By Paula O’Kray

Part Seven of a Series

Tuesday, June 13, was a welcome day off. I spent too much of the morning trying hard to update the Gazette of my travels and send some photos, but I hadn’t considered the problem of the hotel’s glacially slow internet service.

What was even more difficult to deal with was the news of a terrible storm that had hit Stevens Point and that the area was devastated, and the townsfolk were struggling to deal with it. The photos on facebook were upsetting, and knowing I was several states away and could do nothing was frustrating to say the least. How the Gazette staff even got a paper out that week was beyond me, as all their computers were down on the two biggest production days of the week. So even if my photos had made it out, the Gazette wouldn’t have been able to receive them.

I finally gave up on my efforts mid-morning, only to find most of the girls already off on adventures of their own in the area. We were close to a lot of interesting places like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Sturgis, but after the tough day on the bike the day before, I was happy just to play tourist for the day. I wandered out of the hotel and spotted a Visitor’s Center just across the street. I went in and asked where would be a good place to grab a coffee and something delicious to eat with it.
 

To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of the Portage County Gazette at one of the many newsstands in the area, including gas stations and grocery stores. Or subscribe at https://www.shopmmclocal.com/product/portage-county-gazette/ to have weekly copies delivered by mail. For more information or to subscribe over the phone, call 715-343-8045.

The reward for approaching the group and asking about the ride. Just look at that face! (Paula O’Kray photo)

A friendly police officer helps serve ice cream in a shop in downtown Deadwood. (Paula O’Kray photo)

Aric, a very friendly state trooper, poses with the group on their way to Sioux Falls, S.D. (Contributed photo)