John Colter Trail 1807 — 1808

Day 13: August 26th, 2005 Wagner — Pierre

Breakfast is this time at Boom’s. This is again a nice little and typical American Family Restaurant. Then I drive over to Casey’s gas station to fill up. This gas station even has water with cleaner to clean the windshields! This is indeed an exception in this area. Around half past nine I am ready to roll.

384th_Ave, SD

Because I have already seen yesterday that Highway 18 along the lake shores to the north is closed, I take a short cut directly from Wagner — at least this was my intention. But also here are some road constructions. After a little bit of an odyssey I eventually reach Lake Andes. Now I am able to continue on Highway 50 West as originally planned.

Backroad, SD

At Geddes I continue on smaller highways to the west until I reach Highway 1804 again.

Highway 44, SD

Lake Francis Case, Platte Winner Bridge, SD

Highway 44, Lake Francis Case, SD

Highway 44, Lake Francis Case, Platte Winner Bridge, SD

On Highway 44 I cross once again the Missouri River. Then I continue on Highway 47 through an hilly area, which already reminds me a bit of the badlands.

Highway 44, SD

Highway 47, SD

Highway 47, SD

On Highway 47 I cross White River and continue through Reliance.

Highway 47, Lake Sharp, SD

Lake Sharp, SD

Finally I reach Ft. Thompson. There is a real picturesque spot near the river, which invites me for a lunch break. There I meet an older couple from the area, who had once a boat and have been on the river a lot for fishing. His grandparents where even from Brandenburg, Germany. After this nice chat they leave and I start my enjoyable lunch break.

Highway 34, SD

Then I continue on Highway 47 North until I reach Highway 34.

Westbend Rd, SD

In this area is a big bend of the Missouri River. Now I take some backroads to follow the river banks as good as possible along the river north side.

Highway 34, SD

Finally I reach Highway 34 again, which takes me to my destination of today, the Super 8 in Pierre. Just before 4pm I am already able to check in. Due to being early, I even receive a room on first floor. However, someone has parked in the parking lot in the middle of two slots, which forces me not to be perfectly close to the entrance. But who cares. I get my stuff out of the car and put them in my room.

Because my stock of drinking water is getting low, I drive over to Wal–Mart to buy some more — and when already being there, I also buy some more apples, who are also starting to be low. Around half past four I drive back to my motel and check the videotaping of today.

The recommendation for dinner today is Mad Mary’s Steakhouse — already the name sounds really interesting and pretty cool. The dinner there is really exceptional. Also my server is fantastic with a lot of humor and drive. She has such a friendly charisma, that you also must be happy. The restaurant is very cozy. All around are pictures of the old Country stars like Hank Snow. Also from the speakers you can here the good old Country Classics. This is definitely a restaurant to remember. Around a quarter past eight I pay and drive back to my motel.