Roving Cooks

June 6: Mitchell, SD to North Sioux City, SD. 147 miles, 2 Hours

June 6-19: North Sioux City, SD/Sioux City, IA

We decided to spend a couple weeks in Greg’s hometown of North Sioux City, SD. Our spot ended up being one of the best campgrounds we’ve stayed at on our adventure. We weirdly have no pictures of it – but really, the North Sioux City KOA was great. Our space had a good amount of green space, big mature trees with lots of shade, a decent playground, a clean, cool-but-not-cold pool, and best feature ever – a Jumping Pillow. Some friends, Papa’s apartment, and a coffee shop were all within a few minute bike ride, so Greg also got out during the week to reconnect with people and change up his office scenery.

We took advantage of the city to catch up on some life things – like a couple trips to Target for summer shoes and shorts. Apparently Grayson missed it more than I realized.

During the weekdays, the kids and I played “Tourist in Dad’s Hometown.” We explored the Lewis & Clark Center and Sergeant Floyd River Museum (actually in an old river boat on the Missouri); spent a morning at the Sioux City Railroad Museum, where we enjoyed model trains and could ring the bell on the real thing; Adams Nature Preserve; and LaunchPAD children’s museum. The Adams Nature Preserve was a treat – it had a lovely playground and visitor center with fur pelts and a huge 3D dinosaur puzzle (we were unsuccessful in getting T-Rex to stand independently). Also, a close friend of Greg’s has worked there for many years; Mr. Dave met us one morning and gave us the VIP tour of the old schoolhouse building, church (still used for the occasional small wedding), and home. The morning at LaunchPAD was oddly emotional for me; it was really the first children’s museum we’ve been to in a year and a half, and hit me as a blessedly “normal” activity. For those of you familiar with the children’s museum scene, it is a really nicely laid out space – all one level, sort of “L” shaped – a pretty relaxed experience to keep an eye on 2 kids who are interested in going opposite directions and playing with different things.

In the evenings and weekends, we had many parties as part of the “Greg Cook high school reunion tour.” It was so lovely to catch up with old friends, have our kids meet each other, and all play, play, play!