An Independence Day Quandary

Leisurely rolling our way across the South Dakota plains, we stopped for the night in Presho where we were informed by the campground host that we should not miss the 4th of July celebration in nearby Vivian (population 119).  According to our host and the web, the celebrations were to include: Various games throughout the day including a cake walk, corn hole tournament, chicken catch, greased pig scramble, kids bouncy house, timed rope climb, human foosball and human horse races.

I don’t know about you, but it has been quite a while since I saw a greased pig scramble or a chicken catch and I can’t even imagine what high jinx are involved in human foosball.  We were almost convinced to stay, but our campsite became overrun with flies and in self defense we decided to pull out before the festivities.

Since we failed to secure same day reservations at our hoped for destination at the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area in Yankton, SD (they were serious that you must be online ready to click at exactly 7AM), Storm brilliantly found a place for the night in the parking lot at Cabelas in Mitchell, SD.  Within walking distance of not only the Cabelas store, but also a short stroll to restaurants and an ice cream store, this turned out to be a delightful free camping space find.  We double checked inside the store to be sure it was OK to stay and they told us to make ourselves at home in their huge RV parking lot located right beside a lovely pond, kennels and walking area.  So I am going to do what I am sure they hoped I would and urge everyone to shop at Cabelas, the nice people who sheltered the Weathers for a night.

Before we left Mitchell, we made sure to visit the Corn Palace and stop in for provisions at the only Grocery Store/Casino/Liquor Store that I had ever visited.  Nice to find that rare one stop shopping place.  We are headed for a week of dry camping with only electric hookup and are proud of ourselves for thinking to fill our water tank and empty the others at a rest stop (yes out here all rest stops have dump and water stations) so we don’t have to stop and do it at the crowded campground when we arrive on July 4th.

Corn Palace

Corn Palace

Mitchell Art Work

Inside Corn Palace

• About the Author

About Sunny Weathers

Pilot, motorcyclist and full time RVer. Follow me as I travel all over the US in my Country Coach RV volunteering, making new friends and pursuing a constant outdoor temperature between 70F and 80F. I'll share the fun and the tribulations and any great survival tricks I learn!