Lewis and Clark Cycling Trek

Thursday, July 07, 2005

Mobridge, SD to Pollock, SD- Day 22- 41.45 mi.

We said our goodbyes to the Kinseys and left around 9:00. We did a little shopping, ate at a convenience store, and left Mobridge. It was a hilly ride, but with a favorable wind it wasn't so challenging. There were some formidable hills, but hills have tops and downhills unlike headwinds. We rode to the town of Pollock with the widest main street in South Dakota and just a couple miles from North Dakota. We went to the Lakeview Campground. It didn't look like much of a campground, but the folks there were very kind and helpful. The bathhouse water wasn't working so we were able to use a room in the motel for showers and toilets. The washer wasn't working, so they told us to use the motel maid's washer and dryer. As we were preparing to do some laundry, Arthur, the owner, came over and said he would like us to see the town's Lewis and Clark Center. He jumped in his truck and drove down to see if it was still open. The center was closed but he called someone to open it up just for us. There we met Vina. Vina was one of the center's caretakers. She took us on a tour in the building. It contained a surprising amount of artifacts, not only of Lewis and Clark, but also bones of prehistoric creatures found in the area, antique tools, old historic photos of the town, and crafts. She also gave us interesting information about the history of Pollock. The crafts had been made by some of the citizens of the town. I was quite interested in a wooden M & M dispenser that was on display. I commented that it would be good in a classroom to dispense M & Ms for prizes. Vina went right to the phone and called the maker of the dispenser and told me I could take it; he would make another for the center. Although she didn't ask, I donated $5.00 for the dispenser. This was a great little town. Sometimes when we travel like this, we have special memories of certain places that are always fondly in our minds. This was one of those places. Last year our special place was Hartsburg, Missouri and the Globe Hotel, a small bed and breakfast where we spent the night.
Seventh Grade Question: Vina mentioned that she felt Sacagawea died across the river from Pollock at the age of 35. Many towns along the river claim this and the age of her death is also contested. Sacagawea was very helpful to the Corps, but was never paid for her services. Who received the pay that probably should have rightly gone to her?

-ClarkWheel

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