Day 10: Unexpected Melodies

Miles traveled today: 285

Total Miles: 2234

We awoke in the most beautiful of Cabela’s parking lots this morning. The sun was shining and the birds were singing and our neighbors were in great moods (they are taking a similar trip with their granddaughter).

James was not a happy riser so we had a mission for coffee. The GPS led us to Einstein's Bagels and a Caribou Coffee. We had to fight traffic, construction, and mountains of mole hills to get there only to find that they had the least productive staff in the whole entire nation so far. We ordered 2 hot chocolates and they decided that the kids really should share instead, and the food we ordered was not necessary either. After we told them otherwise we were off. James was disappointed that the farther we get from the northwest the worse the coffee is. Hopefully it is just the inland states.

We decided we’d make a mad dash for Haworth Park in Nebraska so that James could rest and the boys could have some chill time as well.  Then we saw the signs for The National Music Museum in Vermillion, SD. We couldn’t not stop and we were not disappointed.

The campus at the University of South Dakota is gorgeous

A different type of fingering for a piano – it’s ergonomic

two bells one mouthpiece

Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Horn

Korn Kobblers

  

The boys really liked this band - it made them all think of Grampa Ausmus

precursor to the record player

After this we went out to lunch. If you are ever in Vermillion try Café Brule. I got a pot roast dip, James got a muffalato. Jude got Cincinnati Mac and Cheese, Johnny had BBQ Chicken Quesadilla w/ Avocado Ranch, and Jimmy had air. At least that is all we assumed he had because the French Onion Leek Soup he inhaled was gone in approximately 3 bites. James and I gave him portions of our food to stave off the evident starvation and promised some crème brulèe as well. We got our desserts to go and the boys loved them all.

We then got on the road and headed to the campsites in Haworth park. Once there we had a wonderful break to relax and unwind. It is beautiful here along the Missouri River. Almost reminded us of home.

Dad was the lava monster!