Travelogue

After a long day driving from Wisconsin through Minnesota and into North Dakota, we were ready for a break. I didn't know anyone that had ever been to North Dakota, so it felt kind of exciting being in real cowboy country.

After a refreshing swim in the campground pool, Herb and I decided that we should go for a run. Usually at home we run at least 5 times a week, but on the road it's difficult to find the time. We have to really make a conscious effort to schedule one in.

Anyway, the kids decided to accompany us on their bikes. The campground was located in the middle of nowhere, so we headed away from the highway onto a long country road alongside some farmland. It was fun because it felt so different from the roads back home. Unlike our winding tree-lined streets, these roads were straight as an arrow and so wide open that you could see for miles in every direction.

After a mile or so we came to a farmhouse. How pretty and quaint I thought--like a typical tourist--until I noticed the two very large dogs on the porch staring at us. From the look they gave us, I had the feeling that lycra-clad runners were probably not a common sight for them. Remain calm I thought, praying that they had one of those invisible doggy fences that every dog owner in New Jersey has. Who was I kidding--this was the wide open spaces of North Dakota. Not being dog people, we all began to get quite nervous. Luckily for us, just as the dogs were about to make their move, two small children came out of the farmhouse and called them back. We waved a hello and thank you and made a beeline back to the safety of the KOA.

One of the things I like best about traveling is the chance to see how different parts of the country live and to have the kids realize that not every place is like their home town. That's what makes things interesting.

Description

KOA Campground in Jamestown, North Dakota, on frontage road right off I94 with nice heated pool.