Old Retired Guy Blog
Jun 28 - Jul 3, 2007
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On the Road (Page 3/4)[July 2, 2007] When I woke up this morning I discovered that the motel was right next to a farm implement dealer. Ah, yes, we are back in America's heartland. Since we're now in a part of the country where the land is flat, the highway is straight, and the speed limit is 70 (i.e., 80), we decided we should try to get back to Madison by July 4. It would be nice to go down to Racine and visit the Leukers like we used to on Independence Days in the past. The clock didn't help, however. By mid morning we entered North Dakota and lost an hour as we slipped into the Central Time Zone.
One of the things that I like about getting a little off the beaten path is that the roads run through small towns and it's easy to find small local restaurants. I realize that some may find it hard to forsake McDonalds, but try some local spots once in a while. For example, we had lunch today at Ginger's Cafe at 216 Main Street in Williston, North Dakota. It was a nice place and was quite full of what I assumed were local folks. Since we skipped breakfast to get a relatively early start today Kathy decided to have some sweet, fruity, whipped cream covered item. She loved it. I had a ham and cheese omelet. The food was very good and neither the people nor the prices were pretentious.
One of the rest areas that we visited today was a little different. It was built like the sod houses were built back in the days of the pioneers. Fortunately for us, the facilities inside were up-to-date! At another rest area we learned that Rugby, North Dakota, is the geographical center of North America! It's amazing what you can learn at rest stops! The remainder of the afternoon was mostly the highway and more big sky. There were also quite a few yellow fields. I don't know what was growing there and didn't stop to ask any locals, so if you know, please let me know. Thanks.
On the Road |
After
lunch we decided to squeeze in a little sight-seeing so we got off of Highway 2
and drove down to the
The
only other people in the visitor center at the time were a couple from Tigard,
Oregon. They heard me make a comment about Portland and asked us where our
travels were taking us. I guess that fits into the category of "it's a
small world." This was a very pastoral setting and there were no shortages
of heat, humidity, or mosquitoes -- those folks have it all! In addition
to the scenery and the history, I also found a Mountain Dew machine sitting by
itself under a light by the parking lot. I guess that fits into the
category of "it's an odd world." 
