I think I’m nearly back on schedule after today’s marathon. Managed to get pretty much across the entire state while indulging my inner child with a loop way up to the north (Aberdeen, etc.). I had always wanted to see Storybook Land and, there, now I have. There was supposed to be a Twistee Treat there as well but, according to the locals, it’s been demolished.

I saw a heck of a lot of rolling fields, hay bales, cattle, lakes… a real test of stamina with lots of miles between destinations. Thank god for Sirius satellite radio and gas station coffee. And no speeding tickets (yet). I’ve been trying to keep it between 75 and 80 (posted speed limit is 70mph on I-90 and the highways). Gas lately has been going for $3.43 to $3.89. I know I’ve driven close to 4,000 miles so far since I had the oil changed back in Duluth. I’m a fanatic about changing the oil every 3,000 miles. The cost of gas is all going on the credit card so that should be a shocker bill to come home to.

The weather has been perfect for most of the trip (blue skies & puffy white clouds). But it’s gotten hotter. After a few days with highs in the 80s, it’s back around 90 now.

The poor deprived dogs got only a couple big runs today. They snooze really well when I’m on the Interstate — waking up only to bark manic-ly when they hear motorcycles. The proximity to Sturgis, SD and the warm weather has brought out the bikers in far too great a quantity for my sanity’s sake. But it helps keep me awake.

I got a lot of good stuff for the website and the agilitynut flickr photos but not much for here. I had so many last night that I’ll try not to feel too guilty about it. And maybe I can get to bed before 2am tonight.

These figures in Elkton were created by Lyle Telcamp. There were lots more scattered around this field and more down the road. Fun stuff!

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Here’s something I’ve never seen or heard of before: McDonald’s signs with sequins. This one was in town in Brookings. And there was another one on I=29 at the Watertown exit.

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And lastly, this one’s a bit blurry which downgrades it from the website to this blog. This sign was in Mitchell — I love the shape of the boot and the way it’s position on top of the sign.