 Northwest Adventure Day 2 |
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Sometimes you just have to find the fun
The terrain change was obvious as we headed into North Dakota from Minnesota. We were almost overcome by the traffic as you can see by the pictures.
We made up driving games, talked and laughed about the constant miles long of sunflower fields, wheat, and soybean. We must admit though, it was great to see the cattle roaming freely across miles and miles of range rather than the farms of Wisconsin. It was kind of ironic to see them all while Jerry munched on his beef jerky. There is beauty everywhere - in North Dakota, you just have to look a little further to find it.
Frontier Village
We started looking for sites to see along the way. You know, break up the somewhat monotonous drive. We stopped at a Visitor Center - the North Dakota scenery might be bland but the people are a hoot! They were very helpful and after exchanging their stories of having visited Milwaukee and Chicago, we headed out to stop at their suggested places while getting further along our planned route.
Frontier Village is certainly a tourist stop and worth it. History was key to the little town buildings. They hold tightly to the claim for the largest buffalo statue in the US...maybe the world and it was definitely gigantic as you can see when Rita stood under it. The bull was very life-like as well and yes, had all appropriate body parts [;].
The biggest draw to the site was the white, albino buffalo roaming freely. White Cloud is the mom to two albino young. We never saw her or her newest addition but saw the youngster roaming freely with the other buffalo. It would have been nice to see her as they are so rare but we settled for a postcard. Indians hold these albino buffalo sacred.
Historical Markers
We stopped at some historical markers. One worth remembering was a Veterans wall in Dawson, a very tiny town (don't blink or you'd miss it). The Dawson American Legion Post put in an honorable memorial to the local veterans lost in wars from WWI through the Gulf War. Atop the individual bricks with names, war, and year of giving the ultimate sacrifice, were some of the greatest quotes of all time. It was a somber visit to a very cool memorial as Jerry related to the veterans on a level only veterans can.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
We arrived at this awesome National Park early evening, thankful there was a sign telling us we had moved to mountain time (minor detail we had neglected to take into account). The scenery changed so suddenly, it was magical and we were glad we had pushed into Medora vs. staying the night earlier, only to face more North Dakota flatness in the morning. Tomorrow will bring a deeper investigation of the area as it was one of our planned stops. For tonight, a place to get some rest was a necessity.
Medora is a very quaint little town at the entrance to the Park. It is obvious that we are here off-season given little was open but we were joined by a surprising number of other travelers. Dinner at the local Little Missouri Saloon was more than sufficient and somewhat surprisingly very good. Jerry ate his ribeye like it was the best he had ever had.
A good night's sleep and we'll go deeper into this national park tomorrow. We're at the base of the south unit with plans to stop at the North Unit. Jerry felt the marked altitude change so we'll take it nice and easy and see how our travels progress. It is a very special treat to not have to rush at all - just take it as it comes and go when and where we feel like. We are adjusting quite well to this new mentality
Little Princess
White Cloud and her newest albino were nowhere to be found. This youngster was out and about
Driving Scene
Jerry got bored so started taking pictures from inside the car. Note the flat scenery beyond Rita
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September 18th 2008 - Ron & Mary: What a wonderful country!
Rita & Jerry,
Is this country neat or what? That is quite a profile of Rita from Jiggs' camera prowess! Also, tell Jiggs to stop holding his breath in pictures or he'll pass out.
Enjoy!
September 19th 2008 - Jan Holter: Adventure Day 2
Well, folks, I'm just finding my way around this blog. I see I should have probably commented on the long drive through ND on this site - as this is where you are today. I'll catch on - eventually:-) Hugs, Jan
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