Normally I would break this journal entry down into a few separate entries but…..
I am just too tired to do that this time. It was a very long day and I am old you know.
Started the day in Bismarck, North Dakota with a few photos of Sacagawea on the Capitol property. Next was a keelboat replica down by the Missouri River and a couple bridge photos.
Then I went to Fort Mandan. This is where the expedition spent the first winter and where they met Sacagawea. Unexpectedly, the highlight of this stop was the statue of Seaman. A little larger than life-size, but very well done. Although the interpretive center was closed, I did get to wander through the replica of the fort. It seems strange to me that the interpretive center looked like it was open, there were a dozen cars in the parking lot, lights were on inside, but the doors were locked. There was no sign explaining that it was closed or why. Saturday morning within their posted open hours, but locked.
My next stop was the North Dakota Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn, North Dakota. Beautiful hilltop location just above the Missouri River. Elaborate well done displays, some interactive. The center is in the process of expanding with a new wing, but it doesn’t interfere with the existing displays. Very well done.
Next in the photos you will see just a couple of oddities that I noticed during the day’s drive.
My next stop was the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This is one of the “best kept secrets” in our park system. I spent just over 2 hours there and thoroughly enjoyed it. It consisted of a 28 mile drive through some striking terrain with views that are unique. The grazing buffalo along side the road were an additional treat.
My plans to spend the night somewhere in the NW quadrant of North Dakota did not work. I discovered that every room, bed, cot or probably even teepees were taken by the enormous imported workforce in the oil fields. I saw small trailer communities that just crop up at every turn and hill. It seems that the boom there is overwhelming the housing potential. There are signs of new motels, apartment complexes, etc, but they are way behind. My only choice was to continue to travel until I could find a location not impacted by the oil boon. That’s why I am staying the night in Wolf Point, Montana.
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