After two weeks in MN, it was time to depart; goodbye Grey Eagle, hello Calgary Stampede. Oh, did I mention that I picked up an extra passenger in Grey Eagle; no, not a hitchhiker, my mom joined me for the trek to Calgary. She knows the rules, only one bag and whatever Judy says, goes. Yes, Joe, it is all about me on the Venzaliner50 Journey! Oh yes, did I mention a detour to Sioux Falls SD? A little out of the way, but way too close to not stop in and say hi to my friends, Lisa and Aaron.
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| Need I say more? |
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| Matching shirts in case we get separated! |
The plan was to leave Grey Eagle early; however, a few additional tasks before departing; sew a bag to carry my front bike tire and spiff up the car by removing the Burtrum dust. Mom said it would help with gas mileage; hey, I’m not going to argue that one! All shiny and ready to go!
Before Sioux Falls, we stopped off and did a little exploring at Pipestone National Monument in southwestern, MN. This area was known among Indian tribes to be the preferred source of pipestone, a durable yet soft stone that ranges in color from mottled pink to brick red. In the 1700s, Dakota Sioux controlled the quarries and distributed the pipestone only through trade; later it was extracted and used specifically for Calumets, otherwise known as peace pipes because non-Indians encountered them at treaty ceremonies. We enjoyed the area, watched a lady make a calumet, but didn't encounter any treaty ceremonies!
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| This guy looks puzzled? |
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| I know it says to go left, but I see the visitor center on the right??? |
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| Sunbathing beauty! |
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| If the rocks could talk... |
We made it to Sioux Falls just in time for dinner. Lisa fixed up a Qdoba look-a-like spread for dinner (yum) and Aaron entertained us with some South Dakota beverages (Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy and some SD wine). We enjoyed a personal tour of Sioux Falls city and park, with a drive-by of Lisa’s work and tour of Aaron’s church. Yes, the best part (other than seeing Lisa, Aaron and Adam) was Lisa's danish….it was sooooo good. Those of you who have enjoyed Lisa’s danish know all about it; those who haven’t, you’re missing out! Even had one for the road…it didn’t last 24 hours J! Thanks Lisa & Aaron!!
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| Sioux Falls Park |
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| Falls of the Big Sioux River |
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| Big Sioux River falls |
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| Original altar from Memorial Lutheran Church |
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| Until next time... |
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