Attack of the Blackbird

Day 6

Packed up from Madison. I needed to make a stop or two for supplies. I realized it would be easier for the time in the black hills. There was a major wreck on the interstate so it was good to hit Menards and cut around the traffic.

I was near Wis Dells when I saw it. A Piggly Wiggly. Was I dreaming? I thought so. I had to stop. Then I was really dreaming when I saw the Sun Drop machine out front. I went inside and it was one of the nicest I had ever been to. Grabbed a couple of supplies and ventured into the sprits section. There it was. I kicked myself to make sure it was not a dream. A full shelf of Buffalo Trace at Piggly Wiggly prices.

Finally back on the interstate. Google says 700 miles. It sounded challenging. I was going to get in by 8p. Then it was 9p, 10p. Minnesota kept going and going. You cross over the Mississippi and you climb the cliffs. Then it was rolling hills, then fields of cattle, crops and farms. It was very green, very sunny. I felt I was going up levels, off the river and up one level, then the next.

SPAM museum. Oh, I’m stopping. Austin, home of Hormel Foods. I needed a bathroom stop. No pun intended. The museum was closed but the gift shop was open. So was their bathroom. I understand but I really need to pee.

From there I realized I was not going to get across South Dakota today. I called the campground and they easily changed my reservation to the next couple of days. I found a room in Sioux Falls. Dinner, chill and we’ll the blackbird.

Yes, there is falls in Sioux Falls. I headed down to falls park. It was a nice evening, warm but not humid. I was taking pics, enjoying the view and then.. the bird. It was sitting on the rail, chirping and making a fuss. Fine but I have to walk that way. It flies up, I walk under. It goes for my head. I duck and cover. It goes back to the rail, I keep forward. Can’t go back, rails on both sides. The blackbird I see gets excited and air bombs, miss. I head forward, it flies back to my head. I turn around. Like what are you attacking, must have a nest. What is on my head you don’t like, my hat? I finally get through the two rails past the walk, the step approaches, I turn, I trip. Blackbird 1 – Joey 0.

There I am on the ground, a nice raspberry on my knee. Been awhile since I sled into a base. Brushed myself off, checked for other injuries, just some little scraps, nothing major but was there poop on me. Thankfully, no. Props to my prepared brother who sent me with a full med kit for the road. All the credit to Big Red. I wonder if anyone caught a picture or video of me in the park? I have to say I must of looked like a loon.

As I was so close, one thing I told myself I would do would be visit a state I’ve not been too if I am close. 20 miles to Iowa, oh I’m driving to the border and back. There was a sign for the tri state post. I was able to stand at the corner of Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota. No one but me and a corner of the US. It was pretty amazing.

Off to the black hills. Check in with you again soon.

– J