quick 30 mile scenic drive, but it was much more.

I'll update later as everyone is now showered, dressed and ready to go!