With a week and a half of school down, and a three day weekend staring us in the face, we did what any all-American family would do--took a vacation. After all, a week of hard work deserves a reward, doesn't it!! Actually, it really doesn't, but we needed something to do to celebrate Nick's 33rd birthday, and seeing as how we are in the public school world now, we've got to take advantage of every school holiday there is to get away. Getting away is considerably more difficult than it used to be though, especially since there is only one vacation destination that is close enough to go to on a three-day weekend. I guess one destination is better than none though, so we packed up our camping gear and headed due west--straight to North Dakota's top toursit attraction--Medora! As its webite states:
Historic Medora is a unique mix of spectacular scenery, wildlife, outdoor adventure, entertainment, dining, and shopping. It's famous for its Bully Pulpit Golf Course, its Medora Pitchfork Steak Fondue, the great outdoor Medora Musical, and its proximity to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. As official North Dakotans, we figured we had better go and see what it was all about.
Upon arriving in Medora, we poked around the old town for a bit, including a visit to the Old Fashioned Candy Store and the famous Rough Riders Hotel.
Then we headed over and set up camp at a cozy little site just steps from the National Park entrance.
We couldn't hang out at the camp site for long though. We were all getting hungry and there is apparently only one way to eat in this neck of the woods:
In case you can't tell from this quality photograph, that is the one and only North Dakota Pitchfork Fondue. In other words, they take a steak, literally stick it on a pitchfork, and deep fry it in a giant "fondue pot".
It was actually all right, though I think half of that must be attributed to the great cowboy atmosphere.
After dinner we took a few pictures of the kids with the North Dakota Badlands in the background. I know they are called the Badlands, and I know this is North Dakota we're talking about, but it was actually really pretty. The pictures didn't even do it justice. Nick and I couldn't help but smile. Both of us were a little relieved that there was somewhere we could get away to in an hour or two that was quaint enough to touch our fancies.
We lingered on the hill for a long time, then snapped a quick family photo, and made our way over to the outdoor theater.
It wasn't Broadway, by any stretch, but the backdrop was really quite stunning, and the Musical folksy enough to make us fall in love with the great cowboys of the past that brought the state of North Dakota into being. Nick's Grandfather was actually one of those cowboys, and I think the spirit of Elijah snuck in and tapped us on the shoulder as we watched and sang along. Truly, it was an evening we all enjoyed, and made me long for more good, clean, family fun. This is the way the world ought to be!
The next day we hiked, biked,
and drove through the National Park. There are so many prairie dogs,
and buffalo,
and wild horses that you really do feel like you are living in the Old Wild West. I didn't think I had much of a cowgirl inside of me, but it turns out, I just might. Something about our weekend really resonated with me, and I think I'm going to like this new home of ours.
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