Day 13- Captain Ron's Jet Boats and onto Sioux Falls, SD



Can you see our travel line?

We wanted to see something in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin before we headed west.  Dad was here when he was about 19.  He and his friend Gary traveled the U. S. and stopped here.  He said we could probably take a boat tour the Dells, which is part of the Wisconson River. It had stormed the night before and was still overcast so we weren't sure we could get on a boat.  Of course, John wants to take the fast, jet boat.  I am thinking Mom would get on a slow tour boat.  Well Captain Ron's gave us both and Mom was willing to go!!! 

The path to the boat

In the boat.

Heading down to the boat.

What a thrill!!  As we cruised we learned about the terrain of the river and rocks.  Sandstone is the main element and you can see how the water eroded and created the beautiful banks.  Then, he would kick the boat into high gear, speeding on the top of the water with our hair blowing in the wind, except John's.  Then our boat captain, Captain James would break hard and the water came up over the front of the boat.  Then we would go fast again and then do a 360.  It was like a roller coaster on water!  Mom loved going fast, but didn't like the 360.  She said she felt out-of -control.  We were on the water for an hour and a half.  Oh yeah, we were the only ones on the boat!!  Their policy is they won't go out unless there are 8 people.  We told them we were leaving today and we couldn't come back.  We got our own private boat ride!  

Captain James

Sandstone

They were excellent in helping us get Mom down the ramp, which was no small feat.  It was very steep.  John was in front, Dad was pushing Mom and I was in the back as we headed down this ramp about 1/8 of a mile.  At one point, Dad was going faster and faster, kind of losing his footing.  I grabbed the back of his shirt (like that was going to help) and then John turned around and helped us slow down.  We are crazy.  Anyway, we got down to the boat ramp and the crew took over helping mom in the boat and out when we got back.   Captain Ron's is first class!  I recommend them highly.  They made this seemingly impossible event into a reality.  Mom can't believe she did that!

Great Ride and Great Times.

On to Sioux Falls, SD.   370 miles of corn, on both sides of the freeway.  No kidding, no exaggeration.  Beautiful farms, silos and barns, but only corn, as far as the eye can see.  No animals or other crops.  We got into Sioux Falls around 6:30 p.m.  We cooked hot dogs on the fire, had salad, water melon and chips.  Mom would rather eat at a restaurant, although she said the food was great.  I love the process of cooking out and eating outside at the campground.  Sioux Falls KOA was not as fancy as the Wisconsin Dells, but it sufficed.  We went to bed earlier than usual because we are leaving early to get to our next destination.......Mount Rushmore.  Oh of course it has started to rain.  Tomorrow (July 12) is Dad's 74th birthday and Mom and Dad's 53 wedding anniversary!   I wonder what tomorrow will bring?