Wednesday, June 30, 2010

On the Way to Pierre - Rhymes with Beer

Also in Mitchell, SD is a Cabella's Sporting Goods Store.


They're always fun to go to, because you get to take pictures of some very agreeable animals.


I know this is even lamer than taking pictures at a zoo, but I do it anyway.


Continuing towards Pierre, SD (rhymes with "beer), we came to another Lewis and Clark Information Center. There seem to be a lot of these located along the Trail. There is a beautiful view here overlooking the Missouri River.


And there is a full-size (55 feet) keelboat like the one Lewis and Clark used. We've seen quite a few of these reproductions so far, but this one is unusual.


It doesn't all fit in the building, so the one end sticks out the back of the building as a balcony.


Also near here is the "Big Bend," a bend in the Missouri River that is the largest naturally occurring bend in any river in the US. This is the portion of William Clark's map showing the bend. He noted that he walked 2000 yards (1+ miles) across the neck while the boats went 30 miles around.


This is Google Earth's view of the Big Bend. It's amazing how exact Clark's map was. And considering the river has since been dammed and changed slightly, he was probably even closer.


Our first night in Pierre, the local newspaper came to our afternoon circle. They did a great article on us, and you can read the whole thing here.

7 comments:

  1. Boy, I don't think it could get any better than that. Your lifestyle has given me the fever to join such a group and do as you do. I don't know if it will ever happen but at least your blog entry today allows me to at least dream it! Thanks.

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  2. That view from the L & C Visitors Center is spectacular. My granddaughters loved the boat.

    Love Cabela's and the free overnight parking, too!

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  3. Hi Diana, Thanks for that tour. I love the Lewis and Clark connected travels! My husband and I have been on the road in our RV for 10 months. We are currently at our third campground host assignment - Morro Strand State Beach. We are focused right now on exploring Central Coast California and expect to be at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park next. You're invited to stop by when you have a moment. I have two blogs - Levonne's Pretty Pics http://levonnesprettypics.blogspot.com/ and A Camp Host Housewife's Meanderings http://acamphosthousewifesmeanderings.blogspot.com/ .

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  4. Those animals sure posed good for you. = )

    Those South Dakotans have a problem spelling, or pronouncing. Belle Fourche is another example - pronounced Belle Foooooch.

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  5. Now that would be a great spot to build a canal---WOW a 30 mile bend is quite large! That map is amazing, he was right on, how did he do it? Talk about needing a bigger building...lol thats so funny with the boat sticking out the back--Great post, Im trying to figure out where you will be next!!

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  6. Great pictures and great history lesson.

    Dan (bubbadan)

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  7. Nice article. I've been to most of the places you've been posting about, however, I was not in style...hahaha

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