We have now crossed North Dakota. Once out of the Badlands on the far western side of the state, one travels some three hundred miles across flat, lush farmland with a rich topsoil rivaled by only one other place in the world- the Ukraine. North Dakota and the Ukraine are two of the most productive wheat growing areas in the world. Sadly, Ukraine has been invaded by Russia, and it is unlikely its wheat will reach world markets this year. That is sad and tragic. However traveling across North Dakota reminds us what an incredible land this is.
Endless fields as far as the eye can see, dotted at this time of year with large tractors preparing for the spring planting. Not for nothing is this called Prairie land. This is the land where, almost two hundred years ago, bison ran free in enormous herds.
Now all we have what is called the World's largest Buffalo ( really a Bison) statue on a hill overlooking Jamestown, North Dakota. Jamestown is also the hometown of a wonderful friend, Bart Holaday, who insists that this is a buffalo- quite confusing really.
Based on our travel through the state in this early June time, we would call North Dakota the lilac state. We found enormous rows of lilac bushes on every side as we moved across I-94.
These lilac bushes surrounded our campsite in Jamestown and added wonderful fragrance to our time there. Bart also suggested we tour the University of Jamestown. a lovely campus on a hill above the city. Apparently this veteran placekicker has dedicated the goalposts at the new Stadium. We can report seeing two impressive goal posts, but cannot verify their origins.
We are now on to Minnesota, another delightful state- though our first day here has brought unexpected challenges- more on this in our next blog.
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