I left Pierre, crossing the Missouri and entering the Mountain Time Zone, two benchmarks.
I decided to change my route a little, and get the chance to stay at a bed and breakfast situated in a former Minuteman Missile control center (no joke). It did mean an 80 mile day, but it cut the day after to 40 miles. The road was pretty good, and like most around here, with relatively few vehicles. The landscape is really beautiful. As it is rolling now, and when you are at the top of a ridge the views go for MILES. It is also surprisingly lush, due to unusual rains, I was told later by my hosts.

This area is really empty. Leaving Pierre a sign announced no hope of support for 66 miles.

About 40 miles in, I was running out of water. I have water purification systems, but applying them to large puddles that cows are standing in is too much. As I entered the town of Hayes, I saw several small planes taking off and landing. Turns out it was a crop dusting company. I pulled in and asked for water. Two young guys showed me a source and a woman got me some bottled water. Once again, people have been very helpful. This is a picture of Rawson, one of the two guys. Thanks Rawson!

Besides the water glitch, things went well for the first 70 miles, as the wind was from the side, a theme here in South Dakota. Then I had to turn due south, and had the wind in my face. That was hard after so many miles on the road, and 12 miles to go. (I also did not find services even after 66 miles.)  Finally, I reached a ridge with huge water and communications towers, which I was pretty sure was just before my B&B. Then I noticed my GPS said 6 miles to go! NO! Yes. I said some words. I finally reached the turn off for the Missile Inn B&B. Dirt, but well packed. VERY happy to arrive. (Day total 87.5 miles)
Hosts George and Sandee Gittings took good care of me. The B&B is a funny mix of 1963 era military utilitarian architecture and the homey touches they have added. I was exhausted. I ate the food I had brought, expecting no dinner, and lay on my bed, thinking I might just drift off. I was awakened by a knock, and George invited me to join them for dinner. They had chicken pot pie (my last meal request when I am executed) they bought from Hutterites. Just wonderful. I also drank about 10 gallons of fluids.
Sandee brought out a fascinating report written when the centers were decommissioned in 1993. Everything from their design to the sociopolitical context to environmental concerns to summaries of public hearings. Crews of two workers spent 2 hours in a subterranean bunkers (of course) with their fingers on trigger buttons that would end the world as we know it. Luckily, two different centers both had to hit firing buttons to end the world… George told me EVERYTHING that was going on with the B&B and in the area. Next time you are in South Dakota, stay there.

Today was much shorter, but pretty dull. I rode to Wall (of drugstore fame). Along the way I visited Cottonwood, which has shrunk to a population of 12. (Is one state championship in some sport too much to ask?)

I was drawn in because of this amazing abandoned church.

Got to Wall and visited the famous Wall Drug.

Even more disappointing than expected. (And I am a sucker for Jackalopes.)

Wall is holding a mini festival.

Sadly subdued. Part of it is a rodeo going on, but I was chased out by mosquitoes (I was warned that I might be).

Not staying here:

 

But I am here:

 

Maybe my bike won’t get stolen.  Here’s one just sitting in someone’s yard.