So, not too very long ago ,we entered the most Northern part of the Dakotas. In that post, I may or may not have possibly said some very snarky and rather derogative things about North Dakota. I'm writing this to let you know that none of that has changed. North Dakota hasn't changed. It's still flat, still ugly, and mostly cold. And that's just the stretch from Fargo to Bismarck!!
Ooof-dah!
By the time we hit Bismarck, I'd had enough. Still fighting some sort of infection made worse by allergies (Can you really be allergic to an entire State??), and mentally worn out from the rain, cold, and flat, I turned into the open arms of a waiting hotel. I have five little words for you: "indoor water park" and "hot breakfast". We made out camp side breakfast there in the room, and had gloriously loooong and hot showers. And then my head hit the pillow.
I knew no more.
In the morning, the 14yo and the 9yo went by themselves into the lobby and ate breakfast. (Oh, with such fondness do I remember the days of playing at being grown!) Then my wonderful children returned and took the 7 and 4 yo's down to breakfast while mother slept in!! What a gift of pure indulgence and joy! When I again opened my eyes, it was to a hot breakfast in bed!! So we ate, and watched some Andy Griffith Show, and then went down to the water park. Yup. Ya read that right, I said indoor water park!! And we had it to ourselves!!
And when my 7yo came up from the water, look of elation spread across his face, shouting those magic words,
"I CAN DO IT!!"
I knew that this whole trip was worth everything all over again.
From Bismarck, we headed South into an Indian Reservation. Please forgive me that I don't know the name of the tribe to whom this land belongs. Let me just say this: No matter what anyone else may think, that piece of land is some of the most beautiful land I've seen in my life.
In closing, I want to say this,
I'm sorry, North Dakota. You aren't altogether bad. In the end, you managed to take my breath away.
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