With only the clicking of our bikes, the cheeping of the birds and the quicksilver movement of squirrels disturbing the eerie quiet. We were morose to leave this magical place, and at least one of the locals wanted us to stay.
With only the Interstate to look forward too, and some unexpected hurdles to cross, this little guy had the right idea! The interstate, despite the headwind, motivates you to pedal faster (in order to get off the interstate sooner!) and we soon came upon our intended destination of Kadoka. After 60 days on the road we have developed an intuition for small towns, a sense for the energy and attitude of the community, and this one wasn't particularly welcoming. We answered the question of whether we could handle another 13 miles on the interstate, into that bloody headwind, to reach Belvidere and the somewhat comfortable familiarity of a KOA campground, with a rather unconvinced "yes", and headed out. The best I can say for those 13 miles is that at least we found an old hwy that shadowed the I-90, which although it had steeper ups and downs, was populated only by us, the occasional farmer and about 20 million grasshoppers. Sighting Belvidere on top of the next hill was met with whoops of joy and big smiles as we pushed into the ever increasing headwind. But we celebrated too soon, the relaxed fishing locals informed us that the KOA was another 6 miles into the wind at 1880 Town. Never have I been so glad to see an icon of corporate America as seeing that KOA sign after the next unplanned for 8 miles, and the welcome from the Puerto Rican owners was a balm to a couple of wind bashed bicyclists. But the trials of the day were not yet over... a severe thunderstorm warning was initiated by the county, we tied down our tent, and all our belongings as best we could and took shelter in the restaurant, just as the 60 mph winds picked up and drops of rain big enough to fill an espresso cup started falling. I had faith in our little tent until the hail started to clatter at the windows, then I just hoped for the best and distracted myself with Indian Fry Bread, yum! You will be glad to hear, but not as glad as we were, that our beautiful portable home survived unscathed, and we slept the sleep of tired but ultimately triumphant cyclists. Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
And now Hail! Truly all things are being experienced on this trip!
ReplyDeleteWhat is it they say about "the best laid plans". What looks good in the planning, on the map / pamphlet doesn't always eventuate. But you have survived another experience. Had a funny episode with Tash. She didn't want to return from the front paddock as she was running and leaping, happy as.... She stopped for a breath by the gate and less than 2 metres from me. I called and called and she displayed the best Industrial Size Selective Hearing I've ever experienced!!! She eventually came through the gate (I close it at night) after a final run, with the air of a winner. Love Aunty Fran xxx
ReplyDeleteI was sitting in a lecture today, admittedly not listening to ECG interpretation but instead sharing your BIG blog with friends. One in particular was so enthused she even indulged in your trip plan and then subsequently tracking you both on google maps. Anyway everytime the rain kicks up or it begins to hail remember it's far far better than work/Uni and I'm still JEALOUS!
ReplyDeletePS Angie is learning to be a 'leader' with Ponyo and she has selective hearing like Tash it seems!
Jac
Wow! I love the silence of fog! It makes everything that beautiful, mysterious grey...and it forces you to look at the things of nature that are right up close (and usually very moist) because you can't see much of anything in the distance. Magical! That Badlands photo reminds me a bit of quite an amazing place right here in NSW called the Budawangs National Park. Looks amazing, guys! (very cute rabbit, too!)
ReplyDeletexoxo