Lewis & Clark Trail

Day 22: September 11th, 1999 Yankton — Wagner

Backroad, NE

Missouri River, NE

I feel much better again today. I finish my breakfast at the Happy Chef around half past eight and drive on to the next gas station. I tune in a Country Radio Station at FM105.7 then I hit Highway 81. I am going back over the Missouri to Nebraska. Just past the river I take Highway 121 to the west to drive along the south shore of the Lewis & Clark Lake. In the meantime the sky is getting more and more cloudy. Hopefully it won’t start to rain. But it is still warm. Outside it is probably 75 degrees, while inside it is most likely 10 degrees more.

Backroad, NE

Missouri River, NE

Backroad, NE

I take S45D out of Santee to reach Highway 12 to Niobara. This Highway runs directly through the Missouri wet lands. In some areas there is only swamp or water on the right and left side of the road. And it is starting to rain now! This will not be fun on the backroads. But soon the rain stops. I follow the Highway to Monowi where I turn onto the backroads again. Now I am back to the Missouri. Also the weather is getting better and the sun starts to shine. On some spots there are great views of the Missouri River. But soon the weather turns to get cloudy again. Also the wind picks up.

Backroad, NE

Missouri River, NE

My next destination is Fort Randall Dam and the Historical Site. I cross the border to South Dakota just a couple of miles before Fort Randall on gravel raods. Because I am on the backroads there are no state border signs like on the big Highways or Interstates.

Fort Randall Dam, SD

Missouri River, Fort Randall Dam, SD

First I miss the crossing to the historical site and reach directly the Bald Eagle Place. In October I could watch the Bald Eagle fly by. But today I see none. After enjoying the views of the Missouri I try again to find the Fort Randall Historic Site.

Fort Randall Historic Site, SD

After a brief search I eventually find the spot. There are only some old remnants of a church, which has been partially restored.

After a brief visit I drive back to the dam. I drive over the Dam to Pickstown. From there Highway 46 takes me to Wagner and my todays destination. As soon as I leave the river banks it is clear why this area is called the Great Plains. Everything is completetly flat and I can almost see to the horizon. When arriving in Wagner I have the luck to get the last Motel room in the Super 8, wow!

Next to the Motel is the Rookies Dining & Sports Bar. I decide to have dinner there as it is in walking distance. The dinner is good and plenty. Around seven I leave the restaurant and walk back to the Motel. I don't want to take chances on my health. That’s why I go to bed early again.