Well, it's the night before I leave of South Dakota and I'm prety excited! I'll be traveling with my buddy Ann for the first time. We've each done some traveling on our own, but this is the first overnight together. I hope we're ready for this!
Earlier, I stopped by Oregon Trail Roasting, a new coffee shop in town, and enjoyed a Cafe Latte while reading the Belleville News-Democrat. I was trying to savor the joys of home one last time before hitting the trail myself. The latte was great by the way! Afterwards, I talked with one of the owners/managers (?) named Andrea. She said that they bought the building 9 months ago and just opened on Monday. Since I've been in town (about 10 years) the building has been a photography studio, an antique shop, a gift shop, and mostly just empty. I hope they have better luck. My first impression is very positive. They totally redid the place top to bottom. (Literally! They refinished the hardwood floors under foot and uncovered a fabulous tin roof over head.) She said the nine months of labor was "like a pregnancy", and what a beautiful baby they now have! They make everything from scratch: roast their own coffee beans, bake their own breads, prepare their own sandwiches and cook their own soup. As a matter of fact, I tried the Butternut Squash Soup (Andrea made it herself!) and loved it. It comes with whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of cilantro. It was good, but next time I'm going to try it without the cream so I can savor the cilantro even more.
Anyway, now I'm not onlyhyper because I'm excited about the trip but also because I'm wired from the latte. Oh well, I guess that's OK since I haven't even started packing!
I will post updates when I can. So, if you would like to know where Ann & I are or see pictures of what we've seen, check back here.
Al
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5 comments:
Al & Ann,
Sounds like a grande adventure! Make sure you do the Alpine Slide down the hill from Mount Rushmore. You ride the chairlift to the top of the hill, where they serve quality brews, then race your sled with a buzz. Remember, if you don't crash on the way down, you need another beer before the next run! Have Fun!
Chicago Bob
Great tip Bob! I've not heard about the Alpine Slide, but will be sure to add it to my "Must Do" list!
I hear Spearfish Canyon by the Badlands in SD is beautiful
Dear Traveling Al and Annie: (sounds like Raggedy Ann and Andy)
Have so much fun you can hardly stand it. Later when you get on each other's nerves and are no longer speaking in the car, don't forget to laugh and make up before going to bed that night.
Bro Pat & Sista Joan,
Thanks for the tips. Pat, you are not the first person to recommend Spearfish. We've now added it to our: "If we have time..." list.
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