Wilson Price Hunt Trail (‘Astorians’) 1811 — 1812

Day 11: August 23rd, 2006 Pierre — Mobridge

Today is the last day on the bigger highways. My destination for today is Mobridge. From there I will take the backroads. But first I will have my breakfast. Like last year I will have it at the Chikadily’s. The service is a bit slow, but in exchange you receive a whole coffee can at the table. As my supply on apples is getting low, I do a short trip to Wal–Mart. My bottled water is also getting low. Because I am already there, I also take another CD and vitamin C with me.

Around 10am I pay and drive over to the next gas station.

Highway 1804, SD

Around half past ten I am finally on the road again. But the distance to Mobridge is not too far.

Cheyenne River, Highway 1804, SD

The road takes me again on the smaller Highway 1804 along the Missouri River banks.

Highway 1804, SD

Highway 1804, Akaska, SD

Eventually I have gravel under the wheels for the first time this year.

Around half past one I arrive in Mobridge. The Super 8 from my first trip in 1999 is still there, but it is no longer under the Super 8 brand. Anyways, I already decided to stay in the Wrangler Inn, which I already liked back then. And I am even able to check in in a room on the first floor!

Highway 12/20, Missouri River, SD

Highway 1806, Missouri River, SD

The rooms are really nice with a small front porch and chairs to sit outside. According to this, the rooms are really expensive for this area. I get my stuff out of the car and drive first in the region, where once the Arikara villages have been. But the whole area is private property.

Highway 1806, Grand River, SD

So I try my luck at the other side of the river, to get some nice shots from there.

Sitting Bull Monument, SD

Sitting Bull Monument, SD

Missouri River, Sitting Bull Monument, SD

Sacagawea Monument, SD

But first I visit the Sitting Bull and Sakagawea Monument, which I also visited in 1999. I have the impression, that the monuments have been renovated. Unlike back then, the wind is not blowing this stormy. But there is still some wind. It seems like this is a windy area…

Highway 1806, SD

Highway 1806, Missouri River, SD

Highway 12/20, Missouri River, SD

Then I continue my search for the Arikara villages. But I am again not able to find a good position for pictures, because everything is private property.

Highway 1804, Missouri River, SD

With only little recording I return to the motel. Around half past four I am back at my room and check the video taping of today. Because it is still too early for dinner, I listen to one of my CDs. Then I leave for dinner. In the main building is a restaurant and a bar on the second floor, which is called the “Windjammer” and fits to the river banks and the shape of the house.

The food is really good and because I am not forced to drive, I can have a beer for dinner this time. In fact, they don’t have a Samuel Adams, but therefore they have an Amber Bock which is also pretty good. Around half past eight I pay and walk back to my room. Because there is coffee in the room, I prepare a cup of coffee. Then I go to bed.