Writing From Southern South Dakota

I’m writing this as we drive through southern South Dakota (which is about as southern as legalized same sex marriage). It’s remarkably empty, but then that’s kind of what you expect.

At least it’s pretty:

Varun: “Wow, I can’t talk shit about South Dakota any more.”

Me: “Yeah, this is incredible… but I reserve the right to talk shit about North Dakota.”

But this post isn’t about South Dakota (at least not yet); it’s what I would have been writing to you about if not for the distracting siren song of Puzzle Quest which, so far as I can tell, is made up of roughly equal parts Bejeweled, D&D, and cocaine.

This is an account of our journey through the great American Heartland as we navigate the transcontinental highways that connect this nation. This includes tales of hardship and triumph, endless vistas and shared experiences.

To a lesser degree, this is an account of our gasronomic journey through the great American Coronary via the Cheese Kurd Express. This includes tales of roadside diners, dreaded gas-station/restaurants, and carefully planed “comfort” stops.

Interlude:

Alex: , “Ok now the gas light is on.”

Me: “It’s not a big deal Alex, don’t worry so much about it. Turn off when you see the next gas station.”

Alex: “It’s going to be a huge deal when there are no more gas stations in South Dakota.”

End Interlude.

Varun and I left Toronto with a skip in our step and a twinkle in our eyes!

Though I provided the initial push, Varun was ultimately the one insisting on a Poutine Experience while in Canada. The only rule for lunch this day was Poutine on the menu. Restaurants were rejected.

A national hero? Varun was very excited and adamant about snapping this picture.

You come across some random stuff on the road.

We’ve made it to Fort Wayne, Indiana to join our Midwestern pal.

Alex has a very nice house with lots of space around it. Of course it is the Midwest – without at least a football field worth of space you can’t really claim to be somebody.

So we’re on the road to Chicago when we run into a spot of rain. I decide against a jaunt into the Wal-Mart, but still manage to decide it’s a good idea to get on the highway.

This was a very poor decision.

I wasn’t the only one ensnarled by Puzzle Quest. Varun played a knight. Newb.

Well I'm afraid you played second fiddle to Puzzle Quest again, so you'll have to wait for tomorrow for the next installment (covering Chicago through Mt. Rushmore).