The Great Plains

There are some states that you visit only if you are driving cross-country. South Dakota is one of them. I was thus mildly surprised when we undertook a road trip last weekend with the sole purpose of visiting South Dakota. While the high prices of gas kept most families out of the road, we did the opposite by clocking 1300 miles over the weekend. Courtesy of a 42 mpg hybrid, the round trip from Minneapolis to Rapid City was conducted with a mere 3 gas stops. Infact, I considered it a display of hubris, when my brother stopped at a gas station with the sole purpose of having coffee and using the restroom and NOT filling gas! I have already decided that while buying my next car I would give a serious thought to the SmartCar

Southwestern Minnesota is pretty uninteresting with a flat terrain with tilled agricultural fields. However, a plethora of windmills doting the landscaped testified the progressive environmental policies of the state. The 200 odd miles through this terrain was very uneventful and boring, and in many ways resembled parts of Texas. On entering Dakota, the wind which was already roaring, picked up even more. Here I was treated to the Great Plains of North America. Not only was the land flat as far as you could see, there were no trees to obstruct your views too. There were miles of prairie grass, fenced ranches, and grazing cattle. Having lived in Texas for over a year, it might surprise most people when I say this - I have never witnessed such plain tract of land before. This terrain of Dakota reminded me of the Serengeti's Plains of Africa abound with a million strong herd of Wilde beast and other animals. If not for billboards, and road signs, this part could easily be designated as wilderness.

After traveling 400 miles through this Dakotan landscape, we arrived at Rapid City. Rapid City seemed like a quaint little town which seemed dead even on what should be a busy Saturday evening. I remarked to my brother and sister-in-law that this part of the country must be atleast 20 years behind the rest. Sure enough, the bar that we went to, was playing Backstreet Boys, Michael Jackson & Maddona! The next day we went to visit Mt. Rushmore situated in the Black Hills region. This region is very scenic with a lot of lakes and mountain activities to offer. Mt. Rushmore itself was pretty impressive, and stood a testament to an architect's pursuit of innovation and the indomitable spirit of all the workers who slaved 14 years in its making.

In a place where only white men live, I was shocked to find the existence of an Indian Restaurant - Curry Masala. My shock was compounded, when the billboard to the restaurant was scripted in Tamil. A couple from Madurai & Chennai doled out some warm hospitability and food to mildly confused Desis traveling through Rapid City. I have encountered Desis in remote parts of Kansas before, but even in my wildest dream I did not think I would run into a desi restaurant in South Dakota! The indomitable Desi entrepreneurial spirit will never cease to amaze me. Bravo!

On the trip back, we made a stop at Badlands National park. Given the great weather, the park provided ample photographic opportunities. From points of higher elevation on the park, one could see a distance of about 100 miles in any direction courtesy The Great Plains and the absolute lack of pollution. The park itself provided various strange formations and a good mixture of prairie lands with dry rock formations.

Most people would consider a drive through Dakota rather boring. But I came home with some fond memories. It was flat, the scenery never changed, it was windy but it was not lifeless. The roads where always lined with ranches filled with cows. The contrast of dark green prairie grass, the black cows, a pool of water and the lone wind shredded tree stood symbolic of the vast expanse of the tract and the rural nature of the state. Having seen South Dakota, I am now inspired to travel to the even more rural North Dakota. Fargo, Here I come!