We’re in Valentine, Nebraska tonight instead of with Glen’s sister and brother-in-law in North Platte.

We woke up early, were on the road at 8 am or so, drove 150 miles to Rapid City, South Dakota.  How did we know we were in South Dakota?

South Dakota loves big, decorative animals, especially in front of gas stations.

By noon we were in Perkins again and eating breakfast. Banjo Man was all excited about the statues of the presidents in downtown Rapid City, plus he wanted to do some shopping. Something about an Indian photographer. But his store was closed.

We weren’t going to drive 30 miles into the Black Hills to meet Bill at the gift shop, so we walked through the historic district of Rapid City and, yes, did a little shopping. Christmas shopping, to be specific. And then we were back on the road for the rest of the afternoon/evening. We stopped for a quick sandwich in Valentine, Nebraska, and when we left to drive the final 120 miles to North Platte it was sunset. On a two-lane road. Through the middle of the Sand Hills. Where the deer and the antelope play.

In other words, it was going to be a long 120 miles hoping that Bambi didn’t feel suicidal.

We turned around and drove 10 dark miles back to Valentine, and got the last room in the only motel in town (if there is another one I sure didn’t see it). We are so happy. The next full day of driving won’t be until Tuesday and this year we’re determined to take it easy and get off the road early each night.

Tomorrow morning we’ll be in North Platte, and it’s the opening Saturday of College Football!!!! Nebraska plays at 2:30, but I don’t think the game is televised. We’ll have to listen to it via internet streaming. Which is just fine. Hopefully we’ll play some Mexican Train dominoes, too.

GO BIG RED!!!