Traverse City, MI to Medora, ND

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is spectacular, just as I had been told.  Crossing the big bridge at Mackinaw was exciting, as the high winds lowered my safe speed to 20mph.  Lake Huron was to my right and Lake Michigan to the left.  The picture above is of Lake Superior, with a 30 knot wind and temp at 47, it was more than a little chilly!   Unfortunately I was too early for the cherry festivals, but the orchards were very large and healthy looking. 

Taking the scenic route across Wisconsin was well worth the extra time it took.  Some stretches were so desolate that there weren't even any dead critters on the side of the road.  Actually there was one that had obviously been there a very long time, as there was only a pile of bones.  Hmm.  Not even enough scavengers to carry off bones - that's desolate!

Spent the night in Duluth, Minnesota, and enjoyed this sunset.  It is such a joy to be in different places and still have my place with me.  Having my own bed, kitchen, bathroom and all my clothes and toys at hand, my oh my!  Life is soooo good!

This water tower in the shape of a rook was interesting.  But some of the names of taverns was more so, like the UP Chuck Bar & Grill.  Yep, really.  I would have had to turn around to get a picture, but trust me.  That was the name on the sign. 

The flooding in North Dakota was a concern, but maps indicated no problems along I-94 through Bismark.  I encountered this one place where the water had crossed the road, then receded.  The rest area had become an island and was closed to traffic, unless you had your own boat or canoe.  It's the first time I had seen portable, inflatable dikes and they seemed to work well. 

Coming into Medora, the geography changes so quickly that it takes your breathe away.  One minute it's sweeping grass prairies going for miles, the next you're in the Badlands of North Dakota.  This is the view from my trailer site at the Red Trail RV park in Medora.  It's just a couple of minutes from town and a couple more minutes to the park entrance. 

The wifi here is very slow most of the time, so I had to get up early to do this one.  The next post will have some of the best pictures I've ever taken, including a wild stallion that walked right up to me in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  And the sunsets here?  Each one is a light show not to be missed!