Miles: 0 (50 in Uhaul) Elevation: Time:
Total miles: 1,805.91 (2,366.91 w/ Uhaul) Total Elevation: 75,661 Total Time: 176 hours 47 minutes
We weathered the storm.
Sleeping with the blinds open, we witnessed quite a light show into the wee hours of the morning. The force and beauty of mother nature is unparalleled. It gives one perspective.
Continuing our journey towards Iowa, we loaded the truck and head east. We’d asked a few people what Sioux Falls is known for and no one was able to give us a definitive answer. So we set off to find something. Traveling to Sioux Falls, we witnessed how they harnessed the water for energy. There was also a building showcasing the importance for Agriculture in the area. Seems the Stockyards were the backbone until recently. When I stepped out of the truck in my sandals, I was quickly reminded of the black soil/mud of the area. There’s nothing like it! Gosh, is it sticky and slippery!!
We are still seeing rolls and rolls of hay in fields. We learned yesterday it is used as cattle feed and can be up to two years old before used! Quite expensive too.
The roads we traveled were very bumpy making texting a bit of a comedy…you know…that autocorrect system that creates the most hilarious text. I finally gave up trying to be efficient, putting together text while riding along. And every thing was rattled beyond belief…like the bottle of Diet Coke! Sure hope the RAGBRAI roads are smoother!
We entered Iowa today. It’s incredible how flat it is out here with corn and soybeans as far as the eye can see.
Arriving in Sheldon, we are prepared to return the Uhaul nearby in the morning. We’re still watching weather closely but it seems rain is the only concern- not thunderstorms or hail. We spent the afternoon walking and exploring this small town and came across Breu Haus and Brewery where we were able to get coffee and popcorn. There were several kids there, teenagers (?). We saw many carrying bibles and think the gathering may have been tied to a youth group. So fun to watch them interact, laugh and respond to each other in teenage silliness.
Back to the room, Drew puts new tires to replace ones at risk, pulling quite a large wire from my front tire. The sealant worked. And, gloves I’ve had for a long time got retired today. It’s a bit of a personal triumph to wear out a piece of cycling gear. Kind of like a rite of passage.
Tomorrow we travel to Le Mars, a town that has special meaning to us. We are so fortunate to have you with us on this journey. 
