A different direction

The Missouri from Fort
Abraham Lincoln

On the way out of Mandan, we stop so I can do some laundry. There, I have the pleasure of meeting a kind lady who not only takes a keen interest in the journey, but also blesses me with a couple new ponchos and some beef jerky. She also makes sure Bud's treat compliment is up to snuff. Another great beginning to a day!

Clothes washed and supplies stocked, we make our way onto highway 1806, following "The Big Muddy" for about 13 miles. The tall grass near the river is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Man, and I thought I'd seen swarms in Indonesia, but the tropics don't hold a candle to the menacing numbers here in the Dakotas.

Going past Fort Abraham Lincoln, we take a little break on the bank of the river. Actually, Bud prefers to hang out in the murky waters close to shore while I consider making this spot our camp for the night. Fortunately, a fisherman points out that a better campground is just a couple miles down the road. So off we go again.

In a short while we turn into the Sugarloaf Bottom, Graner Park. I find the park host, and pay the five dollar fee--well worth it considering the beautiful location and the facilities. Soon Glen returns with some and we get to talkin' about the trip. He's quite an easy-going and accommodating fellow. He even brings some firewood a little later.

I spend the last moments of the day watching a splendid sunset from the banks of the Missouri. Meanwhile, Buddy snaps wildly in the air, trying to rid himself of the constant nuisance of these implacable mozzies.