Miller to De Smet, SD

Today was a quick 76 miles of long, straight and flat US 14 with the wind at our backs. It only took 4 hours, including breaks, compared to yesterday's 7 hours. The big highlight was crossing the half-way point in Huron, SD. Huron holds the annual state fair. Can you believe it, it's downhill from here except for some hills at the end. We'll be on US 14 for several days.

We're staying at the city camp ground in DeSmet and there is no ATT service here. I went into town and am at the library. It's nice to be in a clean A/C place. DeSmet is known for Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of "Little House on the Prairie" stories. Each year there is a big pagent here that draws a lot of tourist. As for artist, Harvey Dunn, a famous painter of prairie life is from this area. The library has 3 of his original works. His little town was wiped out by a tornado several years ago. Apparently we rode by it but all that's left is a house, not even a sign for the town. I was talking to the librarian and most of the industry in this area is farming, a couple of window manufacturers and a sign company. So many small towns are dying out, this one seems to be hanging on.

Lake Thompson in 8 miles SE of DeSmet. It's South Dakota's largest natural lake and filled with northern pike, walleye, perch and crappie. Sounds like home. Now I'm hungry for a perch dinner. The Chamber of Commerce is preparing our dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow. I'm sure it will be good.

I'm signing off and plan to explore some more of this town.