Editor's Note: For this section, all entries were submitted by Fredric Scire.

Goodbye, South Dakota
Thursday, July 13 (Day 40)

Great riding day. We started from Yankton, S.D. where we took refuge at a Super 8 from the heat and wind the day before. We left at 6:30 a.m. when the sky was overcast, but no wind. This is truly flat country.

By 8:30 a.m. the wind had picked up and again — just our luck! — a headwind. Shortly before Vermillion, S.D., the rain started but it was just a shower.  After a lunch break, the wind was still at us constantly. although not yet too bad. The skies are still overcast and the rain started just before camp outside Sioux City, Iowa. Yea! Goodbye, South Dakota!

The campsite was complete with wild turkeys just strolling through. We crossed the Big Sioux River north of Sioux City to cross the state line.

After 64 miles, a relaxing evening
Friday, July 14 (Day 41)

We left camp at Stone State Park at 6:30 a.m. and headed to Sioux City. Our trip plan included a ride through the city. We ate breakfast was at a corner diner next to city hall.

Everyone asks if we are here for RAGBRAI the DesMoines Register Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. It starts on Sunday, I believe -- no we are not participating (we've got other things to worry about, like getting to Yorktown, Va.!). The RAGBRAI ride has grown to over 16,000 participants and is one big rolling party.

Today's ride from Sioux City was flat with a tailwind. Total mileage was 64 miles with an average speed of 12.6 mph.

A fortuitous stop at a convenience store for an iced soda allowed us to meet our latest benefactor "Marti." Recently retired, she stopped to ask me the usual questions about us. When she found out our destination for tonight, she informed me that no suitable camping was there and that we should camp at her cabin along the river. In fact we should go there and enjoy a swim, and even spend the night in her cabin.

We have enjoyed the dip and are now in the shade of the trees just relaxing. A good end for a day that's almost 100 degrees again.

From nothing to luxurious accommodations
Sunday, July 16 (Day 43)

We ride into the city park of Brownville, Neb. We went 58 miles today, averaging 9.7 mph; it was five hours and 55 minutes of hot, hot, humid air. Absolutely exhausting.  At least as miserable as Maryland on a bad day with the heat index over 100 degrees, according to locals, and this is typical for the Nebraska and Iowa areas this time of year. They need it for the corn crop, which is everywhere!

Today we stopped for lunch in Peru, Neb. and ate at Cottys cafe. Being Sunday they close early, but they would let us eat the buffet. Not only that, but Mrs. Cotton also fixed us a dinner plate to go along with homemade cherry pie. Gratis. Peru, Neb., is tops!

The heat and humidity are getting to me. The last eight miles after 3:30 p.m. were grueling. The mention of leaving early to Leona (Dalton) is not welcome. I will have to arrange to let them go ahead a day and then follow. I need to ride in the early morning hours only .

Today's ride did include the Steamboat Trace rail trail. The 20-plus mile trail is smooth crushed stone and the includes eight miles that are totally shaded. A pleasant ride,  mostly through corn fields, but occasionally between the bluffs and the river. There is interesting art along the bluffs.

Yesterday's ride ended at Pacific Junction, Iowa and we had no expectations for accomodations. Instead, we found food, showers and air conditioned sleeping quarters from just a casual inquiry.

When we arrived, I asked two women outside of the town hall for a place to eat.  They pointed to the door and a sign advertising a fund raiser dinner. Inside we had a great meal of sloppy joes, beans, fried potates, cole slaw, and mountain oysters.  (I did try them, no seconds though). Along with the meal, local musicians entertained us with 50's country music.

The fund raiser was for the local fire department and the guy in charge offered us the use the station showers. Not to be outdone, the guy in charge of the town hall offered us its air conditioned hall to sleep in! We went from no accomadations to everything we could have needed.

Pacific Junction, Iowa is also tops!