August 18, 2013 - North Dakota

This Sunday, as is our practice when traveling, we started the day by attending church in the Glendive Ward, in Glendive, Montana.  They meet in the stake center for the Glendive Stake, which is about 300 miles in diameter.  The Stake President has to travel 110 miles from his home to get to the stake offices. Presiding over such a large area is a challenge, but much of it is done over Skype and conference calls.  It was also fun to learn that the ward is growing rapidly due to the influx of people caused by the oil and gas boom.  The meetings were great and the spirit the same as we find throughout the world.  It confirms again the brotherhood of Gospel unity.

After meetings, we hit the road and drove out of Montana and into North Dakota. Just over the border we turned off to visit the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  His ranch is in the park and he came here often to rejuvenate his soul and after the death of his wife and mother (on the same sad day) to find comfort and solace.  He loved the green grasslands and the carved hills and crevasses of the Dakota Badlands.  Now this area is a national park, beautiful in its own rugged way and home to a variety of wildlife.

This prairie dog is alertly watching a coyote saunter into town.

                                                    Wild horses surveying the  distance.

The terrain is somewhat similar to Utah, but greener and thus appears softer and more flowing.  Wildflowers are in abundance, yellows and whites and although we think the real spectacular show has past, we enjoyed the persistent representatives.

Bison lounged in the grass, eagles flew overhead and buckskin colored mule deer feasted on the lush browse.  We had been told that elk roamed the park, but we did not glimpse them.  We loved the spectacular vistas and could feel the sense of serenity that Roosevelt must have embraced.  It is a lovely park and was worth the visit.

Leaving the park, we rolled back onto the freeway and had a pleasant drive to Bismark, ND.  We soon emerged from the badlands and onto the wavelike hills of the high plains country.  It is fruitful farm country, dotted here and there with oil wells and isolated small towns.  The route is nearly straight and an easy drive.  We could see for miles and watched long lightening bolts flash from rain curtains of scattered storms.  The sunset was washed with pinks, golds and purple.  It was a beautiful day and our appreciation for all that God has given us is great.  Tomorrow, we continue east.