Joe & Frannies Blog on RealTravel

Bismarck journal: Our Final-Go-Round

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 15:36:10 GMT

The Rodeo comes to ND once a year and our night there was planned long ago while planning our trip. In fact, the preceding week had all been planned based on our arrival back in Bismarck for the 15th in order to catch the rodeo. We arrived at the Civic Center on our last evening in Bismarck to find people from all over who had come to see the Rodeo. From our amazing seats we watched over 40 cowboys try to reach the 8 second mark on these powerful bulls. The evening began with an American Tribute to our troops and while the tribute video played, the event staff poured gasoline in the outline of ...

Bismarck journal: Winding Down in Bismarck

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 15:22:37 GMT

Our last day in Bismarck was the hottest of all our days on the trip. We decided to check out the city’s Dakota Zoo. After attempting, with failure, to get a cup of coffee at the world’s worst coffee house in town, we got protein shakes at an excellent juice bar along the way. The zoo opens at 10 and we were there when the gates opened. By 10:10 the heat started to get intense. The zoo could be nice, though we were a little disappointed. The chain-linked fence cages were covered with moss and the heat only cooked the smell of animal urine among many of the cages. The real annoyance came from ...

Bismarck journal: Bismarck Bound and Looking For A Pool

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:27:43 GMT

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 ...

Beach journal: Vamos a La Playa in North Dakota

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 15:59:53 GMT

Beach is a town west of Medora about 15 miles. The little town was a spot that we sought out because Joe had found a pottery store on line that he wanted to check out in this quaint community town. The town of Beach, like so many of the others we passed through is small. This town though has the signs of progress. Quite a few trendy little spots in town, Beach is a town with promise. We kept asking ourselves over and over, “why do people live here?” and “How to the businesses stay afloat?” The fact is that they do though. We found the Prairie Fire Pottery, where we met Tama Smith. Tama is the ...

Belfield journal: Back Country Driving to The Badlands

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 15:59:14 GMT

Rising before the sun is one of Joe’s favorite things to do on vacation. Out here, it’s hard to do as you have to be up pretty early to make a sunrise. 4:30 am averages a good wake up time for seeing the sunrise. Joe took the car and traveled back on Route 21. He came back with shots of hawks on hay bales, owls with mice in their mouths, not to mention a wonderful sunrise. We had a wonderful breakfast with Don and Bonnie where we got a primer lesson on the different kinds of wheat and grain that Don grows. We learned how the crops are driven by the stock market, the business behind the wheat, ...

Medora journal: Big Time in The Badlands

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 15:57:53 GMT

Arriving in Medora from Belfield had great anticipation after seeing nothing along Route 21, the signs of life and RVs let us know something special was ahead of us. We arrived at Painted Canyon Visitors Center around 10 am. If you are coming west, stop at the visitor’s center even if it’s just for the view. The visitor’s center at the entrance of the Teddy Roosevelt National Park will give you the same information, but the view is a great first glance of what’s to come once arriving in the park. The sights from the Painted Canyon lookout were amazing. Spanning from left to right, we could see ...

Regent journal: Following the Enchanted Highway

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 15:56:52 GMT

Continuing on our journey, we pressed on for the Enchanted Highway, heading west on Route 94. As we approached the enchanted highway we could see the first signs set off from the highway, a huge metal sculpture depicting the migration of geese in the area. We stopped at the top of the highway exit to see the sculpture. Made of scrap metal and some paint, the display is big, just like the space it occupies and makes for a great introduction into the rest of the highway. As we turned down the enchanted highway, one of the five scenic byways in the state, we weren’t exactly sure how far apart or ...

Bismarck journal: No Rain, No Traffic and Beautiful Sunshine

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 15:56:17 GMT

After a flawless traveling morning, we arrived in Bismarck around 10:30 am. After weeks of rain and humidity, it was great to see the sunshine and the blue sky when we arrived. From the plane, I knew that there was something special about the clouds and sky in ND; they must be special to be able to have the honor of living in a sky as big as the one here. Joe stepped outside to check about a cab when we arrived and came in smiling. “Just go outside,” he said. The air was dry, warm, and soothing. We knew, as we walked to the cab that the day was going to be great. The cab driver took the wind ...

Regent journal: Regent, ND Human Pop. 100, Pheasant Pop. 1,000,000,000,000

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 15:55:14 GMT

Regent was our first official town stop in what would become a ten day road trip of small towns. Driving into Regent was the quintessential small town. We passed the Co-op grocery store, the last standing one, the Sinclair gas station (Remember the Dinosaur) and convenience store, a few small store fronts and a bar advertising “Cold Beer”. Yes!

We rounded the corner and located the Crocus Inn only 1 block from the Main Street. I must tell you that there may be only 5 streets in the whole town. The Inn is charming and quaint and beautifully landscaped from the outside. It becomes even ...

North Dakota journal: North Dakota or Bust... The Travels of Frannie & Joe

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 15:55:14 GMT

When Joe suggested to me in a fleeting by-the-way- kind of tone he uses so often that we travel to North Dakota this summer, it never occurred to me to ask why. Two years ago I began traveling more and more so to think I could stake a claim on the Midwest left very few reasons for considerations. Although I never asked why, I did wonder what we would do for 10 days in a state. I knew I would appreciate the Badlands, the vastness, and the peace but how much vastness can a Jersey girl take? It amazed me each time our trip came more into play that the Badlands were only one morsel in the ...

Minot journal: Minot? Why Not!

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 15:54:11 GMT

Our intention originally was to make a quick stop in Minot at one of the two wineries in the state at the Point of View Winery, and then head up to Kenmare to Des Lacs Wildlife Preserve. A few people we had talked to said DesLacs was ok, but not surrounded by a lot. I grabbed the phone and called the Point of View winery, it was 5:00 and the woman at the winery said they closed at 6:00 and from where we were, it would probably take us at least 45 minutes to an hour to arrive in Minot. Joe, convinced that we were going to make something of this day, hammered down like the wheels had wings, ...

Mobridge journal: Sitting Bull Is Around Here Somewhere

Sat, 02 Sep 2006 13:02:26 GMT

From the casino we headed to Ft Yates, home of the tomb of Sitting Bull. Sitting Bull, while I knew as a famous Indian I learned on a trip was the man credited for the battle the Native Americans won at the Battle of Bull Run. Fort Yates is a very sad and desolate area. Still an active reservation, tepees have been replaced by modular box homes of poverty and oppression. We stopped in at the post office in Fort Yates and asked where we could find the tomb of Sitting Bull. I waited in the car while Joe investigated in the post office and I knew when he returned laughing that something was ...

Fort Yates journal: No Time Better Than Now To Visit South Dakota

Sat, 02 Sep 2006 12:48:57 GMT

The tire was fixed in a half hour at the tire fixin place in Bismarck. We were suppose to stay the night here but Joe was doing a lot of pacing and was antsy to get out of town and all these people. He said what about seeing South Dakota. Since everyone thought that was where we were going to begin with I said what the hell.... and after a small detour we were on the road again and heading south down the 1806 for the Prairie Knights Indian Reservation Casino and Resort. We checked into the casino/resort and fell in love instantly with our fresh, clean room. We were so tired that a three ...

Boissevain journal: Well worth the trip if you can find it...

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 16:34:52 GMT

Follow the tiny signs carefully or I am not actually sure where you might end up. Whitewater Lake was a great find for us. Frannie, not being close to what you would call a birder really got into the whole nature thing. If we had more time and especially if it had been during the migration season we would have stayed much longer. This palce and the surrounding areas must be an incredible sight with literally hundreds of thousands of water fowl flying in from parts unknown.

Steele journal: Frannie Is Fast Becoming A Birder

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:53:11 GMT

The next morning we enjoyed breakfast at Lill’s a local café in downtown Jamestown only after visiting the Walz’s Pharmacy. We spotted the pharmacy as one the self-guided tour stops along the Louise L’Amour Route. Louise L’Amour’s over 120 western titles depict the life and hard times of the folks who settled and survived the west in the 1800’s and sparked the joy of reading into many peoples lives including Joe’s. The pharmacy was part of the route because of the murals along the walls that depict some of Louis’s novels along with shelves and shelves of L’Amour books for sale. The pharmacy ...

Jamestown journal: If You Love Reading Books About The Old West...

Wed, 30 Aug 2006 15:57:03 GMT

Hey All... this is Joe and I grew up watching Saturday morning westerns, dressing up like a cowboy with my hat, chaps and six-shooters strapped at my side. I loved reading Louie L'Amour books and it is perhaps why I love traveling in such vast and rugged parts of the country. I have a collection of at least 60 to 75 of his paperbacks so coming to his birthplace and learning more about Louie was a real treat. In Jamestown he is considered a scared son of sorts. People there are still making money off of Louie even though he has passed. You can get a tour map at Frontier Village and follow ...

Jamestown journal: In Search Of The World's Largest Buffalo...

Wed, 30 Aug 2006 15:28:19 GMT

From Devils Lake area we headed south to Jamestown.

Once arriving in Jamestown we headed directly for Pioneer Village and the Buffalo Museum home to White Cloud, the only albino buffalo in the world. Also located in the park and overlooking the major interstate is a statue of what is reported to be the World's Largest Buffalo. I will tell its BIG! White Cloud just turned 10 and as Bev, the greeter at Pioneer Village, told us every year is a very big deal for White Cloud. The town has a parade and the buffalo museum gives cake and ice cream to all the visitors, free! We missed the gala ...

Boissevain journal: A Beautiful & Peaceful Place

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 16:50:37 GMT

If you have made this far in North Dakota to visit the Peace Garden you have put in a full day of traveling. Do yourself a favor and cross the border and stay at this delightful B&B. Take the opportunity to do an evening dip in the outdoor hot tub and enjoy the country surroundings. I slep real well here and awoke to a great breakfast and brief stroll around the property. I suggest heading over to Killarney for dinner as there is not much of a choice in Boissevain unless you run into Jake.

Boissevain journal: We're So Close... Let's Do Canada!

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 16:46:40 GMT

From the Gardens we decided to head over to Boissevain, Canada in Manitoba after the attendant in the visitor’s center at the peace gardens suggested we check it out. At the border we were met by a pimply faced squat of a guy. We learned later that these border patrol guys are typically hired in the summer from the local college. He must have just finished his training because he went through all the typical questions and then some asking how we knew each other and how we met. Although I love to tell the story of how we met, I don’t really think he cared. He asked us about how much money we ...

Devils Lake journal: A Delightful Game Preserve For The Family

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 16:30:26 GMT

What I thought would be a quick drive through ended up being a few hours of nature watching. Great animal viewing can be had in the preserve. You have to go looking for it but when you find it it will be worth it. A brand new vistor center will be a big hit with children and a welcomed place to cool down if you have been hiking. I think is cost $3.00 to get into the park and by my marks that damn affordable!

Devils Lake journal: A Quick Stop In Devils Lake

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 16:21:06 GMT

We were heading back to North Dakota but decided to head back through Kilarney, Canada. The town is totally Irish-themed and green. Every store, bar, and shop has some Irish reference, but doesn’t really have an Irish history that we could figure. The border patrol going back into the US was much more serious than the kid at the Peace Garden. The American men, armed, gave us the drill and kind of smirked with laughter when we told him we were checking out Killarney. He had us step out of the car while he searched our trunk. He quickly looked over things and sent us on our way after a scan of ...

Bottineau journal: A Perfect Place To Stretch Your Legs...

Sat, 26 Aug 2006 10:51:29 GMT

Just a few extra photos of this peaceful park.

Bottineau journal: Looking For International Peace In North Dakota

Sat, 26 Aug 2006 10:40:27 GMT

Traveling North on Rt 60 for what seemed to be forever; we finally arrived in the Bottineau area. For an area with no traffic, we got caught up in a construction detour that gave us another opportunity to get off the beaten path.. like Joe needs another reason. Bottineau is the gateway to the Lake Metigoshe/Turtle Mountian region of North Dakota. Today is the first day of our journey in which there is a true change of scenery. Wooded foothills give way to cooler tempeartures, marshlands and beautiful, pristine mountain lakes. This resort spot had a very different smell, look, and feel ...

Rugby journal: In Search Of The Geographical Center Of North America

Sat, 26 Aug 2006 09:48:07 GMT

We woke early that morning... maybe ever earlier than normal. We were heading to the International Peace Gardens that day and wanted to get on the road early. Before heading out of Minot, had scoped out a few spots we wanted to explore before we left town. Our first stop was the Scandinavian Pak. Part of the visitor’s center; the Scandinavian Park is a tribute and homage to the 7 Scandinavian countries that are so representative in the North Dakota area. They is a huge festival held every year and folks from the contributing countries come to partake in the events and fun. Throughout the ...

Minot journal: Stop If Your In Town And Hungry

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 17:15:37 GMT

Garrison journal: There Are Good Days And There Are Bad Days...

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 16:40:41 GMT

From the Killdeer Mountains we were planning our arrival in Garrison for later that day. Garrison was a spot that Joe was really looking forward to. The town is the site of one of the largest fish hatcheries, the Garrison Dam, and a power plant. Along the way we stopped at Lake Ilo. This spot was advertised on the internet, on the maps, and throughout the visitor’s center as a wildlife spot, not to miss. When we arrived, we could barely find the lake. The grasses were way overgrown, out of the way, and once we did arrive, we were disappointed at the lack of scenery and wildlife. After a 5 ...

Killdeer journal: Well Worth A Stop Especially With Horses

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 16:23:06 GMT

It is a beautiful drive in along the Killdeer Scenic Highway both from the north and from the Dickenson area to the south. Horseback riding in the hidden gem of a park must be incredible. Very few people the day that we were there but looks to have some nice campsites and must be real peaceful when the sun goes down. I'll let the pictures explain the rest...

Killdeer journal: Little Missouri and Hardware Hanks

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 15:46:06 GMT

We figure the motto of good dining for people in ND is “if it ain't brown, if it ain't white, I ain’t eating it.” Milt has broken the mold of both and prepared a breakfast of extravagance. When we toured the school, the kitchen, which used to be the upper grade typing classroom, spanned a blackboard with our menu options for breakfast. We opted for the stuffed blueberry French toast bake. The table was downed with full china set up including a beautiful fruit bowl, juice and coffee. The school house windows were open and the cool morning breeze along with the Cuban music Joe brought along to ...

Williston journal: Can We See Everything In One Afternoon....

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 15:28:04 GMT

Our mission was to drive over the Montana boarder so we could set foot down in Montana and say we had been there. Along the way we passed through Alexander. This was one of our favorite little towns in ND. Upon arriving in Alexander be prepared to see a large billboard, not the one welcoming you, but the one warning you. Yes, Alexander’s welcome wagon consists of a huge billboard of the 10 Commandments. Don’t worry if you miss it thought (which you won’t) because they are also posted on your way out of town. No stone unturned in this town, people coming in know how to behave and people leaving ...

Arnegard journal: Another Pleasant Surprise Awaits

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 15:26:22 GMT

From the North Unit we headed North West to Watford City. Watford City is home to the area’s visitor’s center and ND largest Petrified Tree. The visitor’s center was actually built around the tree stump that is still in tact in the ground from the inside of the center. While the center is new, clean, and cool, we didn’t find too much of interest there. We drove through the town of Watford City and while we saw a few new bars and night spots, the town was not one we bothered to park the car for. Please take into account it was a Sunday and not much of anything except for church going and family ...

Watford City journal: Watford City Here We Come

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:54:02 GMT

We left Medora traveling north on Rt 85 for the North Unit south of Watford City. There is a little visitor’s center in Belfield right before we got on Rt 85. The woman in there wasn’t much help but recommended a place for a great ostrich burger. We couldn’t resist and even though it was 10:30 and our bellies were full of chokeberry syrup and pancakes, we stopped along Rt 85 in Fairfield and ordered two ostrich burgers to go from the 4 Corner’s Restaurant. The diner atmosphere was filled with church goers and lived up the North Dakota hospitality. We have noticed over and over in every ...

Medora journal: Last Day At The Diamond Bar Ranch

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 15:51:29 GMT

Day four started early for even me. Joe rose early to go shoot the sunrise again and shortly after he left, I got up too. It is very chilly in the mornings in ND and until the sun rises above the mountains, it feels like a Northeast’s fall morning. I sat bundled up in the front yard, with Festus, still pouting, at my feet. Rob decided to leave him that morning but only because he was taking the rental car. As I sat outside, I quietly typed away. I have gotten better about not worrying about where Joe has wandered off to, but as the morning woke up, I was surprised that he was taking so long to ...

Medora journal: Deep Fried Steak On A PitchFork Is Way Cool

Mon, 07 Aug 2006 16:38:16 GMT

After meandering through more fields, mountains, and dirt roads we finally found our way back onto the highway, just in time to make it to Pitch Fork Fondue for dinner.

Now, in terms of touristy, the Pitchfork Fondue event was probably the most extreme thing we did in out ten days, and with that said, it was worth every penny. Medora packages two major events during the summer. Both are held at the top of one of the mountain ranges are both are money makers for Medora for sure. The first is the Medora Musical. We researched the musical on line before the trip and decided that while it ...

Medora journal: You Have To Stop Here

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 17:21:03 GMT

One sight in Medora definitely worth seeing is the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Joe and I felt the hall of fame was really just an extension of our stay at the ranch. We very much wanted to meet Dean, Fran’s husband, who was a professional bronco rider and cowboy extraordinaire of his time who was inducted into the hall of fame in 1998 before his passing in 2005. Dean was one of a group of men, called the six pack. Each from North Dakota, these men put North Dakota on the map in regards to the “modern day cowboy.” The hall of fame is filled with the stories of real cowboys, not the ones John Wayne ...

Medora journal: This is worth the price of admission

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 17:07:14 GMT

Medora journal: Just When You Thought It Couldn't Get Any Better...

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:43:41 GMT

As we drove the loop, we scoped out the hill side and mountain tops for other signs of animal life. We were in particular search of more wild horses or the prong-horn antelope. We had spotted the horses from far away the day before but wanted a closer look. I think I almost drove off the side of the mountains a few times because I was watching the scenery more than I watched the road, good thing the roads are lined with rumble strips that remind us drivers that even at 25 miles per hour, a drive off the side of a mountain would still be painful.

We took a break after a while and stopped ...

Medora journal: Where Oh Where Do The Buffalo Roam...

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:34:15 GMT

Fran was going to prepare breakfast for 7am the next morning. We wanted to be up and on our way before the sun got too ahead of us. Joe rose at 4:30 to catch the sunrise, while I stayed snuggled up in blankets and enjoyed the early morning crispness. Joe and Festus came into view as they crossed the dried up creek bed. It turns out Festus, being just a year old, and curious, had poked his head into some brush that was home to a porcupine. Festus lost the fight with the animal and came home with a mouth full of quills. When Joe came in to wake me at 6:00 am he told me what happened. I asked him ...

Regent journal: Culinary Bliss in A Country Setting

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:19:39 GMT

I couldn't rate the location... if you are in the area you need to eat there and literaaly folks from around the world that come to pheasant hunt fill the place to capacity seven days a weeks during the hunting season. For locals it is a pure pleasure to have this place for any special occassion, like Friday or Saturday night dinner. We traveled over two thousand miles and found the place!

Regent journal: Wonderful Oasis in the Country

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:19:39 GMT

New Salem journal: In Search of New Salem Sue

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:18:15 GMT

According to plan, we set out for Regent, a town about 80 miles Southwest of Bismarck. We knew the drive along Route 94 was going to be one of our longer travel days, but anticipating taking in all the new sights, and the 75 mph speed limit, we weren’t worried about the drive. I had no idea though that our drive was going to be an adventure all on its own. Less than 1 hour into our trip we came into New Salem, home of New Salem Sue, the worlds largest Holstein Cow. Sue was constructed as a tribute and homage to the dairy farmers of the area. The view from Sue was amazing and gave us our ...

Medora journal: Branded At The Diamond Bar Ranch

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 16:45:32 GMT

From Beach we headed back to Medora to the Diamond Bar Ranch. The Diamond Bar is a ranch that we found on line that touts its down home cowboy lifestyle. We weren’t really sure what to expect, but the Diamond Bar turned out to be one of those places where time has stood still and the magic has never thought to leave. Our time there tops the list on this trip. One is always skeptical when the security of blacktop ends and the journey then requires a leap of faith to what may be down a dirt road. The directions were hard to follow and after driving 11 miles on a scoria road (red clay) and ...

Beach journal: Mexico Never Seemed So Close

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 16:18:12 GMT

North Dakota`s reputation for harsh winters didn`t keep one warm weather family from relocating to the state and opening a restaurant.

Sales of the south of the border dishes the new residents cook are as hot as the food itself. Gustavo and Natalie Muruato say they moved from the hot and hectic desert southwest to cold and quiet North Dakota a year ago. "My husband and I were working in Las Vegas, Nevada, and we were tired of the crime and congestion," says Natalie.

The Muratos brought along some family recipes to the small town of Beach and opened the La Playa restaurant. " It ...

New Salem journal: No Frills, Home Town Eats

Sun, 16 Jul 2006 06:10:36 GMT

The oldtimer at Salem Sue recommended this spot to us for lunch. Considering there are only 2 restaurants in town and the other was packed, we decided on the Sunset Inn. The atmosphere was simple but the food wsa great. We had an Indian Taco ( a fried piece of flat bread covered with all the taco salad ingredients) and a the Sunset Special. A club sandwich with a host of every meat you can imagine. Ham, Bacon, hamburger, with cheese and grilled to perfection.