DAY 6: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin to Sioux Falls, South Dakota #fiveexplore #travellingduringcovid19

Day 6 – 22nd July

Entering the mountain zone…

As the sun rose over the plastic flumes and rubber tubes, we scrambled out of bed to go swimming while it was still quiet and less risky. We tried to get the girls on a ride but then realized this would be a drastic mistake given everything was in pitch black. We revisited the wave machine and then went outside to repeat yesterday’s rides. We also braved one last visit indoors to partake in what I was now terming 'COVID danger queuing'. I wondered if holding my breath would keep me safe from infection. I must google that later. The children loved this Frankenstein, American Butlins experience and Lyra asked (complained) why we didn’t stay here the whole holiday. I clearly need to do a better job explaining the purpose of a road trip.

We got on the road and stopped at a local garage selling live bait, camping and firewood. Locals sauntered in and stared at the strange bald guy with a mask and British accent. Sarah needed to take Alaina to the toilet and as we waited, I moved the car into another space. Lyra checked we were not going to leave her mother in the gas station. I joked that it was time to ditch mummy. Lyra responded: “No we shouldn’t. I love Mummy no matter how clumsy and stuff she is.”

As we drove through three different states, the variety of scenery and weather was striking. From cloudy skies and a cool 20c (68f), to the picturesque lakes of La Crosse, the grassy hills of Winona county, then the flat lands of South Dakota with warm 29c (84f) evening sunshine.

On the way we stopped at Minneopa State Park where we found pleasant waterfalls for the price of a $7 permit. Alas, once again there were far too many COVID ignorant swimmers in the lake beneath the waterfall. After taking a look, we quickly turned around and headed back to the car.

Back on the road, the clouds dispersed, and the sun shone. Like a repeating dream we saw endless trains and countless farm factories on the side of the road. We also drove past several trucks full of livestock such as pigs and cows. The safety rope that tethered us to the urban metropolis of America was cut loose. We were now free to roam the flyover states.

We were planning to head straight to the hotel but thought we would find out why the place we were staying in was called Sioux Falls. What an astonishing surprise. We stayed at Niagara last year and although Sioux Falls is not as grandiose, it is one the most beautiful waterfalls I have seen. Formed due to a glacier redirecting the local river, we saw countless falls cascading through rocks shaped like square Lego blocks. A pinkish hue coloured the rocks in the evening sunshine and the various walkways provided unfettered access to take photos from every angle.

However, a word to the wise. COVID is unfortunately shutting down public restrooms in national parks. I am now far more au fait with a ‘she wee’ and ‘wee bags’ than I would choose.

We arrived tired from nearly 500 miles of driving at our South Dakota hotel which even my mum would have stayed at without complaining. Large rooms, quiet, clean, nice food, and an excellent pool. I could get used to this. Whose idea was it to go on a road trip again?

As Alaina tried to sleep, she told us “I’m scared the bears will get me.” When we reassured her that it was safe, she asked, “Do the bears have masks and money?” We replied, “No.” She sounded relieved, “Ok good then they can’t get into our hotel then. Night night."

In addition to this daily blog, you can check out our Instagram feed for more photos and short posts documenting our 2020 road trip @fiveexplore