We ended yesterday with a little campfire and watching the spectacular clouds off to the southwest. There was a cell moving in from that direction but on the radar it didn't appear it would hit here. But on the better safe than sorry premise and because we were leaving here today, we put things away and went inside. While we were doing dishes, Harriet came back over and told us to turn on the TV for the weather warning. The scroll across the bottom of the screen practically shouted about a storm moving in with strong winds, and ping-pong size hail. It said "ROOFS AND SIDING WILL BE DAMAGED. PEOPLE AND ANIMALS OUTSIDE WILL BE INJURED." It was to arrive at this campground at 9:05--in about twenty minutes. We turned on the TV and closed windows, watching the approach and the continued updates. The last one was cut off, because there was a football game on and apparently that was more important.
At 9:05, the rain started, and it sounded like small hail although it's difficult to tell in a camper. Any storm is pretty noisy. But it passed in a few minutes--apparently the worst of it to our south and we dodged another bullet. So we still have a roof and windows. And ourselves.
At 9:05, the rain started, and it sounded like small hail although it's difficult to tell in a camper. Any storm is pretty noisy. But it passed in a few minutes--apparently the worst of it to our south and we dodged another bullet. So we still have a roof and windows. And ourselves.
Before all this excitement, we had spent part of the day around Chamberlain, first at the Akta Lakota Museum at St. Joseph's Indian School. There are many beautiful examples of the Native American culture, much information about their tragic treatment by the whites, and outside, a circular medicine garden.
Next, on the advice of a camping neighbor, we went to the rest stop on the interstate which also is the site of a Visitor's Center, telling the local story of the Lewis and Clark expedition. This is a particular interest of ours and we hope to hit more Lewis and Clark stops. The center is across the river from the stop that the Corps of Discovery named "Camp Pleasant," and the view is wonderful. Today we will head north along the Missouri on our own, more comfortable adventure.
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