After dropping Erinn off at Omaha Airport and making a pit stop at Kum & Go (worst name ever for a gas station), we continued our way north on Interstate 29 North, also known as the Lewis and Clark Trail. This was the approximate path taken by the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1804-06 between St Louis, Missouri and Astoria, Oregon. This was the US expedition to cross the newly acquired western portion of the country after the Louisiana Purchase. Little history lesson for ya 🙂
Much of 29N was lined with endless fields of nearly ready-to-harvest cornfields. As soon as we crossed over into Nebraska, the 30+MPH crosswinds started as Adam’s knuckles turned slightly whiter grabbing the steering wheel. That said, I was awe struck by the beauty of the now rolling hills, lush green grass and endless herds of cows. I got excited when I learned that one of my favorite bands, 311, was from Omaha so I had to play a couple tunes (maximum, as Adam could care less about them). Gotta make sure the driver is happy!
After a couple more hours of driving, we arrived at a small town named Ponca, just west of the Missouri River. Not a soul in sight, the place was reminiscent of zombie apocalypse. All that was missing was some tumbleweed skipping across the road.
Once we turned into Ponca State Park, we drove through a canopy of white oak leaves, the one lane road winding up in all kinds of directions. This park was HUGE, and it took us a solid 10 minutes to find our campground and spot for the night. We were right up against a small playground, which at first I thought was lucky since Maia would love it (later that evening, it’s where the rowdy older kids disturbed our late night peace).
This was our first time setting up without Erinn, so Adam and I stayed fully focused. He would set up camp while I took Maia to the playground. Within 15 minutes, she made friends with two super sweet 8-year old girls named Kayloh and BrynLee. They were so amazing, they helped her climb up the steep slide stairs, slid down with her, and even showered her with compliments. This was a nice break for mommy, as I swung nearby and took a breather.
The water hookups were first come first serve, and the one nearby our site was already taken. Our neighbor, Larry, generously offered to put a splitter in place and even had an extra long hose for us to borrow. In what is becoming a daily tradition, Larry and Adam struck up a conversation complete with where they were from and where they were going. He gave us some tips on places to see at one of our upcoming stops.
Adam grilled up some delicious ribeye and broccoli with the help of his little sous chef.
As sweet as she was being, we came to the brutal realization that she did not nap again today, so the terrible two emerged and wreaked havoc on our livelihood. Once I got her to finally shut her eyes and go to bed, Adam and I had a breather and enjoyed evesdropping on the odd conversations that took place nearby.
Next morning called for a hike and some tree climbing. Once we had a decent amount of exercise, it was time to pack up and head out.
On the way out, we stopped by Main Street in Vermillion, just on the border of South Dakota. It was a small college town, University of South Dakota, riddled with pride flags, “Go Yotes!” (Coyotes) posters, and mask reminder signage.
We stopped at Cafe Brule’, which at first I thought was named after the dessert but later found out is one of the seven branches of the Teton Lakota American Indian people, Lower Brule’ Lakota Tribe, of the Lower Brule’ Indian Reservation in central South Dakota. We sat alongside the brick wall outside of the cafe and ordered some lunch. I had to try the Toasted S’More latte, so I ordered one to go and it did not disappoint.
The Welshs Voyage West! 