Day 4

We're back in power-driving mode, working toward Edmonton to pick up Martha. Saw many examples of North Dakota's diversity: co-op grain silos, oil wells, coal mines, and Minuiteman missile silos. All of the latter were fenced in, but unstaffed. We figure there was some sort of surveillance system in place, so we didn't tarry long. The threat may be diminished, but the military still takes its missiles seriously.

Also saw a bit of Americana on the trip to the border. It seems that for the past 30 years or so, the graduating class of a local high school has left its mark on the landscape. Using colored rocks, they spell out the year (e.g., 76, 82) on the hillsides overlooking Lower Des Lacs Lake. They must do this beause there are very few water towers in the area, and most are located too far off the road to be very visible anyway. The landowners must not mind, as these things obviously required a lot of time and effort. Some classes like 67 and 68 worked elaborate designs into their years, while others were much more simple. Others were fortunate enough to produly add "STATE CHAMPS" to their year, though in what, I don't know. I wonder if the alumni are still around, if they have reunions at their self-made shrines, and what the classes of '99 and '00 have in mind.

Got a slight scare at the border. Apparently with the rash of child kidnappings and sons/daughters caught in the middle of squabbles by ex-spouses, the bordr authorities are very sensitive to children traveling with only oneparent. We had no ID for Philip on hand, and Martha was supposedly at 30,000 feet somewhere between here and DC. So, it was inside for a chat with the immigration folks. They were very nice and didn't "detain" us for long. I can understand their concern, but it'd also be so easy to fake a letter of approval from the other parent. Anyway, we left a bit wiser.

Suffice it to say, Saskatchewan is flat, flat, flat. The road to Regina is a straight line through miles (oops, I mean kilometers) of wheatfields and occasional settlements. We were so happy to get past Saskatoon and actually see a hint of a ridge or depression. Very scenic and very wide open, but if you're driving, bring plenty of mental luggage. You'll have lots and lots and lots of time to think.