We are in the Dakotas!

Leaving hot and humid Florida…………..

seven states, 1786 miles, three night’s boon docking in Walmart parking lots, we have arrived in Rapid City, South Dakota.

We took a break at Coralville Lake Campground near Iowa City, Iowa. 

Once again we were not disappointed in the Corps of Engineers campground (Great bargain at $13 a night with full hook-up!)

Located just east of Coralville Lake and Iowa City is West Branch, the home of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

where we spent a few hours on Friday. We both have to admit, we knew very little about President Hoover except he was an engineer and president when the stock market crashed in 1929. Having been president for less than a year, it is unlikely he was responsible for all that led up to the crash, but it happened on his watch, so he gets the credit. As often happens, the stock market crash and the Great Depression overshadow his humanitarian work during the Boxer Rebellion in China and his organization of relief for Americans stranded in Belgium during WWI. After WWII, President Truman requested his help for hunger relief for war torn Europe. President Hoover was also instrumental in the founding of Boys Clubs of America, CARE and UNICEF.

First Lady Lou Hoover appears to have been a bit unconventional for her time. The first woman to graduate from Stanford University with a degree in geology, she believed women could have a career while being a mother and wife. As first lady, she worked with Juliet Lowe in establishing Girl Scouts of America. She continued to be active in Girl Scouts the rest of her life.

This week’s craft brew treat was at Reunion Brewery in Coralville, IA. (Interestingly our waiter had seen the signs on I-80 but had no idea who Herbert Hoover was.)

Our choices

Currently we are at the Whispering Pines Campground in Rapid City, South Dakota 

waiting for Captain’s mom, brother and sister-in-law to arrive. Of course we couldn’t be so close and not venture out to see Mt. Rushmore.

 We are enjoying the cool (like in the upper 40's nights and the warm low 80's) temperatures. Tomorrow we will mosey on up to North Dakota and begin the big 90^th birthday celebration. 

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