On a road trip from Los Angeles to Maine, Dominic Bours had just one planned stop.
As he rode into Flandreau on the motorcycle he bought specifically for the trip, the weather was cool and overcast — a fitting backdrop for the purpose of his journey: to bring his grandfather, James Hurley, back home.
Hurley, a Flandreau native, passed away in January, just months ahead of his brother Roger. The two hadn’t spoken in years, and Dominic knew little about his grandfather’s life before he became a trucker and settled into a quiet life in L.A.
The only thing Dominic knew for sure was that Hurley had been born and raised in Flandreau. Occasionally, Hurley would reminisce about his childhood, particularly his time spent around the Big Sioux River. Dominic, now 21, regrets that he never asked more questions.
Flandreau, and the cemetery where Hurley’s family was buried, seemed the most meaningful place to spread his ashes. A local resident introduced Dominic to his aunt Carol, who guided him to the family’s gravesites at Union Cemetery.

Bours spent nearly an hour there, sitting quietly and reflecting on life, his grandfather, and saying goodbye. In his hand was an old photo of his mother and grandfather — one last connection to the past.
With his mission complete, he wasn’t sure where he’d go next.
Over coffee and a sandwich, Bours met a few people who had known Hurley. Their stories filled in gaps in his understanding of his grandfather’s life. They were details that meant the world to a young man who had no idea he had any family left.
Bours father died when he was six, and his mother passed a year later. Hurley, who had been ready to retire, took in Bours and his brother.
“I wrote him a letter once, thanking him,” he said. “He always said he was ready to die, but then he raised two boys. I don’t know if I could’ve done that.”
“He’s still the greatest man I’ve ever known. In a world where most people are motivated by money or something else, his reason for getting up every day was different. I’m glad I was raised by that.”
Bours isn’t necessarily a drifter, but he’s looking forward to a few more months on the road, alone with his thoughts, before returning to the home Hurley left him and his brother. Hurley’s death changed everything for Bours, who had been on track for a sociology degree.
He now plans to head to culinary school in the fall.
He also plans to return to Flandreau someday to spend time with and learn more about the family he now knows he has. In the meantime, he’s grateful for the kindness of strangers as he travels down the road.