The colors here compliment so well. \240I'm not sure why the waters are so blue, but it is a gift to the eyes.

Someone decorated a tree stump. \240I should check it out for little gnomes!

Bertha Bollinger was born in Lehr in 1914. \240This tabernacle and chapel were built in 1922, and served as a main gathering place for the surrounding community. \240She certainly would have been familiar with it (8 yrs to 15 yrs). \240We were pleased to walk the grounds.

An old bell in front of the Tabernacle. \240It works - Jim tested it!

The chapel next to the Tabernacle.

I was surprised to find the chapel open. \240I stood in the center and tried to see it through Bertha's eyes.

Jim was outside with the dogs.

Adjacent to the Chapel we find a cemetery. We criss-crossed the yard, checking for family names. \240In the smaller communities, all manner of headstones can be found. \240It makes for an interesting afternoon.

The main entrance to the grounds.

The Wishek area has many more cold blue ponds than Lehr, and the folks there simply farm around them.

The hotdogs here have a distinct smokey flavor and are bright red. \240Of course, we had one...

In the park square with a 'frank' from McTwist. 😉

Dashie at my feet, under the picnic table.

We also picked up Grandma's Kuchen -a real treat!

My boys and a roll of hay.

We stand underneath a huge concrete buffalo, perched on top of a mound, which can be seen from the freeway and town.

This guy's name is Dakota Thunder. \240The other guy's name is 'Dacotah, under Dakota Thunder'.

I guess it is tradition to hold the buffalo goatee...

A cute little church in the village.

Oh no! \240A stolen horse!

Likely suspect.

We are all safer for the Sheriff's deed!

Hahaha! \240I NOT DEAD!

Carmel roll, just like the ones Bertha made. \240Jim was beyond pleased.

The fort, hosting both calvary and infantry, overlooks the Missouri River. \240There are multiple barracks, a stable, commisory, stores and guard towers. \240Apparently, there were frequent attacks by the natives.

Most rooms have either a potbelly stove or a fireplace. \240It was probably miserable in the winter.

At the center of the barracks-

Outside the Sargent Master's private room.

This view is from the top of one of the towers.

The blockhouse, with rifle slots when needed.

Jim looking over the tower railing.

The old cottonwood had a fanastic cavity and still thrives!

The Missouri River prairie.

Every Fort has a nearby cemetery. \240

This structure was the largest and was set up as a council/meeting place.

The Ranger on duty said that they must burn fires in the houses during the winter months so that they stay dry inside. \240Otherwise the sod will get soft and collapse. \240The floor was hardened mud. \240This house was certainly big enough for a family.

The Mandan Tribe was decimated by small pox and then Indian Wars, but today they still reside in North Dakota and are a federally recognized tribe.

Juniper berries!

The river is so important to the Bismarck and Mandan communities, supporting bird migration, tribal culture, and social activities. \240It was fun to get to know it much better today.

Much of the river here is wild, with marshes, islands and inlets.

The sternwheel "Lewis and Clark" paddling with the rivers current.

We had our feet off the ground so that the red ants would not 'get us'.

In front of the Heritage Center lie these huge crazy stones.

A beautifully painted horse in the Heritage Center.

We found some great family photos of these hard-working farmers.

The Bessarabian Germans are super proud of their heritage and it is a huge part of this area. \240We were happy to tap into this part of our family.

Tonight's sunset.

Tomorrow, we find Montana. \240Thank you North Dakota.

Jim, the boys, and the badlands.

The colors come out of water erosion and it really makes this park interesting.

Slowly, the grass gets shorter, the air is drier and sage brush appears.

...you know you are in Montana, when you cross the Yellowstone River.