We Made It

Well, we made it to the Black Hills. But not without more battles with the invisible warrior, the wind. With each day getting harder, this day was not about to get out of line with the others. This should have been the easiest day of the journey, with only 169 miles to go today, even with our late start, we should only have about 4 hours to go. We got a late start due to yesterday's unwinding of the awning. We had to pull on each side without the pull strap, because it got wrapped up inside somewhere, to lower the now twisted awning to straighten it and then roll it back up. I had a hard time doing it and it was worse for April, but after about 45 minutes, we got it done. Today the wind is currently from the west, so we will be heading right into it.

Lookin At Lucky is the favorite in the morning line for today's Kentucky Derby.

We only drove 22 miles before we had to stop and again unroll and untangle the awning for the first time. We were only able to crawl along at about 40-45 mph to try to keep the awning in place. Soon, we had to pull over and do it again. We also tied it at the top and put a bungee strap from top to bottom to try to keep it from lifting up.

Remember, I did say try. We were coming up to the last rest area before our exit on 90 in Rapid City and we were not going to stop, but just before the rest area, it blew off again, so we stopped. While we were looking at it, a man came over and asked if he could help in any way, so we said yes. (April had already hurt her hand and it was not going to get easier) He helped with it and also saw that a part of our tailpipe was loose, (the end had pulled out of the clamp just before the bend) so he got some wire out of his car and tied it up. His name is Russell and he is from Fairbanks Alaska and was down to Illinois to visit relatives and now heading back. He is sleeping in his car. He said he was cold this morning, so he left early today to run the car for heat. I asked him if he needed a jacket, he said no, but if we had an extra blanket, he would really appreciate it. So April got one of our extra blankets and gave it to him.

Now back on the road, not far to go. Well, once again, with 3 miles to our exit it blew up. We made the decision to continue to the exit unless it got worse. So we crawled along at about 30 mph with the flashers on (minimum speed is 40) and we did make it to the exit and after we filled up the tank, we again tended to the wind's wrath.

Finally arrived at the resort. It took over 6 hours and much anguish, but we made it. We are in a temporary spot until next week when they open the spot we will have for the summer. Also, the showers, restrooms and laundry is not ready yet as they are still draining the lines at night with it getting down to the low 30's. It is snowing, but not sticking to the ground. It supposed to have snow/rain yet tomorrow and then get somewhat warmer for a few days. 1205 miles from Dad's. 35 miles from where we got gas in Rapid City.

We will go to Walmart tomorrow and also go to do laundry.