A Rainy Day in North Dakota

It's raining; it's pouring,
The old man is snoring,
He went to bed and bumped his head, 
And he couldn’t get up in the morning. 

When we woke this morning it was to a steady rain. We had a hard time getting started but we had plans so we got our things together, loaded the car and we were off. We headed for Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site and it rained the entire way. We first stopped in Watford City to fill the car with gas and then get some breakfast. Then we completed the drive to the Fort. As we arrived the rain slowed and then for a short time it stopped all together. We went to the Visitor Center and I got my cancellation stamps, some postcards and a patch. They are celebrating their annual Rendevouz and there were all sorts of things going on. Lots of demonstrations, people selling different arts & crafts and a run. We walked around for a bit but the rain kept starting and stopping. We did go in to a couple of areas and we were able to get out of the rain at times but most of the stuff was outside. After about 45 minutes we decided to head out to our next destination. Just as we left Fort Union Trading Post it started raining harder and continued most of the way to Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North Unit.

We arrived at Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit in a downpour. We showed our America the Beautiful Pass at the gate and then went to the Visitor Center. I got my cancellation stamps and talked with the ranger for a bit. The rain slowed a little and so we decided to take the scenic drive. We stopped at a few pullouts - Longhorn Pullout, Cannonball Concretions Pullout and River Bend Overlook. It was difficult getting pictures and the views weren't all that great because of the rain so we decided to turn around and head back to the Visitor Center. Here I turned in my Junior Ranger booklet and got my badge. I wish the rain had stopped for a short time so we could have enjoyed the area more. I would have loved to complete the drive and take some short hikes. But at least we got to see some of it. But now it was time to head out and get to our next destination.

Our next destination was Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site near Stanton. It was about a two hour drive from Teddy's place. It pretty much rained the entire drive. But it was beautiful. The North Dakota hills were rolling and green - and there was no traffic. Just a relaxing drive and beautiful scenery. We arrived at Knife River and went into the Visitor Center and we had about 40 minutes before they closed. We looked at the small museum and then went into the earth lodge. I also got my cancellation stamps, postcards and a patch. The Visitor Center and Earth Lodge close at 5:00pm but you can walk the trails anytime. Thankfully, the rain had stopped for now so we took the short trail and read about the area and its inhabitants. This was a very interesting stop and we enjoyed our visit.

After our visit at Knife River we headed for Bismarck. We will be staying here two days. As we rolled in to Bismarck we found a place to have some dinner and then we headed to the hotel. Driving in the rain all day was draining and we are ready for some rest. We can sleep in tomorrow and then we will explore a little of Bismarck.