Theodore Roosevelt National Park

We've seen so much in the last two weeks!  This may be a "series" instead of just one post.  When we left Lewis and Clark State Park, we drove up through Williston, ND.  There were a lot of  trucks on the road, as we had been told - trucks carrying oil, gravel, and who knows what.  There was also a lot of construction on Hwy 85.  Gene gets a little antsy driving for 25 mph for any distance, so after we stopped for a picnic lunch in Alexander, we took the scenic route 68 through the Little Missouri Grasslands Area to Beach, ND, then over to Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit, Medora, where we spent three nights.  As we are over 62 (most definitely) we have the Senior Access Pass that gives us free entry to National Parks and Monuments and half price camping.  The only drawback is that camping is usually without electric.  There are always several places to get water, though.  If necessary, we can run the generator, but we were out and about during the day and it had cooled down when we returned to our campsite.  We met another Roadtrek couple, Marlene and Buddy from MN.  Since this was their first trip out in it, Gene was able to help with info and suggestions.  The next day we traveled the 5 miles back to Medora and ate lunch at the Chuckwagon Buffet.  It was a very good selection, reasonably priced and delicious.  While in line, a lady spoke to us and when we turned around, we were surprised to see she was in period costume.  It was Mrs. Edith Roosevelt. When we met later on the street, she introduced us to her husband, President Theodore Roosevelt and we had quite an interesting conversation.

That same day we toured the Harold Schaefer Heritage Center (Gold Seal products - Glass Wax, Liquid Floor Wax and Mr. Bubble bubble bath).  He contributed majorly to the restoring of the Rough Riders Hotel and promoted the town of Medora.  The buttes and cliffs with different hues make it a beautiful place.  We could see why he loved it so.

The next day we went to the Visitor Center, saw the Maltese Cross cabin where Theodore Roosevelt spent a lot of time, and then over to the Chateau de Mores.  The Marquis de Mores started the town of Medora in the mid 1800's.  His idea was to butcher the cattle there and send the meat to the East rather than ship live cattle.  It must have been an idea before it's time, as it didn't prove to be profitable.  On the porch of the Chateau, we enjoyed an interpretation of Felix Gottnick, a German immigrant to this area, presented by Don.
He is a very talented actor who made the life of Felix come alive.  The information he presented was gleaned from letters given to him by Felix's great grand niece. It was a step back into history and much enjoyed.

We finished our day by driving the scenic loop - and it truly was - the variety of grasslands, prairie and cliffs are amazing.  Pictures just don't do it justice.  We even saw a few buffalo - not the main herd, but  we were able to get a few pictures.

S

On Sunday we headed out to new adventures, which I'll cover in my next blog.   Until then, God's blessings to all our friends and family.