We awoke in the trailer without an alarm. It is always
amusing how some people clear a KOA so quickly. We ate breakfast consisting of
cereal, yogurt, and fresh fruit. While getting ready we watched the long
awaited launch of the new Falcon 9. Everyone wanted to it land on OCISLY. We
gathered around Hawkeye’s laptop and watched the launch. Black Widow, pleased
with the initial success, began cleaning up and getting ready to leave. Hawkeye
also began doing other tasks, getting ready to see it try to land. It was Iron
Man who first said “OH NO!” with a worried face. Hawkeye quickly ran over and
frantically searched for the missing rocket. Indeed, the rocket was no more. No
fresh fruit and vegetables for the astronauts and no attempt to land the
rocket. A disappointing start for Elon
Musk’s birthday with no launch predicted for 5-6 months.
We packed up the Corp of Discovery and set out. The drive
was easy going with cornfield and small towns. We finished Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The kids read and did other car activities. We have found 33/50 state
license plates.
We eventually crossed the border into South Dakota and Thor
began complaining of a stomach ache coupled with screaming and tears. We went
through the usual round of questions
such as “do you need to use the bathroom, when is the last time you went, where
does it hurt, and what did you eat today.” Thor determined that a Sprite would
fix all his ailments and we told him we would stop in the next town.
The next town was called Mission and Black Widow took Thor
into a small grocery to buy a drink and use the bathroom. They returned to the
car and Black Widow realized that A7 blew out his diaper and began dealing with
the mess. During this time a local (male, Native American, 50s) rode over on
his bicycle to make small talk. He proceeded to tell Hawkeye several strange,
non-coherent jokes while laughing loudly at himself. He then became insistent
the tires were flat (looked fine) and we should beware of the large thorns that
would puncture the tires. Hawkeye, ready for the shakedown and eyeing all open
doors in the car, quickly told people to get buckled and we took off. We later
learned there were two groceries in the town: a nicer more expensive and a
cheaper more run-down. We stopped at the later. Black Widow had noticed
EVERYONE (no exaggeration) in the store was Native American. But, the employees
were very helpful and kind.
We arrived at the Badlands National Park around 7:00 and
went straight to our campsite. We began to set up the Corp of Discovery and make
a meal of beans and rice. However, the trailer was to be setup on asphalt and
we did not have boards for the jackstands. This is a problem because the
asphalt is so hot the jackstands would melt through the pavement. Hawkeye took
Captain and Thor back to a small town to look for something. He stopped at one
place with old time gas pumps (did not take credit cards) and was informed they
could not help.
So, he went to another place. The lady behind the register
said “let me see what is in my husband’s pile that is always in my way”. Hawkeye was they led through a make shift
sheet into what turned out to be living room of a house with people watching
television. They appeared un-phased by a strange man walking through their
living room. The continued to watch television and never once looked up.
Hawkeye soon realized he had walked into a shipping container which was
permanently attached to their house. Indeed, there was a pile of scrap lumber
and Hawkeye found exactly what he was looking for. He attempted to pay the
lady, but she was just glad the stuff was gone.
After dinner, we drove up a little ways to see if we could
see more of the Badlands. There was a lodge open with a small restaurant and a
gift shop. Prior to leaving, Grammie and Grandad gave each small Avenger money
to spend on the trip. This appears to be more than some Avengers can handle.
Thor was ready to spend his last penny at the first place we stopped. He is
still eyeing either a walking stick or Junior Ranger Vest.
Hawkeye and Black Widow then declared everyone crazy and it
was time for bed. We got ready for bed and kissed/hugged our 8 year old Iron
Man for the last time. Has it really been 9 years already?
Tomorrow we will get our Junior Ranger Books and do some
hiking.
*we will try to get some pictures posted soon*
