Wow... 4 States in 1 Day!

Day #3
Date: 07/22/11
Traveled: St Joseph, MO to Sioux Falls, SD
Interstates: I29
Miles Driven: 350 Miles
Hours on Road: 10:30am - 7pm
Weather: Sunny & HOTTT (100 degrees)


Well today was suppose to be an easy day for us but unfortunately that was not the case. We started off the morning with a little pond fishing at the campground before we left out. Cole managed to catch a 10" bass and both boys caught several more bluegill before we packed up and hit the road. We finally took off at 10:30am and headed out in search of Sioux Falls, SD. We hit I29 heading north and was making excellent time when westarletd seeing the water from the floods. We continued on for several more miles, in awe of how much damage had actually been done. Prayers went up for all of those impacted by this terrible event. We took our first detour and ended up in Iowa before making our way back over to I29, where we remained for several more miles. Once again, the interstate was closed and we were forced to detour into Nebraska. This took a long time as well as we were forced onto numerous two lane roads winding our way back to I29 further north. We finally arrived in Sioux City, where the flooding had also impacted the area. There was lots of damage done here as well as the water had risen well over the river banks and into the town. We returned to I29 and continued North until we finally reached our destination, the Tower Campground in Sioux Falls, SD. All in all, what should have been a 4.5 hour trip turned into a 9 hour trip due to due to all the detours.

Link to Flooding Picture: http://s1100.photobucket.com/albums/g414/faithtothe49th/Interstate%2029%20Flooding


We unhooked the camper and set everything up before heading over to Falls Park Falls. I had visited these falls once before while on a business trip in Sioux Falls. I was happy to have my family there with me for my second trip. Everyone really seemed to enjoy it as we took lots of pics. We walked around the area looking at everything and the kids played. We stayed around for the laser lights show after dark but the kids were tired and wanted to come home early. If you plan on visiting Sioux Falls, you should plan on taking an evening and spending it at the park. It really is an awesome little place.

Link to Falls Park Falls Pictures:
http://s1100.photobucket.com/albums/g414/faithtothe49th/Falls%20Park%20Falls%20Sioux%20Falls%20SD%202011/

Link to Falls Park Fall Video:

Tomorrow, or today as I type this, we hope to make our way over to Rapid City where we plan to spend a couple of days. While we are there we will try an visit Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands and Custard State Park. We've also been told of a few other places which we may try and hit as well if time permits.

Until next time, God Bless and Good Travels!

The Moores

PS - Please keep all those impacted by the floods we saw today in your prayers. What we viewed today really made us take note to be thankful for what we have as it could all be swept away in the blink of an eye. Also, while on the road traveling today, I received word that one of my cousins was admitted to the hospital with blood clots. Please remember him in prayer as well.