This is Jeanne trying to help Jennifer out (although she seems to like being a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest :) by updating the blog...
As they say, the best laid plans... we called the Palisades the soonest they told us we could to book the lodge and camping spots but the lodge was already rented and most of the RV sites taken. Not to worry, there are several alternatives to lodging and even one for an air conditioned spot to hang out on a hot afternoon.
Some of these have already been mentioned in previous blogs but just to elaborate and add additional information, this is what's available for lodging in Garretson at this time:
1. The Davis Motel - it's about 2 blocks east of the location of the former McDonald house. There are 4 rooms (2 with double beds and 2 with a double and a single). All rooms have their own bathroom but there is only one shared shower. The hotel is pet friendly with no additional charges, unless there are damages. Check in time is noon and she doesn't care when you leave :)
The rate is $40/night
All 4 rooms are now reserved for the McDonald reunion but we'll need to let her know at least 24 hrs in advance if they aren't going to be used, so if you plan to stay there you'll need to reserve a room by then.
Contact person: Sharon (VERY nice lady)
605-594-6770 (office)
605-553-6166 (cell)
2. Split Rock Park has approximately 23 tent sites and 13 electric sites for RV's. They do not have water or showers but have toilet stalls. The nice lady at the Davis Motel has graciously offered to allow anyone staying at the Park to shower at the hotel at no or minimal cost (depending on the #). We will bring extra towels for anyone needing them. The Palisades also allows campers from Split Rock Park to use their showers. For those of you familiar with the park, the tent and RV sites are alongside the entry road to the park between the river and the road. There are also tent sites around the horseshoe. Every site has a fire pit and a picnic table. I was told the RV sites are large enough to accommodate almost any size RV.
Karen said the sites go fast once camping season starts (presumably when school gets out the last week of May), so if you plan to stay there recommend that you book ASAP.
Camping Rates:
$10/night per tent
$16/night per RV site
An added bonus to staying at Split Rock? It's a block away from downtown Garretson with the bars and night life!
Split Rock also has the pontoon boat rides under the very skilled and entertaining guidance of skipper Bruce Rekstad. The ride takes you from the dam to Jesse James Cave and back. The cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children. Lap children 2 and under ride for free. Reservations are required so please let us know at least a week in advance of the reunion if you are interested so we can book groups of us.
Contact people for campsites and pontoon ride:
Bruce and Karen Rekstad
605-594-6770 (office)
605-323-5200 (Karen's cell)
605-323-5031 (Bruce's cell)
3. Palisades State Park may still have some tent sites available but again, they are going fast. The reservation information is on a previous blog.
Previous blogs have listed hotels in the Brandon and Sioux Falls area.
At this point the plan is to have a barbecue at the Palisades Friday evening and dinner at Annie's in Garretson on Saturday evening.
If the temperature gets unbearable on Friday or Saturday we may have to go to the bars in Garretson to cool off (darn!). We're innovative McDonald's - we'll find somewhere to cool off, right? Let's see, where did we go when we were kids on a hot afternoon? Not our house, that's for sure! I'd offer our RV but it's only a 25 footer - that would even be worse than when we all piled into the family car to go visit Grandma and Grandpa.
The Garretson Golf Course has an air conditioned back room that we could use on Sunday but it will need to be reserved soon. They are already booked on Saturday. The charge for the use of the room is $1 per person. We can bring our own food or order from their limited menu (primarily sandwiches). We can't bring our own drinks but they sell them there. If this sounds like a good option to you, PLEASE text or call me ASAP.
If anyone is interested, they have a 9 hole golf course. The cost is $17 to walk and $26 with a cart. Again, reservations are required. The phone # to reserve a golf time is 605-594-6234 or, if you prefer, I could make the reservation for you.
I will continue to update the blog as new information is available and as we get closer to the reunion weekend. If you have questions or to respond to any of the above questions, please contact Jennifer or me. Between work, 3 children, and school ending soon, Jennifer is a very busy lady so you may have better luck reaching old retired me.
Jennifer's contact info is already on the blog
Mine is:
769-241-5236 (home)
303-915-5662 (cell)
jeannemcdonald@msn.com
Looking forward to seeing you all soon!
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