North Dakota East to West

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[youtube=NU7fsMY7OJg][youtube=M1Z_sdLlgQo]

Awoke to chilly temperatures in the upper 30s, but blue skies all around. I can deal with cold just not rain especially on a bike going 70 mph. Cruised down US HWY 2. Everything now is real flat, and just gets flatter. Crossed the Red River into Grand Forks, ND, home of the Fighting Sioux. Was amazed at the largest building I had seen on the plains and in North Dakota. It was the Ralph Englestad Arena, home of the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux Hockey Team. I think they clearly love Hockey in North Dakota.

Then continued West checking a a few Giant Windmills generating electricity. They are a site to see on the plains...HUGE Windmills...

Then I got board with the highway so I took a dirt road heading west through the land of farms and pothole lakes. Ducks were everywhere in Eastern North Dakota. I could only imagine it when the birds start flying south.

Finally, stumbling upon the find of the day at the Dakota Hills Winery . Brian and Loveta were the owners and they had a great story. Purchased the old homestead a few years ago from the Mt. Baker area of Washington, where they operated a dairy farm. The homestead was a little house on the priarie setting complete with lakes surrounding it on 3 sides. The vino was pretty good too. So, if you are interested in some vino to go with your buffalo steaks, call Brain and he has some great wines to match up!

Pushed on West to the Geographic center of North America in Rugby, ND. Then on to Minot to check out where ole Mike McCoy spent some time with the Air Force. Minot's surrounding hills were pretty, but the town it itself left a lot to be desired in my opinion.

Pushed West to the arid Western part of North Dakota. The Wheat fields began and I went down to the Missouri River to follow the path of Lewis and Clark. Pulled into a sweet campsite all by my lonesome on the river and plains...

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Comments

[Melissa]

Love the TravelBlog!
So glad you're recording your journey so we can all live vicariously, Steve! Safe travels and keep the writing/photos coming. -Stamp

[Erin]

On the road again
We're following your trip here in Gainesville. Bodie wants to know if you wear a helmet (safety conscious 2-year-old; also happens to be a "Crat"). Enjoy the ride and take care, Erin p.s. We're expecting another baby in early Feb; will probably also be a "Crat". Can you stop in Florida on your way home??

[Lindsey]

Looking forward to upcoming blogs!
Thanks for adding me to the guest list! I have spent my whole morning reading through them all to catch up on your newest adventure! Now I have a new blog site to add to my favorites!

[P Clay]

rainbows...
Out west you see these gorgeous, fully arched rainbows. They're beautiful! You are meeting so many interesting people and I know they energize you! Ride on safely. Mom

[TAI PHILIP]

Very Wonderous and lovely environment.
I HAVE A HIGH INTENTION TO VISIT THESE PLACES. HONESTLY SPEAKING, I WISH I WAS THERE; DRIVING THROUGH THE STRAIGHT DIRT ROADS IN NORTH DAKOTA.

[annika]

COOL
COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Marilyn Zerull]

The builder of the monument
My father, Arthur M. Lund, built this monument when he was in the CC camp prior to WWII. He built other projects, dams for example, during this time, but this was his first project in stone. He became a carpenter, a skill he learned in the Seabees and his service in the CC camp.

[Linda]

Do you offer permission for your photos?
Hi--I have some posts about the Great Plains to go with my new book Song of the Plains and I would love to use your rainbow photo, if you allow permission. Could you please let me know? Thank you.

[LS]

Rainbow pic
Sure just send me the title of the book when you are done so I can get a copy!