Friday, September 9, 2011

#11-31 Badlands, Bismarck, and Jamestown, ND 9-1 thru 9-6-2011

100_8346100_8347

We are headed into North Dakota and our first view of the badlands while driving. 
100_8355
We stopped at a view point and just were amazed at the colors and shapes of the formations.  I hope you can read the information plaque.  Double click to enlarge, Esc to return,  The badlands are ever changing and big!


We spent the night at the Elks Lodge in Bismarck, ND.  It is right near the Missouri River.  As we were leaving I took these pictures of what is sill left after the floods crested.  Thousands of sandbags everywhere you look, and water still standing along side of the road and any low spots.  As we are driving east and south we can still see so much water everywhere.
We have had to fill up the diesel tank three times so far since we left Yakima.  Prices range from a high of $3.99.9 to a low of $3.85.9.  Not a lot of difference!  Campgrounds have been running from a low of $19.00 at a Passport America to a high of $38.00 at a KOA.
We are now headed into the Labor Day Weekend.  Normally this is a very busy weekend for camping.  But we are in ND!  The campground was over half empty.  We spent the weekend at Jamestown, home of the white buffalo.  They have the mother, White Cloud and her calf, Dakota Miracle living on the 250 acre preserve.  We only saw the back side of the mother from a distance.  They were hiding in the trees.
There is a nice museum and “The worlds largest” buffalo and a “Pioneer town” all there for us to view.  The weather was windy, cold (60 degrees), but no rain!  So we just hung out, did laundry, bought groceries, hair cuts and nails!  It was a much needed stop.
100_8367100_8368

Worlds Largest Buffalo—from a distance.  This was taken from the viewing porch at the museum.  The photos show just how it was constructed.
100_8373
Up close to the big guy!
100_8369
Frank inside the museum by the stuffed buffalo.  Looking good!  Weather is cool enough for long sleeve shirts and light jackets.  The wind blew the entire time we were in Jamestown.  60 degree weather!

No comments: