travel blog

Shortly after leaving Ft. Thompson, we passed through Lower Brule (a tiny, tiny town within a fairly large Indian reservation of Teton Sioux who prefer to be known as Brule), missed a turn and ended up in the middle of a large penisula in the Missouri.  Tom got out his GPS which located us in the middle of essentially nowhere.  In order to turn around, I had to back off of the dirt road we were on to the paved road behind us, about a 1/4 of a mile.  The track looked like a drunken sailer was driving.  As we got on the correct road in Lower Brule, we began to climb some pretty steep hills.  The Navigator let out a “poof” which consisted of a not-so-good sound and a little white cloud.  As we drove toward Pierre, the second smallest state capital, I began to formulate a plan.  I discussed my plan with Tom at Lily Park just before we got to Pierre (pronounced pier).  We passed through Pierre noting several car dealerships and set up at Farm Island State Recreation Area, just south of Pierre.  The campsite was really nice.  But the Navigator was too sick to go farther.  So…..I bought a 3/4 ton Chevy Silverado on the 24th.  Had it fixed up with running boards so I can get into it and a cover for the truck bed.  Called Belinda and asked her to find my car title (not a easy task as it turned out) and overnight FedEx it to the dealership.  She did, the truck was ready on time.  The title arrived on time and off we went on Saturday!!

Tom was very helpful at the dealership giving advice about the differences in truck types as related to pulling a camper.  Friday I dropped Tom at the local library for internet fun and games while I spent the day putting the finishing touches on the deal.  The dealership gave us two $25 gift certificate and we ate very well at the Cattleman’s Club (not related to the Colorado club of the same name). 

PS The drive from Ft. Thompson to Pierre was really beautiful.