Leaving Rapid City

We woke up to a wild turkey outside our window!

After clean-up (you know, grandkids!) and securing everything, we left Rapid City. Not far out of town, our transmission dis-engaged. That means the engine was running - brakes and steering worked, but the "D" didn't put it in drive! We coasted off ot the side and turned the engine off. Restarting it put everything back in working order THANK YOU, LORD!

The next stop was at Minuteman Missile site. We got there as they were closing!

Wall Drugs was calling, so we stopped for our 5 cent coffee!! Last time we were there, many of the workers were imported from Asia. This time I was prepared and handed out Gospels of John. The girls gladly took one. May there be some eternal fruit from this.

Walmart in Mitchel allowed overnight parking. We shopped and slept there.

Wild Turkey

We heard they were all around, but today on our morning walk, we saw one. Evidently it was used to visitors, because it didn't even move out of the way when we passed. These are the turkeys we assume the pilgrims killed for food. They don't have much fat on them, but good meat!

52+ years

That's how long it's been since the 2 of us sat by a pool (after swimming) - just the 2 of us - no kids or grandkids! It was a memory of our honeymoon!! The pool was otherwise empty. The sun was warm but not burning (like yesterday when you couldn't stand on the pavement around the pool); the wind was refreshing; the sky was blue with fluffy clouds; and the view couldn't be beat.

Earlier in the day we walked around the R.V. park. Overhead an eagle soared, making wide circles in its search for food. The park is located above the city and you can see far into the distance. At night the city is aglow. There are places here where there is a steep drop-off into deep valleys. It's very pleasant. The young couple who purchased the place not too long ago is busy upgrading and improving all the camp sites.

With some extra time we cleaned and organized 2 cabinets in the R.V. Traveling really shakes things up and it was sorely needed!

We have 3 days here; then ever onward, forward!

For now, we expect the grandkids to show anytime. It's nice to have some time with them.

Several hours later...

Bad storm moving in - pool closed - batten down the hatches! The wind is whipping the trees. The R.V. is rocking. We pray it doesn't tip over!!

Well, the storm passed over and the pool reopened - just in time for the grandkids to arrive for swim time! God is working all things together for good.

Rapid City, SD

On our way into town, we stopped at Josh's place. He wasn't home, but I "owed" our granddaughter Scarlett pistachio pudding!! So, I paid up - she was impressed that I remembered from this spring...

Once in Rapid City, we hooked up in the RV park. It didn't take too long for the grandkids to arrive - the pool was very enticing with 90+ degree temps! After a swim and dinner, Wyatt stayed with me to swim some more. Several kids were there, so there was company.

We had some quality time together - he's a very good reader for 7 years old! We have several more days here before heading south.

Roger had gone with Alan and Galina to help get their car ready for a family road trip.

A New Record

Today we drove over 660 miles in an effort to get to Rapid City earlier than planned. That is about double what we normally plan to do. Since the goal is to spend time with grandkids, and they are leaving town on Friday, we hustled to have a little more time with them. 

We were able to get a parking spot at Walmart in Gillette just as the sun was making its final showing. Since then, it's been almost non-stop sheet lightening. So far, no rain. 

The R.V. wasn't too happy about all those miles; it was dragging its feet at the end (although the slope of the hill made a difference) and finally a "check engine" light came on. Roger doesn't think it's too worrisome - it has happened before and he has a code reader. We'll see how far we get. We are at a high altitude, which may make some difference. 

Speaking of slopes - it's like there's no end to hills and mountains and passes to go over. I guess I never realized this before. The prairies still lie ahead of us... 

We slept well last night and I slept several times during the day! Guess we're enjoying vacation. I really noticed the various hill/mountain formations - sheer rock cliffs; multiple small peaks working their way upward; bare rock; and rock covered with trees. In all colors of rocks and trees (& clouds!!). God is amazing!

On the Road Again...

Ewalds are on the move again! We left home to attend church and stayed for the brunch we had afterwards. Then, it was hit the road. Once we got out of town, traffic eased and we were rolling.

The R.V. functioned great - no complaints from the engine. However, along the entire time there were periodic clunks under our feet. (Roger will check it out tomorrow.) We are pretty much over the passes - just a few more in MT. The gas was cheap ($3.29) and the parking with electricity was free! We arrived before dark.

All day the clouds were majestic with a blue sky backdrop. The small streams along the road looked inviting - the sun was hot, but the a/c worked great! A perfect weather day.

While driving, Heather listened in (when there was reception in the mountains) to the memory club reciting their verses. The youth who taught the Sunday Zoom Good News Club did an excellent job!
It was a good first day.

HOME

With the last planned visit over, we headed home. It's always fun to stop in MT at various places. In Butte, we rode the ferris wheel at Scheel's. There was a parking spot open for us at Haugan, a favorite stopping place. We can plug into electricity for free there!! We gassed up in ID before entering our expensive State! Several neighbor boys welcomed us home and helped carry in many bags...It took 2 days to get the R.V. emptied, but we are now moved back into the house and getting reacquainted with it!!