Destination: The Vast, Rugged, and Scenic North Dakota
John got a transport job to North Dakota. We left Kentucky the next morning and drove to Indiana to pick up the travel trailer for transport, spending the night in Indiana.
John did the necessary pre-trip inspection and paperwork prior to our heading out.
As the passenger, I went to my Harvest Host app to reserve a place for the night. I put in a request to stay at Northwoods Brew Pub in Osseo, Wisconsin, which was accepted. I love this pub. We had dinner in exchange for parking for the night. We sat near the 3-sided fireplace, which was so warm and cozy! John had a burger, and I had the Burnt Ends. 😋 It was a nice relaxing dinner after driving through the traffic in the greater Chicago area. It was nice to just sit and relax. There is also a multi-use path that runs right past the restaurant - - the Buffalo River State Trail. The path spans 36 miles and is built on an old railroad corridor that follows the Buffalo River Valley. I LOVE to walk! We were on a schedule; however, so maybe next time!
The next day we left Osseo, Wisconsin and headed to Grand Forks, North Dakota. After John delivered the travel trailer, we headed to refuel at Flying J and then refill one of our propane tanks at TSC. That night's destination was Valley Christian Church, who participates in the Harvest Host program. It was only a 6-mile drive, which was nice after driving from Wisconsin. We used the outside Donation Box to contribute to our host and then we took a nice long walk before having dinner in the camper.
While John waits for the next dispatch opportunity, we take that time to meander, or take the scenic way back toward Indiana. With no current transport opportunities (slow time of the year), we decided to see some of North Dakota. We started our day by using Federal Express to send our tax preparation to our accountant. Then we went to Valvoline Instant Oil Change. Maintenance on our truck is a top priority! See John's From the Driver's Seat posts for more on maintenance and the care of our GMC.
We headed out, and were so excited to see some of North Dakota. One thing we noticed is that once you leave a city, there is almost nothing for a while. So it's city, then land as far as you can see. And the transition is quite abrupt, which we were fascinated by.
We headed West and took North Dakota Highway 20 through Devil's Lake. The lake is expansive. We saw cars, trucks, and trailers on the frozen lake! There was even a car (pic below!) that had a banner on it that said "When will it sink?" John and I pictured locals placing bets at the nearby bars.
We stopped at the White Horse Hill Wildlife Game Preserve, where we saw elk and bison. We hiked a trail to an observation deck overlooking the water. It was a great stop. And whenever our stops have an opportunity to hike or walk, I am ALL about it! 🥾 ࿚
Side Note: I just completely lost my concentration! My phone came up with a TikTok notification that said Kevin Bacon started following me! Even if it is an imposter, it still makes you say, "What😜?!" Okay, let's get back to it!
We stopped at Rosie's Market & Grocery in Leeds. While in Leeds we also went to the Post Office to mail a couple postcards. We regularly mailed postcards to my Aunt in Pennsylvania and also to Mike in South Carolina, who was my Mom's gentleman friend. Unfortunately, both have since passed. 😢
We spent the night at Jan's Stall Mall & RV Park in Leed's next to Route 2. It was listed in our Harvest Host app. She replied that the RV Park is closed for the winter, but she graciously allowed us to stay even though she was out of town. We walked to the Cenex Convenience Store and then made dinner. We streamed a show and watched a GORGEOUS sunset right out our camper door. It was such a great day!
The next day we took 281 South. We stopped in Jamestown, North Dakota (West of Fargo) and went grocery shopping at Hugo's. We LOVE to go to different grocery stores! Some are unlike anything we know. We have seen stores that have sporting goods downstairs and groceries upstairs. We have seen grocery stores that sell hard liquor. We have been to small markets that display their vegetables in a rotating dessert case! From the layouts, the size, the items they carry, you never know what you are going to see! I have to admit, we find it utterly intriguing.
Our drive went beyond dusk and we were treated to another beautiful post-sunset glow!
Where were we heading after dusk?
Stay tuned for next week's post!
Great post about ND! It IS interesting how the change is so abrupt from prairie and farm land to a metropolitan area. I also like going to different grocery stores. I like it because it is cool to see a bit more into the local "flavor" of a community. I would take a moment to chat with other customers or the checkout person. We have such a wonderful Nation- and such great people to talk to and learn from.