Now, We're Really Getting Out West!
May 20 - May 23
St. Joseph, MO to Interior, SD
St. Joseph, MO to Interior, SD
Rondee's campground in
Mitchell, SD was not very
crowded.
Mitchell, SD was not very
crowded.
Cabela's The mother
lode for every toy that
big boys like to have.
lode for every toy that
big boys like to have.
Words cannot describe
this scene to an
outdoor enthusiast.
this scene to an
outdoor enthusiast.
Martha had a good time
too.
too.
One of many wild game
displays in the store.
displays in the store.
We've been in
big-time farm country
since southern Illinois.
big-time farm country
since southern Illinois.
Fields stretch to the
horizon.
horizon.
We have plenty of
fellow RVers to
keep us company.
fellow RVers to
keep us company.
Corn Palace in
Mitchell, SD. The
building facade is
made of real corn.
Mitchell, SD. The
building facade is
made of real corn.
We visited the home
sites of Charles Ingalls
from the "Little House"
books and TV series.
Not Michael Landon,
the real Charles "Pa"
Ingalls.
sites of Charles Ingalls
from the "Little House"
books and TV series.
Not Michael Landon,
the real Charles "Pa"
Ingalls.
These Cottonwood trees
mark the site of the
Ingalls' original
homestead in DeSmet,
SD. These trees were
planted by Charles in
the 1880's.
mark the site of the
Ingalls' original
homestead in DeSmet,
SD. These trees were
planted by Charles in
the 1880's.
Terry holds up one of
the 120 year-old
trees to keep it from
falling in the wind.
the 120 year-old
trees to keep it from
falling in the wind.
The nice folks at the
visitor center let Martha
use their golf cart to tour
the property.
visitor center let Martha
use their golf cart to tour
the property.
The Ingalls lived in the
"Surveyors' House" in
DeSmet until they were able
to establish their land claim
outside of town.
"Surveyors' House" in
DeSmet until they were able
to establish their land claim
outside of town.
Charles built this home in DeSmet in
1887 when he grew tired of farming.
He lived there with Caroline, and Mary
until their death. Mary did not marry
and move away like the TV show
portrayed.
1887 when he grew tired of farming.
He lived there with Caroline, and Mary
until their death. Mary did not marry
and move away like the TV show
portrayed.
Martha stands at Charles' "Pa's"
tombstone in DeSmet Cemetery.
The whole family is buried there
except for Laura.
tombstone in DeSmet Cemetery.
The whole family is buried there
except for Laura.
The Ingalls' family. Laura, who
wrote the Little House books, is
the one with her hand on Pa's
shoulder.
wrote the Little House books, is
the one with her hand on Pa's
shoulder.
Back on I-90 headed west.
They don't call this part of
the country the great plains
for nothing.
They don't call this part of
the country the great plains
for nothing.
I have to include a picture
of a South Dakota Welcome
Center. Very nice centers
with friendly folks. This is
Indian Country as the tee
pee symbolizes.
of a South Dakota Welcome
Center. Very nice centers
with friendly folks. This is
Indian Country as the tee
pee symbolizes.
This is a very effective
"keep off the grass sign."
The Missouri River is in
the background. We
have followed the river
on this journey much like
Lewis and Clark did.
"keep off the grass sign."
The Missouri River is in
the background. We
have followed the river
on this journey much like
Lewis and Clark did.
Super Value Grocery in
Murdo, SD. Like stepping
back in time. Gravel parking
lot. We stopped here to pick
up supplies and ate lunch.
Murdo still has several
unpaved streets. Nice people.
Murdo, SD. Like stepping
back in time. Gravel parking
lot. We stopped here to pick
up supplies and ate lunch.
Murdo still has several
unpaved streets. Nice people.