From Wyoming we entered South Dakota, stopping for some much needed supplies; food, water and restoring my vision with a quick repair job to the spectacles. Leaving town we came across some true Americana, a car battery store with a much needed monster truck to deliver all the hefty 20 lb batteries. We then headed to South Dakota's 'major attractions,' Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park. Winding through the beautiful rocky landscape, the bright red sun rising in front of us, the view was suddenly blocked by a toll both and multi-level parking structure. We decided to see the monument 
from the luxury of the Camry as we slowly drove past the commercial complex. The 'locals' told us the real attraction was Custer State Park so we headed onwards. The best part of the park were the begging donkeys; they pulled me in with their huge eyes. As they munched away all of our veggies, they moved onto my sweater and I had to make a quick break for the car. At this point Julian and I had decided we had seen enough of South Dakota and made for Minnesota. On our way we came across the Badlands National Park, and decided we would
have a quick look. This turned out to be the real jem of South Dakota. The arid plains had given way to pinnacles of crumbling red, orange and pink clay. Contrasting the extreme terra firma, were the colonies of cute and squeaky prairie dogs. Their towns were littered with small fat babies, and their protective parents chirped of danger at the slightest noise. After watching the sun set over the Martian landscape, we cooked up a stew and slept uncomfortably in hotel Camry.
We entered Minneapolis, MN, looking forward to some urban conveniences, only to find tweakers and drunk hoards in an apocalyptic Mad Max like city. We escaped the following morning and headed to the charming sister city of St. Paul. 
There we walked for miles in safety through beautiful Victorian houses, including the childhood home F. Scott Fitzgerald. On our way out of town we 
stopped by the Mall of America in search of a better bed. Adjustments were made and we headed to Michigan's Upper Peninsula looking forward to the country and a good nights sleep on our new Ikea bed.