I Got So Lost; Stupid GPS

August 8-11, 2019

Patterson Lake Recreation Area, Dickinson, South Dakota

Day 55-58

I could only get 1 night at the campground in Medora, so I am at the next closest available campground 30 minutes away in Dickinson.

I got lost. I got lost in a remote corn field. And I was actually nervous. My Ford Sync thru Sirius navigation sucks. For starters, about half the businesses or addresses I put in, are not in the system and it only gives me one route. I also use Waze, but if my phone is low and I need to charge it, it won’t read the Waze app because of Sirius. Argh, technology. That doesn't seem right...will check on a software upgrade at my next tune-up.

Navigation took me to the other end of a very long road, 15 miles the other way. I called the campsite to say I’m lost, and they yes I am. I am in the middle of nowhere, on a dirt road, with the main road about 5 miles away. Fortunately, a mail man drives by and confirms I need to turn around. I try and back-up but am having trouble backing up straight; my Ford Backup Assist doesn’t like to work if it is sunny due to the reflection off the shiny aluminum. It's very sunny. I’m a little concerned but decide to just turn right, right then left, hoping it won’t get me into any road trouble. As I turn, and there's a small herd of deer looking at me like they have never seen an Airstream. Classic. I took the picture.

Almost there, using Waze this time, and I got lost again! I am near the county park, but just on the other side of the lake. An elderly woman driving by stopped because I looked out of place. She said I could turn around in her (huge) driveway up the road. She stayed and waited for me to turn around and sent me off. I finally got to camp 1.5 hours later, mentally exhausted but very fortunate I've had no truck or trailer problems.

Camp is ok. I did park perfectly level which was very rewarding. Honestly, I don’t want to be here for four nights and might try and leave one day earlier. Just found out the lake has algae so I can’t swim in it which is too bad.

I still don’t have internet on my PC (I know I can use the hot spot on my phone) but do on my phone. Called Airstream and Corey walked me thru how to reset the modem. I am back!

Nothing is going on in Dickenson, the biggest town for miles. Its nickname is “Queen City”, supposedly because it was the 2nd largest city on the western edge of the state, whereas Fargo is the “King City” on the eastern side of the state. Looked up things to do on TripAdvisor: Ukrainian Museum and Fluffy’s Winery. Drove downtown, Ukrainian Museum is closed. Not too much going on, though there was a small street fair starting at 6pm. They had a band and a couple of food trucks. Strangely most stores were closed early (wouldn’t they want to stay open late for the fair?). Found a great resale store and purchased a cute wicker waste basket for the bath. Took a short trip up the road to Fluff’s (my Mom’s nickname in college). They're one of 14 wineries in ND, who knew? Got the truck washed. Hosed off trailer – it's become so dirty and I'm starting to get embarrassed. To my defense, I really don't want to call too much attention to myself.

Sparky needs more exercise; I can’t walk as much as before because my hip is killing me. Park rules say, he needs to be on leash, but I try and take him to a remote area to throw the ball anyway. Lots of small flies and regular flies here. Now they're in the trailer too. Sparky has been getting in the habit of NOT wanting to get in the trailer. The truck is no problem. I try my best to accommodate him and wish he could just talk. For now, I just pick him up, which I can still do without pain.

Day 2 – Seems like my tank monitor is stuck/frozen at 70. Tried shutting off power (store) and flipping fuses. Called Airstream and they suggested I disconnect the main battery. That seems too complicated for me at this point. Told it's not that hard, plus there's probably a video online to learn from. Turns out that it was a coincidence that my grey and black waters were 70. No worries.

Off to downtown Medora to see some scheduled town events before we go into the park. First up, “They Served Us Well: Public Service of the Roosevelts”. What an enjoyable talk. Theodore and his wife (actors/schoolteachers who do this for the summer) talked about his life, wife and five kids. One daughter from the previous wife (who died on the same day as his mother, he became so depressed he left NY and came to ND to heal) and four boys. What wonderful lives in public service. Fitting that he was promoted up to VP to get him out of the way, then becomes one of our most important presidents by default.

Next on our Medora tour, the dog-friendly Cowboy Museum across the street. This well curated museum is about Medora, Indians, the Homestead Act, Cowboys and Rodeos. Worth a stop but left me feeling so sad that after. We took all the land from the Indians, then we gave it way for progress. (Signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on May 20, 1862, the Homestead Act encouraged Western migration by providing settlers 160 acres of public land. In exchange, homesteaders paid a small filing fee and were required to complete five years of continuous residence before receiving ownership of the land. – Wiki). I was surprised to learn, the most people who took advantage of this amazing opportunity were of Norwegian descent (see pics).

Then, back to see the Roosevelts again in “Games with the Roosevelts”. This time they showed/played games from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. All could be played today and very family friendly.

Finally drove thru the park. Saw prairie dogs, foxes, lots of bison and finally feral horses.

On the way back to camp, I stopped at the Worst Sausage and Deli to stock up on better quality meats. Great place, probably only place in these parts to get T-bone, lamb chops or bratwurst. When I asked where I could pick up vegetables, they said Walmart, Family Fare and Cash Wise. Ugh, can’t wait to find a farmer's market or Whole Foods.

Day 3 – Office work today, didn’t drive. Leave tomorrow for Mt Rushmore!