Bismarck Bound and Looking For A Pool

This Is A Must Place To Go

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I left off with what seemed like an incredibly long drive back to the capital, Bismarck.  That could be because Joe was photo happy that day... he stopped and took pictures of anything that moved and some that didn't.  This should have been my morning to drive.  I was ready for civiliazation, without the locusts, famine or dought scenery.  The weather had gotten increasingly hot (Even to our standards) and we were looking forward to decompressing at a hotel with a pool and some sun god and goddess time. The only hotel we could find in Bismarck where we could sit out in the baking sun was called the Kelly Inn. The pool is inside and has a patio off the back with a few lounge chairs. We checked in at the rate of 69- a night and were pleased at the accommodations. We spent the afternoon baking in the sun and taking a few dips in the cool to relieve ourselves from the hot sun. We had passed the Alien Nation Restaurant while searching for the hotel and I insisted on at least a beer there. The outside is obnoxiously colorful and has a huge alien head welcoming earthlings in. When we got there the parking lot was packed so that was a good sign but no warning to the sights on the other side of the door. The restaurant is an arcade, nascar bar, family restaurant, and happy hour hang out all in one. We loved the garlic chicken pizza and beers we enjoyed while watching in awe all the activity, noise, and fun going on in this place. From the Alien Nation Restaurant we headed to the Port of Bismarck where we had made reservations for the Lewis and Clark Riverboat Sunset Cruise. The sunset cruise was lovely and relaxing. Sitting from the top of the boat, we enjoyed the scenery of the river and the homes on the Bismarck and Mandan sides of the river. The 1 ½ hour cruise hosted a beautiful final sunset for us in Bismarck. Back at port, we strolled back to our car after taking more pictures of the swallow nesting area underneath the bridge near the port.