10MAY2011 near Fort Yates, ND - Last night was the 3rd night in a row that I slept indoors and the 3rd night in a row that a violent storm passed through. Thunder, lightening and tornado warnings were nothing one would want to be out in. Outdoors sleep would not happen in such a night due mostly to concern about the inverted canoe flipping ... and the effort needed to hold it down. Going forward I will need to anchor the canoe when I invert it; apparently as I get more into the prairie that will be an increasing need.

As I gather my belongings and prepare to check out, I know I will come back to this reservation and this casino. Rarely have I been in the presence of people who are 100% involved in quality, or better said, of people 100% of whom are interested in quality. This observation comes from several directions, the main three being appearance, professionalism and helpfulness. The latter is unique in my experience. Of course I have met many helpful people, but this is deeper. I never heard "It's not my job" nor note any body language to suggest the same ... rather I was regularly helped by folks who I expect were outside their area of work, yet were doing what they could to help. I also never heard the flip side "Don't thank me, it's my job" nor the statement that causes my teeth to grind "I can not help with that, you'll have to ..." Once I was outside looking for the Guest Services door - rather than walk through the smoky casino - and a man at the truck dock noticed me and asked if he could help. He then telephoned Guest Services, telling them my name and what I wanted all while walking with me around the exposition center. Until we cleared the exposition center and he pointed to the door, he extolled the wonder of the exposition center and the performers who have appeared there - the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band having just been there on Saturday. When I got to Guest Services, my ride to the marina was already on his way and I was asked if I needed more. Later, back at my room, I noticed a room attendant down the hall vigorously vaccuuming a chair cushion. In reply to my question, he said it was something that was good to do on occasion ... never a hint that he could "get by and still get paid" by doing less. On every occasion that I nodded or spoke to any worker I got a pleasant response back, none of the "umhs" or blank stares that - while not expected - are often encountered. Regarding appearance, all the people are dressed nicely ... not just most, all. There are no disengaged countenances, and I just now thought about this - no facial steel or tattoos. The hotel/room appearance is superb and that is a good first impression; the helpfulness and professionalism got my attention increasingly as the time passed. All in all it is a joy and pleasure to be among such people and I look forward to returning.

Expecting to depart late (an afternoon storm was predicted), during lunch I checked weather.com and saw an update indicating a current 5mph wind speed. With the help of Edman Fasthorse I was in the canoe and underway by about 1300.  As good as that was, it didn't last. After two miles I was battling a whitecap generating head wind. There was nothing to do but pull over and wait, using the time to dry my bedding - which was soaked.  While it dried I enjoyed the sun - which has been a bit scarce lately.  Edman said I could make Mobridge with one good day. That is doubtful with 49 miles to go, but two good days is certainly possible.

The wind did not subside, but it changed (briefly) nto a west wind.  I used the opportunity to advance a short distance to a bay and a good campsite.  As the sun sets I am still there; the Ft. Yates water tower is now in sight.  Thus is the end of a two-mile day.