Back in South Dakota -- LOTS of water here!

We are finally back in South Dakota, where we lived for a number of years prior to going fulltime in the motorhome. We really enjoy South Dakota -- the great landscapes, honest and open people, and the laid back attitude make for a place to live. South Dakota has been experiencing dry conditions for the last few years, but this year, it seems that has changed with a vengeance.

Rick wanted to check out some of the areas that he used to explore while hunting pheasants with Cody, our old Golden retriever. WOW! Was he surprised to see how much water was around. This area is typical. A couple of years ago, Rick walked this field that is now a lake. You can see where the road enters the lake -- the road used to be several feet above a small little pond on the right.

This situation is not just confined to small, gravel roads. Highway 81, near Madison, is a major north-south highway and passed by several ponds and small lakes. However, we could not believe that the water in one area, known as the 81 Ponds, had increased several feet and was now over the road as this sign suggested.

Sure enough, this is a picture of 81 as it submerges. This is the main route north in this area other than I-29, some 25 miles east. As a result, many folks need to use the road and while it was closed to cars, is still open to truck traffic.

A couple minutes later, we saw the "convoy" of trucks "steaming" out of the lake. The water is up to a foot deep and the water covers the road for well over a mile.

Perhaps the road needs a "No Wake" sign on it. We read news accounts suggesting that the state is considering if they should try to raise the road or hope the water will recede. It will be interesting to follow this and see what develops.

Of course, these issues tend to pale in significance when compared to the unbelievable flooding along the Missouri River near Pierre and Sioux City.