07/13 to 07/17 Larimore Dam Recreation Area - North Dakota

07/11 to 07/17

Larimore Dam Recreation Area

Grand Forks, North Dakota 

With the Red River flowing beneath, the bridge welcomes the traveler into North Dakota

Today's ride was all about horizons. Horizon: Where the earth's surface and the sky appear to meet. It represents the farthest point of visibility, often signifying boundaries or limits. In recent days of travel the landscape was solid with dense forests of pine. There was no horizon. Today, ahead of me, Route 2  came to a point in the distance and when I arrived at that point, another appeared. To either side of me, the same. Crops of corn and soybeans carpeted the landscape in green to the horizon, as far as the eye can see. On other farms, hundreds of rolled bales of hay dotting the landscape were waiting to be gathered and stored. One cannot help but to have a new appreciation of the importance of farming/agriculture in this country. The amount of time and work that goes into maintaining these acres and acres of plants; to have to rely on the soil, climate and weather to earn their living is truly an eye opener.

The Larimore Dam Recreation Area and Campground is owned and operated by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. They manage the area for public recreation, including camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

The dam is situated about 3 miles west of Larimore, North Dakota, and it is part of the Turtle River State Park area. The Dam was constructed in the early 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal agency that provided jobs during the Great Depression.

Arriving at the campground, there was an immediate feeling of peace and serenity as I drove toward the registration office. Lots of open spaces, well cared for, green and beautiful. It made for a very welcoming sight.

Quite an expansive layout with many seasonal campers. Just by looking at decks, piles of firewood, size of propane tanks, boats and golf carts occupying sites, you could tell many were here for the duration.

My site #45 was level with full hookups. At $35.00/night, a very good deal.

Next door, Mel and Dan, who would be here for the month, had a spacious level site as well.

One feature at this campground that would give one pause is the presence of a concrete shelter.

This bunker, for short term use, was the designated shelter for tornadoes.

Reinforced rods at seams for extra durability...just in case.

9:26 p.m. sunset. Wow...I remember as a kid being told it's bedtime when it was still light out during the summer. 

The setting sun over a "seasonal" resident's shed was taken at 8:55 p.m. The downside of this wonderful natural phenomenon for me is ending the day with a good night to Mel and Dan. Then, I'd "start" catching up on my work on my laptop. Blink, blink and it's after 1 a.m. It makes for a very long day.

Mel and Dan's daughter, Kate and husband, Dave, stopped by to say hello. David is in the Air Force and stationed at the Air Force base about 15 minutes away. Along with grandkids, Hailey and Keegan, we walked down to the pavilion.

On this particular Saturday there was a sizeable turnout as the campground offered a "Camper Appreciation Day" and served hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, pickles and cold water.

Sunday night we met the family at The Blue Moose Bar and Grill in East Grand Forks, the sister city of Grand Forks in Minnesota, about 30 miles away for dinner. If you look at a map, everything is this part of the country is somewhere in a rectangle...and not close. You travel east-west or north-south. 

North Dakota has one of the longest state highway systems in the United States, with over 7,500 miles of state highways.

The restaurant was a huge two-floor, wood everywhere structure and well attended. If you check out their website, the menu has something for everyone. Difficult choices for me tonight.

We sat upstairs away from the crowds and noise.

Tonight, I chose the Blue Moose Specialty: Chicken Tri-Tortellini: A rich and creamy three-cheese mushroom sauce tossed with chicken and their cheese stuffed tri-colored tortellini. The craft cream ale to accompany the meal was "Indeed Pistachio Cream Ale" from Minneapolis, MN. "Spritzy and crisp, smooth and slightly nutty, this beer is a delightful mixed bag.

We passed on the desserts and made our way to another first for me, Culver's. That dessert was the perfect ending to another perfect day. So, Aldi's, Perkin's and Culver's are the new "firsts" for me.

Monday was a big day for me. If you've followed earlier blog posts, you know that a wind gust tore off the top cover of my roof vent. It's been taped down quite securely thanks to Jordan in Holley, and retaped again by Chris in Florence, WI. Gorilla tape didn't quite do the job. Today, Wes of Northern Roots traveled from Oslo, MN with the replacement vent I had ordered and sent to him.

We had been texting and today he said he'd be here "late morning, early afternoon." He arrived 10:30 a.m. Point for Wes.

I took a peek in in van and liked what I saw. He was prepared. Point for Wes.

Inside portion of unit removed. He was able to use the existing wiring and connections on the replacement unit and it worked perfectly.

Outer portion of unit plus tape removed

The new replacement unit

Old sealant removed and cleaned; surfaced prepared.

New tape and sealant applied; new unit installed.

I'm totally pleased with the unit, the work Wes performed and his itemized bill which was very fair. Wes was a most pleasant, quiet spoken fella in the business for 15 years, 7 of which on his own. A father of 4, he comes across as a typical mid-western gentleman. 

New unit came with screen and sunshade; it's electrical just like the original. 

Just like new. Actually, it is new.

That evening Kate and family brought everything for a cookout. Homemade potato salad, steak, hamburger, hot dogs, shrimp and corn on the cob. 

Kate and mom preparing dinner.

Grilled onions and asparagus

And S'mores to end the evening. Thank you Kate.

And for my last dinner with the gang, we traveled into Grand Forks for dinner at Speedway 805 Grill and Bar. My cheeseburger with a side of their specially made chips along with a draft Coors was just right.

On the 25 miles trip back to the campground, we took a side trip to the Grand Forks Air Force Base where David is stationed and the family reside. The GFAFB is home to the 

The RQ-4 Global Hawk

319th Reconnaissance Wing. This wing is responsible for the operation of the RQ-4 Global Hawk, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for high-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The base supports a variety of missions that contribute to national defense. These include ISR operations, air refueling missions, and supporting global military operations​. The Global Hawk program involves maintaining and flying these advanced UAVs, which provide real-time intelligence to military commanders worldwide. The Global Hawk's capabilities include long-endurance flights, making it a critical asset for the U.S. Air Force​. 

On the way out of the base I took some photos of aircraft on display.

This concludes another part of my adventure westward. Thank you Dan and Melanie for the time together and giving me the opportunity to meet your wonderful family here in North Dakota. Enjoy your month at this very pleasant and spacious campground. I'll see you again in September along with the other Hudson Islanders for our rally.

For the next blogs I plan to combine a number of stops into one blog and capture the highlights along the way. Hope you'll join me. There is a lot to see out there and from the news, lots of heat. I will pay close attention to my THREE weather apps and, of course, keep my eyes to the sky. Till next time, stay safe, cool, dry and happy.

 "The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change." ~Maya Angelou