I move out early today as there is some weather chasing me across the west that I would prefer to avoid. Hoping that the weather pattern will peter out, but I don’t see that happening. I did some research on ND last night, but it does not appear that there is a lot of things to do or see in the east part of the state. It is looking to be high mileage day.
As I move north out of Pierre a thunderstorm is moving in behind me. I find an even cheaper breakfast today at a little bar north of here. Less than $5 including about a 50% tip. I love rural America.
North Dakota becomes state number 21 on this trip, and number 45 lifetime. I catch up to I-94 and turn east again. The headwind is back. Harassing the RV and making the drive a challenge to stay in my lane and avoid contact with passing motorists.
Although I don’t really find activities for today, it becomes memorable none the less. As I move eastward and admire the massive fields of corn and grain, along with the occasional roadside pond full of geese and ducks, I spot something skyward over my left shoulder. I think I know what it is but take a second look to confirm that it was a large bird, with brown body and wings, and the signature white head. A Bald Eagle!!! My first on this trip, despite spending time camping and hiking in so many National Parks which are supposed to have fair populations of eagles along with many other birds of prey.
I moved on into Minnesota, made a quick stop at the visitor’s center and move east. I decide to stop in Detroit Lakes as I am out of gas, it’s getting late, and I need to get some dinner. I find a fuel station and fill up the RV, then go inside to ask the clerk if she knows any campgrounds that might still be open this late in the season. She calls over her shoulder to a gentleman making coffee and he peaks around the corner and find a city police officer. He, the clerk and a customer all debate the merits of each local campground and the possibility that they might still be open. After a few minutes of this, the policeman looks at me and says, “Here is the guy you should be asking”. I turn around a find myself face with a county deputy sheriff.
I ask the deputy if he knows of any campgrounds, and the debate renews with the deputy, customer, store clerk and policeman. The general consensus is that the American Legion Hall may not be officially open, but that I should be able to park there. So, the deputy calls dispatch and has her contact the legion hall. She finds that they are open, so the deputy then calls and gets the information for me. After providing me the directions, off I go.
I pull into the parking lot; the manager is already waiting for me in the parking lot. She directs me to a site and invites me inside for dinner. So, after setting up camp I head inside. Unfortunately, all they have is Pizza. So, I go for the peperoni (the only choice available) and a couple of beers. After visiting a bit, I go to pay my bill.
Two beers, a peperoni pizza and an overnight campsite with electric . . . .$10.
Pretty much beats the breakfast deals I have gotten the last three days.