On the Banks of the Missouri River

Today we drove 260 miles (420 km) following a delightful week in Topeka to South Sioux City in Nebraska. It is at the junction of Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota and our campground (see blue dot in map above) is right beside the Missouri River. The weather was glorious for our drive, although it was a bit hazy in the distance. We were kept amused by the numerous redwing blackbirds darting across the road and that we saw perched on many posts and fences en route. They are a pretty bird, mostly black, but with a red and white, or red and yellow triangle under their wing. As they fly the colour is more noticeable. I sourced these photos from the internet so you can see for yourself. They fly too fast for me to capture them as we drive by.

When we pulled into town I was surprised to see red cardinals everywhere. Not the actual bird, although I wish I had, but images or photos on street signs and buildings. I was to learn that it is the name of the local sports teams. 

Missouri River

We crossed the Missouri River to get to our campground on the western bank. The Missouri is the longest River in the United States. It starts in Western Montana and flows into the Mississippi just north of St Louis. 

These next two photos were taken sitting at my laptop inside the RV, looking out to the river. You can see a big paddle-steamer which we assume is a casino. Shuttle buses were rolling up to the front door, and the car park in front of it was very busy. We see paddle-steamer casinos on both the Mississippi and the Missouri River, but the lure of gambling is wasted on us. 

After a delicious dinner of pork steaks cooked on the BBQ, accompanied by broccoli salad and homemade avocado, tomato and onion salsa for dinner in our RV, we went for a walk and sat on the banks of the river. The campground provides concrete tables and chairs on the edge for our convenience! It looked so picturesque with the people fishing in the left of the photo and the paddle-steamer at the back, with the setting sun casting a pink hue over Sioux City - the city is across the river in Iowa. We are in South Sioux City in Nebraska. Just separated by a river.