Finally Home in South Dakota

 

THE LONG AWAITED FOR SIGN

God was good to us, the winds were gentle and in our favor. Once we hit Rapid City it was like we knew where to go. We made it to Americas Mailbox Campground, our first stay this trip. Originally our entire stay was to be at Ellsworth AFB, but they chose to delay opening until July.

The best there is?

The campground is in the middle of an upcoming industrial park under construction. At first we were disappointed, but realized that God provided us a place to stay on short notice. The construction workers are challenged now and then with the

weather. One day the temperature is in the 90's, and windy, blowing dirt either north or south because it can't make a decision. The next day it drops to the upper 60's/lower 70's, with wind blowing as much dirt as the workers can dig up. We were lucky to arrive in time for the migration of the Miller Moth. 

One thing we like for sure is how close the campground is to our favorite steakhouse, Dakotas. The last time we were there we enjoyed ribeye steaks, Carol's was beef, mine was bison. 

Let us return to the Miller Moth. Initially we had as many as 30 flying around in the and trailer, we would get some out, and more would show up. We walked outside and they would be everywhere, just kick something, and out they came. It was time to take 

action by purchasing moth hunting equipment for the Sage Moth Hunter (me). How lucky I was, I caught two using my mighty moth net, and one in my ball of doom... I put them outside to fly away and annoy someone else. Night time we found that putting a pan of soapy water under a heat lamp attracted them to their doom. The high winds have forcefully moved them on their way to a new location, however, there are a few stragglers.

Sightseeing is being kept to a minimum while Carol's stubbed toe is healing. I continue to walk the area around the campground and an indoor mall a couple of miles away. There are a few things that need to be repaired, and I 'll get to them... I'm retired. If you remember in the previous paragraph I mentioned the near end of the moths, I was wrong. I have fun at night with my handy dandy moth hunter equipment, ridding society of the dreaded Miller moth. I have gotten pretty adept at snatching moths with my "ball of doom", unfortunately the captured moths face extermination in the "pan of soapy water" if they are caught out after curfew, during the day they are just kicked out of the house to play outside.

Today we received word from Ellsworth AFB regarding our reservation for July... they don't exist. The base commander has decided to close the park until sometime in August, after the Sturgis motorcycle rally. Have no fear, we have gone to plan "B"... scramble and find somewhere else. Carol did an outstanding job getting us into some new digs on the way to Wisconsin to see the grandchildren. One of the stay overs will be at a car museum, another will be a working farm or vineyard.

This is going on the street for consumption, and I may get another out before we leave South Dakota.