"I've got a ticket for the long way 'round...." -Anna Kendrick, "Cups"

Last night we stayed in a motel in the tiny town of Kennebec, South Dakota. Stepping into our room was like stepping back in time. I'm not sure any of the decorations have been changed since the 60s, but the price was right and the bed was comfy. Kevin was right at home; the hotel is primarily used by pheasant hunters who come to this region. There was even a community freezer in the office so that hunters can store their game. 

After we unpacked and showered we headed over to one of the two places to eat in the town. It was a hole-in-the-wall place, but I know that our experience there will be one of those times that will make us say, "Do you remember that night in Kennebac?" for years to come. 

We planned to look over our tour books to make a plan for the next day of travel while we ate some dinner, but I learned a valuable lesson...who needs guide books when you have a life-long South Dakota resident to plan your day for you? 

As we waited for our hamburger and chicken sandwich, a man in his 70s--the self-proclaimed "mayor" of the establishment with a creased face and warm smile-- wandered over to make conversation. We were the only two other patrons in the place, after all. Before long we were fast friends. Curt--an inductee of the South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame and dad to 5 grown children and 52 foster children has called South Dakota home his entire life. He has only left the state six times and is a brain cancer survivor. Definitely an amazing man. He told us that he has golfed in every month out here, and has also seen snow in every month except for July. There are 125 kids at the high school that is comprised of students from four towns. Some students get on the bus at 7:15 and don't get home until 5 because of the long bus ride. They get 10 snow days a year, but says that at least in the town of Kennebac the winters are pretty mild because of the proximity to the Black hills. 

By the end of the conversation, Curt had planned our day for us. He wrote out our route and gave us pointers about what to see and what to skip while we are here. It means that we are going to slow down our pace a little to make sure we get the full experience. Our plan for today is to follow the handwritten directions from our new friend. I have a feeling today is going to be an amazing day. 

We couldn't end our meal without trying a food specific to this region of South Dakota (according to Wikipedia). Called Chislic, it consists of cubed beef flash fried and seasoned and served with toothpicks as an eating utensil. I was skeptical, but my first bite changed my mind. Delicious. 

After we said our goodbyes to Curt, we headed across the gravel parking lot to our room where I easily fell asleep. We woke up this morning and got a greeting from a chocolate lab. I got my dog fix for the day! Kevin fixed me a plate of biscuits and gravy from the homemade breakfast provided by the owner of the motel and we hit the road. We are currently headed west on 90, and plan to be in the Black hills in less than an hour. We are taking our time and enjoying the long way around...