Perk's Posts: July 2014

July 5 From Mandan, ND to Ashby, MN

Crossing Missouri River from Mandan to Bismark, SD

Minnesota countryside is dotted with 11,842 lakes.

View from Prairie Cove Campground In Ashby MN, where we spent night and enjoyed several private fireworks displays from across the lake

July 7 to Duluth, MN and Superior, WI

Leaving Wm O'Brien SP, we took the scenic route north for a while. We encountered a detour because of bridge work and had to follow a dirt road for 10 miles .Straight road on rolling terrain.

In Harris MN, we came across a really good local restaurant. Giving it five stars. For hearty eaters.

Swedish meatballs w peas and carrots and mashed potatoes 'n gravy

Rhubarb pie

Alternative landscape for tattoo place next door

Hydrant ornament

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From overlook south of Duluth, MN. Shall see more of Lake Superior tomorrow.

We camped at Northland Camping and RV Park. Nice place with amenities, and many mosquitoes.

July 6 to Mall of America and William O'Brien State Park

Here we are at Mall of America. Over 400 stores, a big aquarium, and a full amusement park under one roof

And they are adding a few acres to it. Because of the construction, we had to park almost 1/2 mile away and walk. We were directed to the Sears store entrance.

Scenes around the amusement park. William loves to watch "Dora the Explorer."

Several wild roller coasters for the thrill seekers.
The mall has some sections that are 4 floors, but most are 3. The stores were typical mall stores except for the Legoland Store, the Peeps store, and the Nickelodean store. We ate dinner in the Twin City Grill inside the mall and when we left there, the Sears store, as well as most others, was closed. Therefore, we had to find a mall exit and walk about a mile back to the RV.

Spent the night at William O'Brian State Park, MN.

July 4 to Mandan (& Bismark) ND

South of Wolf Point, MT

We did not drive into Theodore Roosevelt NP. We will save that for another trip. These pictures were taken along the interstate and at a rest area/scenic overlook into the park.

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Painted Canyon at Theodore Roosevelt NP

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Drove on to Bismarck, SD. Enjoyed the 4th of July celebration on the grounds of the state capitol building. The Bismarck Symphony played before and during the fireworks. Then we backtracked a few miles to our campground for the night in Mandan, SD. We discovered that fireworks are legal in SD, and just about on every street corner or parking lot people were setting them off. A lot of noise, a lot of smoke, and a lot of fireworks! We could still hear some of the explosions at 2AM.
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July 2 & 3 West Glacier, Many Glaciers and to Havre To Wolf Point, MT

We drove around to the East Glacier Gate. The gate person advised us that we could drive further in with our camper if we drove further north to the Many Glaciers entrance

Along the way to Many Glaciers Lodge we saw this

Looking left from the bridge to Many Glaciers Lodge

Looking to the right (west) from the bridge

Still looking right

Leaving the Lodge area. Some folks said they saw bear down there

Near the entrance

Reminder: much of Montana is open range

Stayed at Evergreen Campground near Havre, MT. A nice place. Bathrooms clean but nothing fancy. WiFi and cable but minimal.

July 3 mostly just on road in eastern MT following rail and Milk river. Neither of our phones work for calling or text, so must be Verizon dead zone. When we drove through Hinsdale, MT (pop 217), the rodeo was happening. Other 4th events include, free street dance with live music, pancake breakfast at midnight, a parade, a community picnic, a pie auction, and fireworks. These folks don't just observe the 4th, they do it! There were at least half a dozen other scheduled events. All Part of "Milk River Days" event.

Ate at very good Hitchin Post Cafe in Malta next to DQ. Camped at Motel and RV on Rt 2 in Wolff.

July 1 West Glacier and to East Glacier

We went into West Glacier. Highway to the Sun was closed due to recent snow and avalanche damage to road guard rails. We waited in line and took one to the small buses up to the Loop, then hiked a little further up to a bridge.
Me (blue) taking pic of Beth, who has climbed up trail a ways