Despite the cold temperatures and headwinds our day turned out great. Cycling through Bismarck’s river front park we noticed an exhibit on steamboats. Did you ever wonder what those long poles were for on the front of the boats: those things that looked like grasshopper legs? Well they were used to lift the steamboat over sand bars and were really called grasshoppers.
About 20 miles into our day we needed a break from the wind and asked a farmer if we could sit in his barn for a rest. Instead, Arlan invited us into his home for coffee. When he opened the door he yelled to Shirley that “they had company.” Arlan said that he has 2 sections of land (1,380 acres) overlooking the Missouri. He has about 400 head of cattle that he grazes on this land. During 2004, the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, Arlan said that lots of cyclists passed by and some stopped to enjoy his view. Before we headed back into the wind, Shirley said “that the North Dakota wind never stops and when it does they declare a holiday.” They were wonderful folks and brightened up our day.
In Washburn we visited the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and a replica of Fort Mandan. The fort was used as a wintering spot for the Corps. According to our guide the temperatures got to 40 degrees below zero (and to think we complain about the weather). The actual fort was about 20 miles away but was recreated based on the detailed notes of Sargeant Glass, the Corps’ carpenter.
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Hello! I don't know your route and if you'll be back in South Dakota (maybe on the return trip?) but if you do, I recommend stopping by Plankinton, SD, on I-90 for dinner. Just did a road trip and had an incredible and inexpensive meal at a grill...I *think* it was called the Commerce Street Grill...really nice looking place, new, on the main drag off 90. Incredible filet mignon with salad, potatoes and seasonal veggie - add the mushrooms and onions. $12.95! Closed Sundays.
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