The fastest route from JL Beers to Skydive Adventures was 269 miles down I-29 South.  Most of the drive would be through North and South Dakota. 

Since skydiving in South Dakota was uncertain, we talked about our other options.  Matt did some research on the Nebraska drop zones. He found one located in Crete, Nebraska.  It was a little further into the state, but their website said they'd be open on Friday evening. If we weren't going to be able to get South Dakota on Friday, there was a chance we could get Nebraska instead.

Either way, we decided that we didn't want to drive more than a couple of hours.  We were both tired and Matt's stomach was still bothering him. He found a Quality Inn locted in city called Watertown, SD. 

When my phone rang at 9:55, I knew it was Matt Link. He called to tell me that he had found a pilot for Friday at 3:00 PM. Perfect!  I told him that we'd be staying in Watertown. He said that Watertown was less than 2 hours from the DZ. I told we'd try to get to the DZ at 2.  Matt L. said if we showed up early no one would be there, but we could hang out in the FBO while we were waiting.

After I hung up, we were so excited!  We were going to get South Dakota! AWESOME!  AND...we could sleep in!  YAY!!!

What's awesome about driving through South Dakota! The speed limit is 80! (This photo was taken on August 21st in the morning.)

South Dakota Speed Limit

At 11:28 PM, Matt checked into our room and I went over to the P & L Convenience store to see if I could get a bottle of wine. I had no luck, but I did find a South Dakota spoon and a key chain! When I was checking out, a police officer was in line next to me. I commented on the 80 MPH speed limit.

He told me that they had recently raised it and explained that they raised it to increase revenue from gas sales. When you drive 80 MPH, most vehicles use more gas. I asked him if they experienced an increase traffic fatalities and he said that it was too early to tell. Interesting conversation!

The Quality Inn was great. Our room was very clean AND the air conditioning didn't cut on and off! The fan stayed on all night!

Trip Mileage: 1,662