NOVA SCOTIA: BISMARCK TO WINNIPEG

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Bismarck to Rugby to International Peace Gardens to Winnipeg

I know my travel blog is getting a late start but you have to have WIFI to publish so here goes…

A big thanks to JoLynn for planning my Nova Scotia “Send-Off”. We had many friends there and it was a great event. Honey, thanks for all your planning and special touches to make it special. I love you and here’s a great big “thank-you” across the miles. A little rain did not ruin the excitement.

I had been planning the Nova Scotia ride for almost one year. Why Nova Scotia? Well, it’s hard to top the Alaskan Highway and 6,000 miles of beautiful mountain scenery. So, the Eastern part of Canada beckoned after researching the far East Provinces and Nova Scotia had a lot of things I was looking for in a final destination and ride. That will come later.

So, May 22 arrived too soon and before I knew it, the bike had to be packed and repacked to adjust the load and even cut back on items that needed to be left behind. I have very limited room so packing is a critical element. I consulted some world travelers and used some of their ideas on what to take and what to leave behind.

Saturday arrived overcast and 59 degrees…some would say that is cold riding weather but with all my extreme gear, it was okay with me. After a quick cup of coffee, which would be my last until I returned (caffeine dehydrates), I donned my riding gear, kissed JoLynn goodbye and set out on my 21 day, 7,000 mile adventure. I even had the wild idea to get a “vanity” license plate. ADVNTR symbolizes the type of riding I really love to do.

My route took be to Steele, ND and straight North to the International Peace Garden. I did stop at the “Geographical Center of North America” to snap a picture.

The Geographic Center of North America -- as important a center as you're likely to find -- lies in the town of Rugby. It's marked by a rock obelisk, about 15 feet tall, flanked by poles flying the US and Canadian flags. It is a monument easily missed. Amazingly, it wasn't until 1931 that this important Center was finally found so I guess it is official. Every town has their “claim to fame.”

I have lived in North Dakota since 1986 and have never been to one of the most traveled to locations in North Dakota…the International Peace Gardens. Heading north from Rugby I finally made it after 24 years! It was very dreary and hardly anyone was at the Center. Of course, tourist season starts soon. I paid a fee of $10.00 for my motorcycle and one person.

The Peace Gardens compromise 2,339 acres of scenic drives, formal and wildflower displays (not many this early in the season) waterfalls, and a large variety of North American birds and animals.

The concept of the Peace Garden was intended to represent a celebration of the peaceful coexistence between Canada and the United States, illustrating to the world their commitment to world peace. We still have a ways to go.

It was dedicated on July 14, 1932. A new feature to the Garden is the 911 Memorial Contemplative Garden. Pretty humbling to know where they came from and to see them up close and personal.

As you can see from the pictures it was overcast and misting and stayed that way from Dunseith, ND to Winnipeg where I spent my first night on the trip. Total mileage to Winnipeg was almost 400 miles.

I stayed at the Traveler’s Campground in Winnipeg. Not a bad place and lots of green grass to pitch my tent.

Now, the first night camping can be exciting because that is the time you realize if you left something behind and ask the question, “where did I pack the tent mat and other items. It takes a few nights to get into a routine but it all came back.

The first day’s ride was getting back into a routine and slowly realizing what you are about to do and if you can stand up to the elements, long miles, sore but muscles, evading the four-legged animals and just unwinding from work.

In that respect, I was successful.

I hope you enjoy the ride and I will see you later when Day 2 is published.

Rob

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