A Two-Fer Report

We had a great time with Robin on Sunday. We all met for breakfast at Perkins and it was good. Then Robin went home to do chores and we went to the hotel to do chores. When she came back, we went to supper at Jack’s where we sampled a fleischkeuchel. It’s a local specialty, hamburger mixed with finely minced onion and garlic, pressed into a flat patty which is sealed in pastry dough and deep fried. What’s not to like about that!

After Jack’s, Robin drove us out to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It is a vast place. We stopped at an informational center and badlands overlook and took some pictures. We went up to the Medora amphitheater to enjoy the views.




Then Robin drove us on the loop on the smaller side of TRNP. We went hoping to see wildlife, and we surely did! We saw hundreds if not thousands of prairie dogs. There are large “towns” in the park, and being NPS, no attempt is made to limit or control the dogs. They eat grasses and can denude an area in no time flat. They like the grasses low, so they can better see approaching dangers. About 15 holes will constitute one den. Most of the pups born are female. The males are pushed out as soon as they can survive on their own. They are then expected to establish their own burrow system, which helps to spread the village out. The young males always move into unused areas on the edges of the existing towns. Prairie dogs will build the main entrance facing away from the prevailing winds. Facing the wind, at the far end of their burrow, they build a scooped heap of dirt, which gathers and focuses the breeze and exhausts out the entrance hole. Prairie air conditioning!

Next we encountered a small group of bison. Wow, are they huge! Taller than Robin’s Vibe and so massive. The bulls are nothing to mess with for sure. Through the evening we saw several groups of bison and several bison off by themselves. There were several calves. The ones with calves seem to herd together more than those without. The cows are very protective of the calves and will shield them from the cars. We were not allowed to get out of the car where the bison were alongside the road as they are wild animals and don’t much like to mix with humans, although I have to tell you they are not afraid of cars OR people, not one bit. They seem to know they are the top of the heap in the park. There is bison fencing all around the perimeter of the park, but if they want something on the other side, that fence will not stop them. I doubt anything could, short of an elephant gun.

The views of the badlands are absolutely spectacular. Robin timed our visit for the hours approaching darkness, because you are more apt to see animals then. We surely had a bonanza of sightings. Thunderstorms were moving in and we got a really spectacular light show. Once we spotted 2 bucks on a ridgeline and got some cool pics as you can see. When the lightening would flash, they would look toward it, just like people do. It was a most amazing afternoon and evening and neither of us would have missed it for the world. Thanks, Robin, for showing us around.

Today, the 23rd, Robin came to the hotel and took us to one of her favorite breakfast places. Once again the food was very good and the company even better. We headed back to the hotel and loaded our gear on the bikes with Robin’s help. She went off to prepare for a foster child’s respite visit and we hit the road. It was cool at times, but when the sun came out it was nice and warm. If it had not been for the gale force winds it would have been a perfect motorcycling day, not too hot and not too cold and dry and beautiful things to see along the way.

At Robin’s suggestion, we took the Enchanted Highway south. Here’s some pictures of some of the sculptures along the way.

There was almost no traffic today, no matter where we went. I am thinking South Dakota must be emptier than North Dakota even. And for sure they have just as many hay bales, which Robin assures me number way more than 200 per person.

Today we had gas station/mini-mart food for lunch. It was the first time I’ve ever eaten gas station/mini-mart food. It was also the only game in town. It was the only game in several towns, some of which consisted of a couple of houses and a barn or two. But in this gas station there were subs made to order and nice fresh bread. It was a really good sandwich, more like Subway than 7-11. They had a large seating area which we used. Also there was a table full of local older men. We had fun eavesdropping on their conversation. It seemed to us like they must get together there every day and sit and grouse and gossip and tell stories.

And now after another day of leaning on the wind, we are settled down in Mobridge, South Dakota. The Burger King here gets my award for Burger King With The Best View. It’s right on the banks of the Missouri River! Across the other side is nothing but rolling hills. No houses, no people, just river and hills. Amazing to think that much beautiful view is not stuffed full of million dollar homes and private docks for large loud boats. I can’t imagine such a view going to “waste” around Seattle.

Our connection here is slow and it's getting late, so I will upload more pics when I have a faster connection. Love to all!