Hebron, ND to Medora, ND
Day: 82.34 miles, Trip: 2848.91 miles
We decided not to wait for breakfast in Hebron since it didn't open until 8. Instead we rode on to Richardton for breakfast. At first the cafe was closed but then we realized we changed time zones and it was opening by the time we got back to it. The breakfast was good, a worthy stop. After breakfast we rode on and visited the first rest stop in Dickinson, ND. It has become known as the liquor store rest stop. Skylar claims it was because the grocery store parking lot was full ... right, we didn't let him forget that one.
We were sitting at the last rest stop before the national park and up rides Beth. Beth rode with us in Bowling Green, OH and is back to ride with us some more. It was a surprise and we were all really happy to have her back.
On the ride today we got to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Painted Canyon Visitor's Center. This national park is basically part of the North Dakota Bad Lands and is truly beautiful. We stayed at the visitors center for awhile taking photos and enjoying the view. We got a couple group photos and then rode on to Medora, ND. On the way to Medora I was trying to take pictures of the scenery and the other riders. This proved to be challenging at 30 mph on a highway. I did manage to get a few good shots.
Tonight we are staying in the Medora Campground in Medora, ND (pop 100). Medora is a weird town that is owned mostly by one company. It is a western themed town. We stopped for ice cream but it wasn't anything special. The campground is right outside the national park and some of the group went for a drive around it in one of the vans, it was full so I stayed around the campground. Some people went to drink or get food in town. I decided to stay in camp for dinner and just hung out with those remaining. Shortly after heading to bed I realized I set up the tent in the wrong location. Some of our group (by the sound of it was Skylar, Ted, and Kenny) joined a group of other campers at a fire ring close to my tent. They were up late and were not quiet. By the sound of it, they were pretty drunk. Eventually I did get to sleep though.
