Montana

Well, as you can see, we're now in Montana and have explored the Western part of Yellowstone National Park. A remarkable drive thru beautiful, winding roads to Old Faithful. Further proof of the existence of a supreme being. Of course, the 4th of July weekend is probably the busiest time of the year, but we still enjoyed our visit. We'll be in the Yellowstone area for the next 3 days and expect to keep busy.

Another North Dakota story

While Marg and Laurel visited Theodore Roosevelt National Park as well as the Oxe Bow area, I spent yesterday (June 30) roaming the streets of Dickinson, North Dakota. Visiting shop keepers as well as locals, I stumbled across two organizations which represented a community's "self help" efforts.

The first was a unique bookstore called "Friends of the (Dickinson) Library". All the books (both soft and hard cover) -- donated by locals -- sold for the ridiculous price of no more than $ 1.00 per book while magazines such as a June 20th issue of The New Yorker sold for $ .25. The remarkable thing about this organization is that all proceeds are donated to the Dickinson Library.

The second organization, a "Good Will-type" store, called ARC (Association of Retarded Citizens) Aid. Receiving donations from the Dickinson citizens, it resells the items at quite a mark down of price. All proceeds are used by the local Association in support of the community's Special Citizens.

I specifically mention these organizations because it was refreshing to witness efforts to better a community without "Big Brother" (translated = big government) involvement. There is hope for our country after all!!!

North Dakota (continued)

For the pleasure of the guests, the Hartfiel's have created gardens allowing guests to relax in privacy.

Last evening, we traveled to Medora, ND to witness a remarkable professionally produced, high energy, Western style musical proudly dedicated to the legacy of America's 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, and the times he spent here the North Dakota's Badlands. Lots of fun.

North Dakota

The B & B we're using as "home" is the Hartfiel Inn. Rick and Quita (pronounced Kee-ta) Hartfiel are the owners of the Inn which they purchased in 1994. The extensive renovations and decorating of the Inn have obviously been inspired by the couple's European travels over the years.

On the Road Again

Well, we're on our way again. Looking forward to North Dakota for a few days. We arrived at our B & B @ 4:30 pm after a loooong trip along flat, straight roads. Very little traffic, but the landscape is considerably different --(rolling great, green plains)-- from South Dakota. We'll be in ND for 3 nites.

Lots of exciting activities tomorrow -- laundry, bike riding, and I hope a lot of "chilling".

Cheers!

Mt Rushmore

As you can see, today (Sunday) we were visiting Mt Rushmore and how impressive was this famous site? In addition to observing the monument, Margie, Laurel and I visited the sculptor's (Gutzon Borglum) studio from which he and hundreds of workers created this amazing work of art over a 14 year period (1927 - 1941). Although Borglum died before "the unveiling", his son (John Lincoln) directed the effort.

While waiting for a rather impressive government directed "light and sound" show regarding the monument, God and all his angels put on his own show at sunset.

In South Dakota

Interesting past couple of days...we arrived in South Dakota on Friday, June 25 and have been keeping fairly busy. In addition to visiting our steady diet of quilt shops, we've visited Mt Rushmore (for the evening light and sound show which was quite impressive).

The B & B we're calling our temporary home(The Hisega Lodge - picture included)is quite special. It has a long history -- built in the late 1890's -- as a summer retreat home for 6 Victorian ladies. The current owners purchased the place 3 years ago and have put their heart and soul into "their baby"! The daily breakfast have been spectacular.

Tomorrow, we're spending the day "on the road" visiting such places as Custer National Park. Looking forward to it.