Weather update: Looks like rain to the south of us as we head out of Fargo on the way to Madison by way of Minnesota. Hopefully we will be able to skirt it.
While driving the 380 miles across North Dakota yesterday we made a few stops to see some of the sights.
The first stop was a surprise as I saw this back in 2002 but thought it was in Minnesota and we wouldn’t get to it until later in the trip. It is the world’s largest Holstein cow perched high up on a solitary hill just off the interstate. You could see it from miles away. We drove up and took pictures as it would complement the Jolly Green Giant we saw in Blue Earth, MN. We could easily walk under it as it was over 40 feet tall. Most of the shots were of various members of the travelling party standing underneath hanging onto the udders. I guess being on the road for 12 days will do that to you.
Stop number two was at Fort Abraham Lincoln, from where Custer and the 7th Cavalry left on their fateful trip to the Little Big Horn. It’s a state park just south of I-94 in the town of Mandan, ND. At the park they have recreated several of the buildings including Custer’s house, a barracks, and the horse stables. Plus they have a very nice stone visitor center building that was constructed in the 1930’s by the CCC and also an authentic Indian village that was just outside of the fort’s grounds. This was an interesting state park and well worth the admission to see how life was back in the 1870’s at a western fort outpost.
Number three was an extra trip for the benefit of Mike H. but we all enjoyed it. Though we had used up almost all of my daily allotted trip time touring the other two attractions, I agreed to this extra one just to show everyone how flexible and accommodating I can be. I know it’s like I’m a new person now that I’m retired. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be (being flexible) and I’m sure the therapist back home can straighten me out once we get back. I just hope The Barb doesn’t find out I have these hidden flexibility talents. This stop was to Bismarck and the state capitol building. It’s a non-traditional designed art-deco building built back in the early 1930s. The building is 18 stories tall with a viewing area on the top floor. Again Earl checked out the elevator and decided against using it, instead walking/running up the 18 stories and meeting us there only about 3 minutes after we arrived. It was a sunny day so we enjoyed walking around and looking at the views. Too bad Earl couldn’t partake as he was off in a corner somewhere bent over and wheezing. Good thing he didn’t need CPR as he WAS NOT going to get it from me. That requires some kind of mouth-to-mouth contact, right?
In Fargo we are staying at the Super 8 in the heart of the shopping and eating district of this town of 95,000, the largest in ND. The first thing after checking in was to head to the local Wal-Mart/SAM’s which were side-by-side. How convenient!! We restocked on snacks and beverages for the final two days of the trip. The boys got distressed when neither store carried beer. What’s up with that a SAM’s not carrying beer?!! They regrouped when the friendly SAM’s greeter sent them across the parking lot to a beer store.
Then we ate Italian at Johnny Carinos, one of our best meals of the trip. And that’s saying a lot as we’ve eaten at some very good places. It looks like a chain but I’m not sure of any in the Kentucky area but worth checking out when we get back.
We also went to West Acres Mall to see the Roger Maris museum and shrine. This was Roger’s hometown. For a Wednesday, the mall was a busy place. We all left Fargo with a very favorable impression of Fargo and how attractive it is.
Tomorrow we head to Madison, WI about 450 miles away. I don’t have any detours planned as it will be just a long driving day but I’m sure we won’t be bored as someone will have a story to tell.
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