We left Sturgis late morning and made it to Medora, North Dakota in time for their 4th of July parade. We didn't know what to do in North Dakota and thought about going to Fargo, being the most well known place there. But couldn't find anything of interest there, so we decided to 'forgo Fargo' <Chuckle>. Driving north into North Dakota continued the rolling, grass-covered landscape. There are long stretches of perfectly straight highway, and bales and bales of hay. We also began to notice oil drilling activity. Click the pictures to enlarge. Medora is a quaint little town (aren't they all?) along side a bluff, with long, long coal trains going through. Here are people lined up for the parade. The main attraction here in Medora is a musical that is staged in an amphitheater on a hillside with a gorgeous view of the town in the valley and hills all around. That was the best thing about the whole show, although the singers were excellent. Here is a view of the stage set and seating area. Sitting in the cool evening seeing the shadows fall over the distant landscape was almost a spiritual experience. The location of this theater is on top of a nearby mountain. Also up there, along with the usual gift shop, is an outdoor (covered) restaurant which is only open before the musical performances. The main entree is 'Pitchfork Steak Fondue'. We didn't get there in time to see them do it, but steaks are put on pitchfork tines and held in big vats of hot oil to cook. Here are the vats and pitchforks. The next morning we left to take the scenic drive (never pass up a scenic drive!)around Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The entrance to the park is in Medora so it's very convenient. The Little Missouri River flows through the park, but much of the park is North Dakota Badlands. These badlands don't seem as 'bad' as the South Dakota Badlands (note the buffalo in the 3rd picture). We made a short climb and the view was spectacular. This area is National Grassland (as well as much of South Dakota) and it's easy to visualize the vast herds of buffalo that used to roam these plains. Here's some grass. And we saw more buffalo. They don't seem to be bothered by cars. One thing different we saw here was wild horses. There were several herds of them, and when close to the road, also were not bothered by cars. Tomorrow we head west across the vast expanse of Montana (it's only 2/3 of the way across Texas) heading to Glacier Park in the northwest corner. We may be in wilderness (bear country) with limited internet, so you may not hear from us for awhile. But ... stay tuned.
3 Comments
Melody
7/7/2013 08:25:29 am
Love this! Made me sing, "oh give me a home where the buffalo roam..." So glad y'all get to experience this together. Love you both! Don't blame you if you never come home. Ha!
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lynn musgrove
7/10/2013 12:38:02 am
looks great guys be safe and keep living the dream see you soon
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steve rodriguez
7/10/2013 03:47:12 am
Oh wow!!!! Wild horses i bet were incrediable to see!!! Always wanted to travel up to South Dakota to see the open plains!!!
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Who are We?Chuck and Mary Lou have been traveling Trip Reports
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