Day 2

Another day of gonzo driving, but well worth it. We've made it to the capital of North Dakota, in much the same way I did it 7 years ago--in the middle of the night. Yesterday, Scott and Frank wrapped up the last needed modifications to the Rover, and we got underway just before noon. I was particuarly impressed with Wisconsin. I had forgotten that the southern part of the state is very scenic with rolling hills, forests, and even a few rock spires mixed in with the farmland. Of course, the tourist hangouts all seemed to boast cheese in one form or another, quite a change from the pounds o' towels and fireworks of the Southeast.

St. Paul reminded me a lot of Richmond. Maybe these state capitals are designed following the same pattern. Minneapolis is a nice-looking city as well (though I'm surprised that none of the upper Midwest's architects has topped a skyscraper with a decorative element resembling Mary Tyler Moore's beret.

In fact, the whole state just seems very clean. No litter, only a handful of run-down buildings (and they're mostly worn-out barns and silos), and well-kept landscape. Maybe those snows really do clean everything.

I did most of the driving through Minnesota and North Dakota. Many exits of the latter are just that: exits. No towns named, no services, just a place to get off. The landscape was very dark, with only an occasional light to remind you that there are people here. To be sure, I-94 is a long way from U.S. 50, "official" Loneliest Road in America. But at 2 in the morning, it's pretty close.

Today will be a homecoming of sorts for Scott. He spent 2 summers here working on his masters. He already has proclaimed the city little changed from 17 years ago. Even the kids still cruise the streets and parking lots. (We were greeted at the motel by the night manager patrolling the parking lot.) We also found that we're not unique here; near our room was another car with Virginia plates.

Anyway, we'll mosey up the Missouri a little, see some of the local natural and Native American sites (I'll pass on the traditional tribe initiation rites, thank you; they'd be hard pressed to find too many pectoral muscles for stringing me up), and pretty much take it easy. We plan to pitch our first camp in Saskatchewan this evening, and, perhaps, fire up the 20 meter rig. CQ, eh?