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Disconnected in Dickinson

9/14/2016

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Not from the internet, but our truck. Yesterday we left Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and were zipping right along on I-94 headed to Theodore Roosevelt National Forest. We had a campground picked out and side trips planned. The road for once was fairly smooth and my internal organs were staying in their rightful places. I was making good progress on wrapping up the first draft of my new book, The Space Invader.

And then the engine light came on. Soon there were ominous sounds coming from the motor. This is western North Dakota, one of the most sparsely populated states. The towns we were passing averaged about 700 people and the exit signs all said No Services. The nearest Chevy garage appeared to be 60 miles away in Dickinson. The noise got steadily worse and we barely made it up some of the hills. But we did make it and limped into a mega-dealership with nicer facilities than any school I ever taught in.

After analysis, it was determined that the beast needed a complete valve overhaul on one side or something like that. They would start on it right after lunch but there was a good possibility that it wouldn't be finished that day. They gave us the names and phone numbers for several campgrounds--one only a short distance away. So my driver and house boy coaxed a few more blocks out of the truck and we pulled in to North Park Campground. This is a typical urban campground with no wilderness and sites pretty close together, but the manager, Holly, gave us one of the best receptions we've ever had. She chose two sites with our doors facing each other and offered several times to provide shuttle service to drop off or pick up the truck. Once parked and unhooked, we resigned ourselves to waiting. There are several things to see in Dickinson but without the truck, we aren't very mobile. Nothing within our bike range. There was a call mid-afternoon that another part would be needed. We are now up to wiping out most of our children's inheritance. Sorry kids.

They also said it would be after noon today before it was finished. When I asked the campground manager about extending the noon checkout time, she said she had already put us down for a late checkout. She also has an adorable 5 month old baby girl. So that part is all good. We are only about an hour from the campground we had picked out in Grassy Butte so we hope to make that this afternoon. Although yesterday wasn't Friday, it was the 13th. We shall see what we shall see.


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Oh, There You are, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Clark

9/12/2016

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Yesterday, we found our way to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and the reconstructed Fort Mandan, where they spent the winter of 1804-05. I don't want to go into detail, but let's just say that it was lucky the Corps of Discovery didn't depend on us to guide them where they were going. Anyway, we, like they, made it before winter set in. The interpretive center had an overview of the whole expedition with a focus on their experiences in this area. The winter gave them the time and opportunity to study one of the Native American cultures in some depth, as Jefferson had instructed.

The reproduction of the fort is estimated to be about ten miles east of where it actually stood, because the river itself has moved since then. But, the descriptions left by the explorers enabled them to feel very confident in the accuracy of design. Our tour guide was a retired newspaper editor from Georgia and did an excellent job.


Earlier, we had toured the Custer House here in the park where the Lt. Colonel and his wife spent the two years before his ill-fated trip to Little Big Horn. It was also a great tour with a very well informed guide.
After 86 degrees and sunny skies yesterday, it is somewhat of an adjustment today with strong winds, cloudy skies, and a high of about 60. We spent part of it at the laundromat in Mandan--probably not a highlight of the trip--and will warm our insides this evening with a Dutch oven of turkey stew.
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#46

9/11/2016

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After a brief overnight stop in Mobridge, South Dakota on Friday night, we arrived yesterday at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park near Mandan, North Dakota. This is #46 on my list of states--I just have Oregon, Maine, Alaska and Hawaii left. Probably not all in one trip. On our way here we passed through Standing Rock Reservation and the site of the ongoing protests over the Bakken pipeline. Since the government ordered a temporary halt to construction late Friday, there was not an active protest, but there was still lots of activity. We wish them the best.

Fort Abraham Lincoln is a beautiful park. North Dakota state park camping is more expensive than Iowa but they obviously spend more on facilities. On the grounds are the old military barracks and a restored Mandan village along with a great visitor center originally constructed by the CCC. There is also a trolley that runs to the town of Mandan. We checked out the village and the center yesterday.
Today we will explore the barracks area and drive to the restored Fort Mandan where Lewis and Clark spent their first winter. It's a chilly morning but supposed to be in the 80s today--with a drop into the 50s tomorrow.
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Dire Predictions

9/9/2016

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We ended yesterday with a little campfire and watching the spectacular clouds off to the southwest. There was a cell moving in from that direction but on the radar it didn't appear it would hit here. But on the better safe than sorry premise and because we were leaving here today, we put things away and went inside. While we were doing dishes, Harriet came back over and told us to turn on the TV for the weather warning. The scroll across the bottom of the screen practically shouted about a storm moving in with strong winds, and ping-pong size hail. It said "ROOFS AND SIDING WILL BE DAMAGED. PEOPLE AND ANIMALS OUTSIDE WILL BE INJURED." It was to arrive at this campground at 9:05--in about twenty minutes. We turned on the TV and closed windows, watching the approach and the continued updates. The last one was cut off, because there was a football game on and apparently that was more important.

At 9:05, the rain started, and it sounded like small hail although it's difficult to tell in a camper. Any storm is pretty noisy. But it passed in a few minutes--apparently the worst of it to our south and we dodged another bullet. So we still have a roof and windows. And ourselves.

Before all this excitement, we had spent part of the day around Chamberlain, first at the Akta Lakota Museum at St. Joseph's Indian School. There are many beautiful examples of the Native American culture, much information about their tragic treatment by the whites, and outside, a circular medicine garden.
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Next, on the advice of a camping neighbor, we went to the rest stop on the interstate which also is the site of a Visitor's Center, telling the local story of the Lewis and Clark expedition. This is a particular interest of ours and we hope to hit more Lewis and Clark stops. The center is across the river from the stop that the Corps of Discovery named "Camp Pleasant," and the view is wonderful. Today we will head north along the Missouri on our own, more comfortable adventure.

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Corn Palaces and Campgrounds

9/8/2016

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Our route yesterday along I-90 in South Dakota took us past Mitchell and the "World's Only Corn Palace." This is a site I have heard about and seen postcards of since I was a kid in southern Minnesota. The Black Hills were a popular vacation destination for people in that area and everyone stopped at the Corn Palace. Except me. I was enthralled with the idea of a building made out of a common crop. I was intrigued by the multicolored murals depicting South Dakota scenes and history. So I insisted to my travel mates that we swing through town to glimpse this wonder. Well, as you can see, this year's murals are not bursting with color and I don't normally connect Elvis and Willie Nelson with South Dakota, but the composition of the murals is interesting and now I can say, "Been there, done that."

We seem to be attracted to campgrounds below the dam. We have frequented Tailwater West at Coralville Lake and Howell Station at Lake Red Rock. So here we are at Left Trailrace Campground below the dam at Lake Sharpe on the Missouri River. It's a beautiful spot and our sites are at the end of the point with water on both sides. It is one of the quietest places that I have ever been. After several days of storms and possible severe weather, the nasty stuff passed us by resulting in an impressive sunset.
We were interested in seeing three old forts in the area, only to find out that they were washed away in the 2011 floods. There is a museum of the Plains Indians culture in nearby Chamberlain that might be worth a short trip. And, on the more mundane side, according to the campground guide, there are laundry facilities here. Woohoo!
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Bye Bye 'Boji

9/7/2016

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The day after Labor Day appears to be a pretty quiet day in a lake resort area. Like everyone is closed. Except the visitor's center and Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum at Arnold's Park. So we enjoyed looking at the old boats and photos that showed the history of the area.

I was disappointed that the Queen II excursion boat was not running, but we enjoyed the instruments in Harmony Park and then, after much searching, found a place for lunch overlooking the lake.
Gray skies and closed candy shops notwithstanding, it was a lovely day. Shower report--Showers at Beed's Lake and Emerson Bay rate an A-. Better planning of the dividers between showers and dressing area could result in drier clothes but they do have two big hooks, temperature control, and good pressure.

Today, through the corner of Minnesota and into South Dakota and the Corn Palace! Stay tuned.

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Hail, Hail...

9/6/2016

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So a few minutes ago I checked the weather for here at West Okoboji and the 'Minutecast' said 'Hail likely for the next 11 minutes.' Yikes. So far we've had hard rain but no hail. And I am knocking on wood.

We arrived late yesterday afternoon at Emerson Bay State Park on the west side of Okoboji and spent some time choosing sites and getting level, so had to take in some R&R after that, followed by a simple supper and an early night. 

Sunday at Beed's Lake was a beautiful day with a short bike ride in the morning and a trip to Town's End Winery in Hansell in the afternoon. It was their fall release festival which meant they had numerous local venders hawking their wares in tents on the grounds and live music. We passed up several well crafted items but I did succumb to a couple of jars of homemade jelly and jam. We finished off the day with Ken's smoked pork steak, potatoes, and fresh asparagus, with apple cake around the fire. Not too shabby.

Today we plan to visit the Arnold's Park area. I am the only one who has been there and that was circa 1955. It may have changed. And at some point today we need to make plans for where we go next.

And the 11 minutes has passed, as well as the storm, and no hail!

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Senior Biking and Sunset Binging

9/4/2016

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Yesterday, after the guys took off for the golf course, Harriet and I decided we would check out the bike trail and bike into Hampton. Now, one of the Great Truths of the Universe is that a road that seems flat and short in a motorized vehicle becomes moutainous and about 50 miles on a three-speed bike into a stiff breeze. Especially when you're old. So the road south from the park to Highway 3 was a real challenge to my stamina and biking skills. But finally, the trail turns east along the highway, and we made better progress, even with a side wind. We stopped at a farm on the way at one of the plethora of garage sales and picked up snacks at a stand supporting the local food pantry.

 At the edge of town, the bike trail turns north--a huge relief with the wind behind us. Then we followed it east across the north edge of town. When it appeared we were headed back into the countryside, we were afraid we would end up in Dubuque, so we turned and rode through the cemetery. I was able to show Harriet where the cemetery pond had been when I was growing up, that was a perfect Currier and Ives ice skating rink in the winter, complete with a six sided warming shed and wood stove.

From there, we followed side streets downtown. Since it was nearing lunch, and we were being overtaken by the nap virus, we let our boyfriends know that they could pick us up in town and buy us lunch. Two lucky guys, right? While we waited, we explored some of Hampton's delightful specialty shops--the Cornerstone Cottage, the Wood Cellar, and the Orange Possum.  At the Orange Possum, I spotted a pair of Minnetonka boots and fell in love. There are not many name brands that make my heart beat faster but Minnetonka moccasins is one of them. The clerk said that was the last pair they had of that style and Harriet told me if they were my size, I was meant to buy them. What could I do? Of course, it isn't really surprising that the last pair to sell is a size 10, but still.
By that time our chariot arrived, and after a great lunch at the Rustic Brew, the bikes were loaded and we headed back to the campground for naps. We recovered our energy and appetites enough to indulge in a hearty supper and then walked some of that off with a trek to the beautiful spillway and some sunset picture taking. Thank goodness for digital cameras, because I do go overboard for sunsets and ended up with about 25 photos. It's hard to beat the sunsets on Beed's Lake on a perfect night.
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And We're Off!

9/3/2016

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After weeks of planning--well, okay, we made reservations for Beed's Lake since it's Labor Day weekend--stocking and restocking the camper. adding a bike rack, arranging for one of our handsome grandsons to house sit, making sure we had some DVDs for those rainy, no TV reception places, and packing plenty of books, we launched yesterday and have set up at Beed's Lake, near Hampton.

The place is packed but we have two sites facing each other across a small grassy area that works perfectly for us. We opted for a simple supper last night, walked down to see a beautiful sunset, and then had a visit with one of my classmates and her husband. Cool night, perfect for a fire, and no infestation of mosquitos and no-see'ums like our last couple of trips.
Today, the boys will play golf at the beautiful Hampton Country Club while Harriet and I try out the bike trail. There is a 3-county yard sale going on along Highway 3--it sounds safe since we won't be able to carry any grand pianos or four poster beds on our bikes. This afternoon, I hear there's an Iowa game on TV.

Monday we will strike out west for Okoboji for a couple of days and then the Dakotas and Montana. We hope. Unless there's an early blizzard.
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