Teddy Roosevelt

 We arrived at the southern entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park on the first day it was open after the government shutdown. From the little westernized tourist town of Medora (named for the wife of a French marquis who was
 a cattle baron in the late 1800s,) we climbed up into the North Dakota Badlands to Cottonwood Campground. Two other sites were occupied.  The campground is rustic this time of year. The running water and flush toilets had been turned off for the winter. Even in the summer there are no electric hook-ups in the park, but we had recently "dumped and pumped" and our 12-volt system was in order so we were good to go for at least two nights.

 

 

Highlights of our 2-night Stay

 

A pre-sunset drive in the Volvo through part of the park. Mule deer abounded at that time of the day (crepuscular, Don?) Prairie dogs scampered, and we saw one large buffalo ambling over a ridge. The almost full moon, just risen, was framed between two buttes.

 

COLD! That first night especially - 25ish and breezy. Our furnace and blankets kept us snug. Nina at our feet helped, too.

 

Friday's drive: A complete tour showed us the full range of these North Dakota Badlands, along with a herd (25 or 30 at least) of bison, three wild horses, many magpies, and, of course, a multitude of prairie dogs. The wind was biting cold making the warmth of the Volvo ever so inviting after our photo shoots and short hikes.

 

 

 

                               

                                                                

       Before leaving the park Saturday morning, Michael took some time to "fiddle" with the carburetor, an almost daily activity. He's attempting to find that magic adjustment that will lessen the blow to our trip fund and our allegiance to the fossil fuel industry.  A tweak here, a tweak there to give us another mile per gallon. Didn't I say every drive is a test drive??