May 11-14 LaCrosse to Wall

I (Bill) had been coming down with a cold for a couple days, and now it seemed more so we stopped at Mayo clinic urgent care in LaCrosse, WI.  (it's near I90 on the WI side of the Mississippi.  They examined and prescribed Z-Pac.  They got my insurance, etc info last. Then we ate at Rudy's a local famous second generation drivein where they brew their own root bear (recommended by John Stallings.)  I liked it, good flavor and not too sweet.

See raindrops on windshield.  They fell most all day

Receptionist at urgent care had recommended we see the worlds largest six pack.  We did this before hitting I90 west across Mississippi toward Badlands

A couple hours later, Beth had me photo-op between legs of Green giant in blue Earth MN

xWe checked in that evening at KOA Harward, Mn.  As the lady collected from Beth, she commented about severe weather forecast to be increasing during the evening and tornado warnings to the south. Lady said if local tornado warnings were issued, she would come get us. Beth asked if we would be safer to move on.  The lady said the weather was widespread.  Beth inquired where we could take cover.  Lady said the safest place was the concrete block restrooms.  While the weather conditions, the forecast, and the fact that we were in camper in a trailer park in tornado alley, Beth tried to sleep with one eye on weather channel.  I felt so bad that I didn't much care.

By AM, weather had settled to steady showers, and Beth was finally asleep.  We had had strong thunder during the night but little wind.  A good thing, considering all the trees.

We set out toward the Missouri River
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We crossed the Missouri at Chamberlain, SD.  We drove to a little park and could see the I-90 bridge

The color of the water seemed to mirror the spring green of the landscape

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crossing to the other side

Stopping for lunch

have crossed Missouri river and now at Al's place

Al's is a little strip mall with western town facade

May 12 evening we stayed at RonDees campground in Mitchell, SD. In the AM, Beth found the lady's shower lights and heat were off.  The campground was associated with a motel.  I went to the office and asked if they could turn the stuff on. Maintenance guy said he would get keys and take care of it. I checked a few minutes later and the showers were locked. :)

May 13, We drove past the Corn Palace in Mitchell SD.  The entire exterior is redecorated in colored ears of corn  and is redesigned periodically (used to be each year)

We did not stop, as we had visited it thoroughly last time.  We noticed that this town of 15K. has a large costume store.  Folks know how to entertain themselves.

From here I-90 to Wall, SD where we camped  that evening at Sleepy Hollow campground . Next day to the Badlands.