Day 26 - Suny and Breezy? No, even in South Dakota Terms - Sunny and Windy!

These last two days have brought sustained winds at 20-25 mph.  Yesterday, they were directly at us, smacking us head-on when we were climbing long hills that at times were at an 8 degree slope.   Today was a respite day, with winds coming toward us from the south as we traveled east, and elevation gains at a modest slope.  Whew! 

Just to give a short description of the winds, Don took a video of the flags at the nearby McDonald's this afternoon.  (You may not be able to see the video from an Apple device but you can see it from an MS operating system device.)

There were corn fields and some indication of former times along the road as we made our way from Chamberlain to Mitchell, S.D.  As the sun turned the sky to a rosy hue, we passed this former gas station along the way while stopping for water at our support van, probably telling ghost stories of travelers past.

We stopped at the small town of Mt. Vernon for some refreshment (Home-made potato salad or Fudgsicle, anyone?) and a chance to mingle with the local folks.  We found this sign over our table to be not only appropriate, but inspiring!

So we climbed into the saddle for just 70 miles today, but the winds made  it quite a ride.  Toward the end of the trail, we were embraced by a few stands of trees, planted for a windbreak by the road.  Oh momma, did they help, even for a few brief moments!

Arriving in Mitchell, we rode directly to the site of the famous Corn Palace, which is decorated each year with different murals and designs, all composed of corn products.  Here is the 2013 composition.  Inside, there are markets selling their wares and  decor from Corn Palace designs of years passed.

Lastly, we were almost sorely disappointed when we learned that the best ice creamery in Mitchell, located across from the Corn Palace, had closed.  When we asked a local woman at that site where the ice cream shop was, she almost became tearful when telling us of its demise; however, all was not lost.  This gem of a woman directed us to the Zesto freeze.  This shot shows Drew, Gardner and Don, all with happily content faces.  Zesto was home to the best root beer float, chocolate-raspberry and blueberry milkshakes that any biker could yearn for.  Another great day of riding, people and places in the heartland.

Tomorrow - Mitchell to Sioux Falls, S.D.  Are we still in S.D.?????