Had a great drive today on mostly US highways rather than Interstate (although we were on I-90 for twenty miles). Left Chadron (center of the known universe) and headed north and east to get closer to Fargo. Originally had planned on going to Aberdeen, SD, but all the hotels there were booked solid. Therefore, we changed our plans and headed for Watertown - almost on the South Dakota and Minnesota border and not too far from our final destination. Tomorrow, we're going to take some back roads up to Milbank, SD which we have visited before for both golf (Pine Valley Golf Course) and Valley Queen Cheese Factory. Weather looks bad for golf, but thankfully, the cheese outlet is indoors.
East out of Chadron to Valentine which has an interesting history. It's the center of the sandhill region of Nebraska in Cherry County (which is larger than the state of Connecticut). Mostly cattle country and wheat/soybean fields. While talking to the waitress at the Bunkhouse Saloon and Restaurant in Valentine, she mentioned that it was difficult for the local farmers to get out in the fields because they were so saturated with water. As we traveled north out of Valentine, her observation was borne out by all the standing water in the fields. Beautiful countryside with rolling hills covered with green velvet, almost like an awesome carpet. In some cases, the wheat fields looked like they were fully mature, but nobody was harvesting.
Came through Pierre (quick, what's the capitol of South Dakota), crossing the Missouri River which looked to be running really full. As we drove north of Pierre, we started to check on hotels in Aberdeen and struck out. Because of that, we altered our route and took some different roads while traveling over to the eastern part of South Dakota. The end result is that we are here in Watertown at the Holiday Inn Express (Best Western was sold out). Great room and we were able to have a good meal at Appleby's and do some shopping.
Looking forward to getting to Fargo tomorrow afternoon and taking part in the festivities.
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