Back along the Lewis and Clark Trail

Hazy wet ride along the Missouri River in ND

Tuesday, June 30

Today started with a wet ride.  It was just spitting when we left Cross Ranch SP but it turned into a rain off and on for the 42 mile loop.   The first 15 miles were the dirt river road running along the Missouri River so we took the fat tire tandem.   Having left the flat plains of eastern ND we were happy to have some rolling hills to ride.

Then on to Fort Abraham Lincoln SP outside of Bismark.   We journeyed into Bismark, the capital of North Dakota.  We had dinner at an Irish pub (ranked #2 in Bismarck by TripAdviser) and it was good food and gave us a chance to walk around downtown. 

Fort Abraham Lincoln is where Custer rode out for his fateful last stand.  The North Dakotans are quick to inform you that he was in good health when he left ND.   Hope our luck in Montana is better than his at Little Big Horn.

Theodore Roosevelt NP

Wednesday, July 1

We rode downriver from the state park, following the Missouri River to Sugar Loaf Recreation area and back. Beth scored both a motorcycle and a auto ND license plate on this 25 mile out and back ride.   Weather was great, but still a little hazy from the smoke blowing in from Canadian forest fires.

Then onto Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, ND in the badlands near the Montana boarder.   We are staying in the South Unit at the Cottonwood campground... and yes, there is plenty of cottonwood floating around the camp site.   Again a dry camp with no electrical service, but water is available if needed.   

Bison who was a little close for comfort... giving us the eye

Teddy Roosevelt established two open range ranches here; one with partners and one his own operation.  Elk Horn became his principal residence, a place he could live the "strenuous life".   By spending time here, he developed many of his conservationist ideals.  

Thursday, July 2

We rode the 36 mile loop of the south unit.   

We are definitely back in the west now, with buttes and great rock formations.  We felt a little like we were back home in NM, but way too much green grass for that.   

We were lucky to see a variety of wildlife including prairie dogs, feral horses, mule deer and bison.  One of the bison was so close to the road we were a little worried he might come after us as we were climbing a pretty steep hill and he would have had no trouble running us down.  

A field of  Canola.  We have seen huge fields of the yellow flowers and Beth finally Googled it to find that ND is the largest producer of Canola in the US.