Surprises...

Yesterday we were reminded that small things can sometimes bring about the best surprises.

Before I get to that though here are a few other "surprising" things we have learned along the way...

• There is a tremendous amount of farmland across the US.  It is definitely BIG business!
• Most of the crops through the first part of the midwest was corn.  South Dakota so far, we have seen mostly corn and.......Sunflowers!  I expect that it is because these two have the largest market for both direct product as well as how it is also used as a by-product in many mass produced products as well.
• South Dakota has an Interstate speed limit of 80 mph...yup...I stared at the sign thinking for sure it was 60 and it was just the heat getting to me.  Needless to say, even though we kept the speed and then some, we were still getting passed on the road.  We didn't want to run any faster given that we have a full load....
• We were really surprised at the difference in the landscapes as we crossed from Iowa into South Dakota.  Iowa is flat and we thought we could see for miles because of the farmland, however SD is all rolling hills,  Gold, black, green are all colors you will see as you pass through and you really can see for miles.
• One beautiful surprise was when we first saw the Missouri River....it happened as we crested a hill into this huge open valley below where the river crossing was...it was breathtaking!  I wish we could have made a stop to take a picture but it was not possible.  Regardless, it will be a memory photo I will always have.  The valley and road so long to get to the bridge that you actually had some time to enjoy the vista and take it all in.  Beautiful!
• Coors Banquet is served in stubbies (Larry was excited about both of those things).

Stubby Coors!

We are also reminded about how great people are.  The folks at Vern Eide Motoplex were absolutely awesome.  They took our bikes in, did the oil changes, gave them a once over and a thumbs up for the road.  They fit us in even though they were booked solid and we were in and out of there in less than 2 hours.  Thanks to Laken, Kyle and Gloria for all the help and information!  You guys ROCK!

Bike home away from home!

Back to the small things that bring the biggest surprises...when we ended up in Okoboji it was because we missed a turn.  By taking the other road, we got to see the beautiful lake district, found laundry facilities, had one of the best pizzas ever, stayed across the street from where all Victory and Indian motorcycles are assembled and crossed another state (Missouri) which we hadn't expected....just goes to show that you never really take wrong turns in life, just another path that may have been your destiny anyway.

So since we haven't taken that many pictures, I will leave you with this visual thought.  We ride AGATT (All Gear All The Time).  It was so damn hot yesterday (42 degrees), that as soon as we unloaded all of the bags from the bikes, we closed the doors and curtains, stripped naked......and stood in front of the air conditioner for at least 15 minutes....your welcome..again!