South Dakota- from Cabela's to the Corn Palace!

We left the Red River SRA of East Grand Forks, Minnesota and hit the interstate. Destination? Cabela's of course- Mitchell, South Dakota. It was in the mid 80's when we pulled into their RV lot, so the windows opened up and we went inside to shop! With a thumbs up to stay in their RV lot for the night we headed back to the rig for some dinner. Hmmm...it's still pretty warm...their's a Culver's custard shop in sight...so the brave adventurer's Chris and Caleb headed out to secure us a frosty treat for dessert!

While in Mitchell we had to stop at the famous Corn Palace! So on our way out of town in the morning we turned this way and that to meander to the famous site. Transportation seems to be the theme this year with an airplane, segway, ship, bicycle and motorcycle. No RV?

It was smaller than we had imagined, but it was a good stop and see. Workers were putting finishing touches on the arrangement on the lower right of the picture above.

Then back to the interstate. Destination? The Black Hills of course! We have stopped in this area every summer with the 5er and have always found enjoyment. So where are we? Right now we're in Sturgis. The famous motorcycle rally doesn't start until the first week of August so we are not among the bikes. We plan to explore (read more pictures) the northern Black Hills...Spearfish Canyon, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, perhaps Reptile Gardens, and guess what? There's a Cabela's here too! Caleb says if you rearrange the letters, it spells his name, so he has dubbed it "his" store :-)

Back in the USA- Canadian Recap

Here are a few parting shots from our trip to Lake of the Woods in Canada this year. Caleb was sad to go because he had SO much fun catching fish- like this 29" Northern Pike!

And swimming in the clear refreshing water!

And jumping off the dock!

And catching BIG Lake Trout with Grandpa (the guide) and Dad (fisherman)!

But it was time to move on, so this morning we left our Canadian spot we've called home for the last couple weeks in Sioux Narrows, Ontario and headed back to the USA. We crossed the border at Baudette pretty quickly and smoothly (although we did have to donate our USA lemon to the border agent to get back to the USA). Not a far travel day, we stopped back at the Baudette City Campground, Timber Mill Park, so that we can pick up our mail in the morning. Then on to the Grand Forks area to restock the cupboards and get some maintenance service done on the truck. We've hit the midpoint and are headed south. Follow along to see what we stop and see along the way!

Bald Eagle- The Symbol of Our Nation

Happy 4th of July to all! Our annual voyage to Canada is wrapping up and we will head back to the USA tomorrow. Caleb has had a great year fishing and this Lake Trout is proof! After we saved our fillets, we took the fish guts over to the rock to give the Eagles and Gulls a special treat.

I kayaked over near the location in my Sea Eagle 370 to catch the following shots of these Bald Eagles. There were 5 Eagles total: 2 adults and 3 juveniles. One doesn't realize just HOW BIG they are until you are underneath while one flies overhead with dinner in it's talons! For all those who are avid birders, please understand that I am not! It was a bit scary!!

The juveniles haven't developed their full coloring yet but are just as massive! As I was bobbing in the waves, looking through the viewfinder, the thought ocurred to me that these Trout remains could attract a Black Bear. Soon from the woods I hear a loud SNORT! Uh Oh! "Hello!" I say outloud, switching my focus to the woods. Then another SNORT! I'm getting nervous but finally see a Doe who isn't so sure about me being in the bay with my kayak. She continued to snort at me, and I know she has a couple babies, so I paddled across the channel to the dock. Phew- not a bear! There are Black Bear and Wolves in this area.

We would also like to wish Grammy a very Happy Birthday!

I will add some more Canada pictures soon! (Technical difficulties...)