Day 24: Larchwood, IA to Mitchell, South Dakota (J's Version)

Good morning!!! So far, South Dakota is really beautiful. G posted many gorgeous pictures of

Horse Selfie

horses yesterday. The Iowa corn fields are gone and have been replaced with open land equip with cows and horses roaming around. It really is quite lovely and serene. Although, the wind was brutal yesterday, and it was rough on G. At least it was on the cooler side. This morning, too, he had on a sweat shirt and his windbreaker jacket. I just saw a headline on the news about the "Cold Weather Brings Extremes Conditions Across the US." SD is definitely experiencing the cold. I still read the local news every day for back home and apparently the east coast is getting hit with rain and storms.

After G got back yesterday we went straight to Mitchell's local bike shop because there was something wrong with Jenard's chain. It was just worn out from the journey so far. Luckily, G was able to get a new chain, AND the owner of the shop noticed a gash in one of the tires. G brought an extra pair of the bullet proof tires, so they put it on together. Part of my duty today is find a bike shop that sells the same type of tires; Armadillo.

We ate dinner and noticed something called "chislic" as an appetizer. Not knowing what it was and

wanting to try something different we went for it. The waitress said it's a South Dakota dish that is basically steak tips. Traditionally, it's mutton or wild game meat that is cubed and deep fried w/out breading and eaten on a stick. Good to try. Also, on their menu the two choices of fish were cod and walleye. I never heard of walleye, but G had and got it.

Also, last night I finished Where'd you go, Bernadette? I couldn't put it down all day! It's definitely more chick lit. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a fun read. My girl J described it as Desperate Housewives meets Seinfeld. It's bizarre, funny, ridiculous, mysterious, and yet dark and sad at the same time. Today, I'll be starting Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris.

We had a somewhat later start this morning. G got on the road a little after 7 am. In South Dakota you can ride on the actual highway/interstate/crazymoforoad legally, so that's where he is now. He texted me saying it's great. It's a straight shot in I90 to Chamberlain, SB. This is still the Trek route. It's only 70 miles, so I'm supposed to go 10-20 miles past that to see if there's any hotels and if he feels like it he'll do the extra miles. After today according to Trek's schedules the routes go back to averaging about 100 miles a day. The next big city isn't until Rapid City, SD which we'll be in either 2 or 3 days depending. Our day off is the day before, but it makes more sense to have the day off in the big city. Plus, Rapid City is closer to Mt. Rushmore and I mean if we're in the area, we should check it out.

I'm still in Mitchell at Cafe Teresa, and I can honestly say this is the best coffee shop I've been in yet!! It's so spacious and cozy and lots of cozy, big couches!! Have a great day!  PS. Thanks so much for all of your nice comments!!! :o)))