19 August 2013 - Fargo, ND

We did not travel a great distance today.  In the beautiful morning hours, after a spattering of lightning punctuated rain last night, we drove the short distance to the Bismark Temple. We had hoped to do a session, but it is a small temple and is closed on Mondays.   The temple area is lovely, set among quiet residential streets, on a hill surrounded by typically lovely and well-kept grounds.  Since we went there knowing it was closed, we made it the starting point for a brisk walk.  It was a bright, clear-sky morning and we were uplifted by the exercise.

After leaving the motel, we pulled onto the freeway and set the cruise control.  We passed open farmland, stretching miles in either direction, an open view not closed or limited by mountains or cities.  Little towns, clustered around churches and grain silos passed quickly.  Then, to our delight, we started to see huge fields carpeted with sunflowers, all facing east and soaking up the light.  They so caught our fancy, that we pulled off the freeway at Driscoll, ND, and drove the back roads to find the golden acres.  These were not the little blooms we find along Utah's rural roads, but the big sunflower heads, heavy with ripening seeds, waiting to become a snack, bird nourishment or possibly oil.  We have never seen so many, so well-tended and beautiful. 

Our side trip left us entering Fargo, ND in the afternoon, and feeling tired, we decided to not go further but find a nice place to have a bit longer respite.  Our journey has been so nice thus far.

Sunflowers are some of Ronda's favorite sights and these made her very happy.  I love to see her enjoy something so much a product of the earth and weather.  It brightened her day and mine.