Sergeant Floyd was the first, and only, person to die on the Lewis and Clark expedition.  Lewis and Clark explored the Louisiana Purchase territory by following the Missouri River.  In 1804, Sergeant Floyd died of what scholars today believe was appendicitis.  He was buried on a bluff south of Sioux City.  When the expedition returned in 1806, they found the grave had been disturbed, perhaps by wolves.  A few years later, it was discovered that the grave was in danger of washing away by the erosion of the bluff.  Remember, these bluffs are part of the Iowa loess hills and are easily eroded.  Today a sandstone obelisk stands as a memorial to Sergeant Floyd, though not exactly on his original grave site. 

The monument can be seen from I-29 and there are signs directing you to the site.  A few signs explain about the Lewis and Clark expedition and an overlook provides an outstanding view of the Missouri River and Nebraska.  Nothing special, but it is interesting and provides a quick rest break if you happen to be passing by.

I went to the Stone State Park because it was such a beautiful day and I spent most of it sitting on my butt.  The park sits on the loess hills of Iowa.  I parked up at the overlook of the Big Sioux River and hiked the trail that started there.  The trail went downhill most of the way, meaning I'd be huffing and puffing to get back.  Suddenly there was a fork in the trail.  Which way to go?  Hmmm, how about the right.  And then there was no trail.  I hate when that happens - the trail just spits you out near a road and you can't see another trail anywhere.

Looking up behind me I noticed a steep leaf-covered ravine, similar to the trail in Ponca St Pk.  So that must be the trail.  Up I went- man that was steep!  Almost straight up!  I was pooped when I got to the top.  I followed the little trail and it forked again.  I decided that this wasn't really a hiking trail - it must be a deer trail.  Now what?  I saw the trail continue up a little grass covered hill, so I followed that.  Yay!  There's the road!  I'm not lost! 

According to my map I took an incredibly steep short cut and completely missed my other trail.  Instead I decided to hike down to the lake, only I didn't realize it was all downhill - that means it will be all uphill to get back.  The lake was great - I would say peaceful, but the geese were honking and fighting so it wasn't very quiet.  I saw two geese with a bunch of little baby geese across the lake and a couple other pairs of geese. 

On the way back up the hill I stopped to rest and found myself looking at all the rocks - the only rocks I saw in the park.  I read the rocks in the park had fossils, so I looked closer - sure enough!  I found shells in the limestone.  Cool!  Most of the park sits on the loess hills, but the trail down to the lake drops completely through the loess overlying the bedrock below.  I ended up not too far from my truck, so I walked back by the road since there was no hiking trail back.  I finished the scenic loop drive and called it a day.

I thought I'd drive up to the War Eagle Monument for a nice view of the tri state area and maybe catch the sunset.  I am currently in Sioux City, Iowa and the Missouri River separates Iowa from South Dakota and Nebraska.  South Dakota is the peninsula that juts into the Missouri River - it is the extreme southeast tip of South Dakota, also known as Dakota Dunes, which is a part of North Sioux City, SD.  South Sioux City, Nebraska is across the river.  Follow?

I am standing on the loess hills of Iowa.  Loess is wind blown silt pulverized from the glacier during the last ice age. The silt was washed down from meltwaters and became wind-blown when dried.  The silt accumulated in dunes similar to sand dunes on a beach - only much larger!  The loess hills are defined as accumulations of loess greater than 60 feet, though in many cases it is over 200 feet!  As you drive along I-29 south from South Dakota into Iowa, the dunes are evident on the eastern side of the road. 

Cheif War Eagle is famous for being tolerant of the white man.  Under his leadership, two of his daughters married white men against their tribal traditions.  His tolerance of white men helped lead to the settlement of Sioux City.  The monument itself is not that impressive, but the story is important and the view is great! 

We decided since we are so close to Nebraska that we should skip in and 'claim' it as one of our road trip states. So we decide to head south to Omaha for lunch

Drove on from Wall, and detoured south down I-29 to Sioux City, IA
Passed half an hour with former neighbors from Tacoma.
They had lived next door to a niece, and the next building from me.
Two years ago.
Then on to a motel for the night.
Until later.