Hello from Sioux Falls. Today we went downtown to Falls Park. It's a nice little park with a piece of the Big Sioux River and Falls running through it.
It was a really nice day, although a bit windy. The last few seconds of the video taken from the car and during the right turn, is Achieve where we are going tomorrow in hopes of seeing Nicole.
Today we unloaded more stuff from the car and I unpacked the suitcases, hung up clothes and generally put things away and organized our stuff here in the room since we will be here for a week.
The people here are so nice, it's incredible how helpful they are. They brought us a microwave and refrigerator today from another room. They would have brought it yesterday except that it came from a room that was occupied.
They are short of things this week since there are a lot of construction workers staying here and they are here for 3 months. The people are just very friendly and we feel real at home here.
This morning we went to our favorite place OPH, Original Pancake House. More "Swedes" for me. The Swedish pancakes there are delicious.
We then went for a ride down to the Falls Park and took some video I am sending along tonight. It's a pretty town here, lots of history.
http://vimeo.com/6787419
Not a lot to say for the next few days and this brings you up to date. We will be here until Friday then we are considering going southeast to something we saw on tv last night. It's the Blue Ridge Parkway. Really sounds great.
We have lots of time to make that decision.....
More later
Love to All
Wayne and Colleen
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
http://vimeo.com/6772829
Well folks, we have arrived in our home for a week now, Sioux Falls South Dakota. As most of you know the situation here, we are hoping against hope to get to see Nicole. We don't know until we go out to Achieve on Monday if we will be able to see her.
I found a video uploading service called Vimeo and I'm experimenting with getting a video clip here on the blog. If it works, I will post a few more each day.
The first one I'm putting on here is from a few days ago at Yellowstone. I hope it works!
We went to Lake City Minnesota after leaving Minneapolis. Lake City is where Pat Riskas used to live. For those of you that don't know, Pat is my sister in law Gail's mom. That would also make her Wayne's brother Jim's mother-in-law. See how that works?
Our trip to Lake City was in the first rain we've had yet on our trip. Other than a couple real cloudbursts, it really wasn't that bad. It stayed warm and muggy all day.
Lake City is a pretty little town along the Mississippi River. Lots of nice things to see and pretty landscape both before and after Lake City.
This was on Friday, yesterday, and we just decided to come on into Sioux Falls since it was only 4 hours away. Yes, we are here early but Wayne feels much better about being here early.
We went to our favorite place in Sioux Falls to eat today. It's The Original Pancake House. They have a real variety of special pancakes and crepes. My personal favorite is the Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberry. MMMMMM!
We did some laundry last night for the first time since we left home. Our hotel, the Fairfield does not yet have their laundry room in so we had to go across the parking lot to the Marriott Residence Inn where we were able to use their laundry room. They have a very nice section of their lobby that is like a living room with a nice couch and some chairs along with a very large screen Hi-Def TV.
Tomorrow I am going to re-organize all of our things. We are going to be here for a while so we can unpack a bit. We have been buying lots of souvenirs and I want to go through everything and consolidate them a bit. Somewhere in there are a few things we bought for Nicole!
I know you are probably getting tired of hearing this, but this road trip is just amazing. Wayne and I love being together and seeing all these beautiful things we have seen. We love meeting all the new people and seeing the new places.
It is a very strong feeling in my heart of gratefulness to God for making this trip possible for us. I am happy to be as healthy as I am and although I have gained so very much weight, I am still here. I am still here and enjoying life more everyday.
Wayne and I are blessed for sure. This is the trip of a lifetime and we are happy to share it all with you.
Love to everyone
Wayne and Colleen
Well folks, we have arrived in our home for a week now, Sioux Falls South Dakota. As most of you know the situation here, we are hoping against hope to get to see Nicole. We don't know until we go out to Achieve on Monday if we will be able to see her.
I found a video uploading service called Vimeo and I'm experimenting with getting a video clip here on the blog. If it works, I will post a few more each day.
The first one I'm putting on here is from a few days ago at Yellowstone. I hope it works!
We went to Lake City Minnesota after leaving Minneapolis. Lake City is where Pat Riskas used to live. For those of you that don't know, Pat is my sister in law Gail's mom. That would also make her Wayne's brother Jim's mother-in-law. See how that works?
Our trip to Lake City was in the first rain we've had yet on our trip. Other than a couple real cloudbursts, it really wasn't that bad. It stayed warm and muggy all day.
Lake City is a pretty little town along the Mississippi River. Lots of nice things to see and pretty landscape both before and after Lake City.
This was on Friday, yesterday, and we just decided to come on into Sioux Falls since it was only 4 hours away. Yes, we are here early but Wayne feels much better about being here early.
We went to our favorite place in Sioux Falls to eat today. It's The Original Pancake House. They have a real variety of special pancakes and crepes. My personal favorite is the Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberry. MMMMMM!
We did some laundry last night for the first time since we left home. Our hotel, the Fairfield does not yet have their laundry room in so we had to go across the parking lot to the Marriott Residence Inn where we were able to use their laundry room. They have a very nice section of their lobby that is like a living room with a nice couch and some chairs along with a very large screen Hi-Def TV.
Tomorrow I am going to re-organize all of our things. We are going to be here for a while so we can unpack a bit. We have been buying lots of souvenirs and I want to go through everything and consolidate them a bit. Somewhere in there are a few things we bought for Nicole!
I know you are probably getting tired of hearing this, but this road trip is just amazing. Wayne and I love being together and seeing all these beautiful things we have seen. We love meeting all the new people and seeing the new places.
It is a very strong feeling in my heart of gratefulness to God for making this trip possible for us. I am happy to be as healthy as I am and although I have gained so very much weight, I am still here. I am still here and enjoying life more everyday.
Wayne and I are blessed for sure. This is the trip of a lifetime and we are happy to share it all with you.
Love to everyone
Wayne and Colleen
Thursday, September 24, 2009
MOA - Mall of America
What an experience we had today. No, it didn't involve police officers!
We went over to the MOA which is across the street sort of from our hotel. This place is a nightmare! First of all you have to decide which entrance you want, North, South, East or West. Then you have to find a parking place (good luck) or go into the appropriate parking garage.
When you finally get inside, you have to decide which level you want to shop, there are 4 levels. With over 400 businesses, it's an incredible place. We got something to eat first and then located a couple shoe stores and I actually bought two pair of shoes.
We were really afraid if we ventured very deeply into the labyrinth of the place we may never see our car again and God forbid maybe even each other!!!
We took the shoes and headed for where we thought we left the car. Yep, it was there!
We drove back over to the hotel and was happy to get here!
Have I mentioned how much I love this bed! It is amazingly comfortable.
Last night we did a horribly decadent thing and ordered room service. Terrific food but terribly expensive! Then after our experience at the mall, we came back here and ordered panini and ordered a movie, Angels and Demons with Tom Hanks.
So here we are, stretched out on this wonderful bed, eating lunch off of fine china and watching a current movie on TV. Does it get any better?
Tomorrow we start out again, having enjoyed a good rest and wonderful time in this great room. The folks at the Marriott are very attentive and very nice. They make you feel really at home.
Tomorrow's Dilemma...... which new pair of shoes do I wear?
More later......
love to all
W & C
We went over to the MOA which is across the street sort of from our hotel. This place is a nightmare! First of all you have to decide which entrance you want, North, South, East or West. Then you have to find a parking place (good luck) or go into the appropriate parking garage.
When you finally get inside, you have to decide which level you want to shop, there are 4 levels. With over 400 businesses, it's an incredible place. We got something to eat first and then located a couple shoe stores and I actually bought two pair of shoes.
We were really afraid if we ventured very deeply into the labyrinth of the place we may never see our car again and God forbid maybe even each other!!!
We took the shoes and headed for where we thought we left the car. Yep, it was there!
We drove back over to the hotel and was happy to get here!
Have I mentioned how much I love this bed! It is amazingly comfortable.
Last night we did a horribly decadent thing and ordered room service. Terrific food but terribly expensive! Then after our experience at the mall, we came back here and ordered panini and ordered a movie, Angels and Demons with Tom Hanks.
So here we are, stretched out on this wonderful bed, eating lunch off of fine china and watching a current movie on TV. Does it get any better?
Tomorrow we start out again, having enjoyed a good rest and wonderful time in this great room. The folks at the Marriott are very attentive and very nice. They make you feel really at home.
Tomorrow's Dilemma...... which new pair of shoes do I wear?
More later......
love to all
W & C
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Biggest Shopping Center in the World
Hi everyone. Tonight we are in Minneapolis, actually Bloomington, Minnesota. And all you girls know what is in Bloomington. The Mall of America is here.
We got here about 4:00 this afternoon, found the Marriott and stopped in the parking lot. Our GPS lady gave us not only the directions to the Marriott but also the address and phone number. So I called to see if they had any rooms available under the Friends and Family rate that Richard was so kind to give us certificates for before we left home.
Yes, they have a room so I reserved the room for two nights from the parking lot !!!
We pulled up front, a very nice man all dressed in red came out to unload our car. We went inside and registered and to the top floor we came.
Now this is the nicest hotel we have stayed at yet, I love Marriott. And the biggest reason that I like Marriott is that it has THE bed!! The bed is the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in in my entire life. It's wonderful!
We are almost across the street from the MOA (Mall of America) and plan to go there tomorrow and check it out. I have been wanting a new pair of shoes so I think that will be on the agenda tomorrow.
Looking at the website tonight, I find the MOA has over 400 stores employing over 12,000 people. Amazing. It's on 4 levels and has movie theatres and lots of other entertainment venues.
Note to Pat: We think we will be going through Lake City on Friday when we leave here. We will stay somewhere between here and Sioux Falls Friday night and then be in Sioux Falls on Saturday.
Note To Lil: Thanks so much sweetie for your comments and compliments. We really appreciate your following us.
Note to Todd: No more dummy moves today! Have been very thoughtful about the use of my Flip!
Today when we drove around Fargo a bit before leaving town, we encountered a peaceful protest in front of a Women's Clinic in old town Fargo. There was a shoulder to shoulder line of approximately 12-14 young people holding signs that said "Pray for the End of Abortion"........The clinic was in the middle of the block and on each corner were 2-3 young people wearing vests that said "Clinic Escorts". They were there to escort patients past the protesters.
After thinking about it, I asked Wayne to drive back around so I could video the protest. He drove up to the clinic, stopped, and stared at the protesters. I held my breath thinking for sure that they would say something and he would respond, we would BOTH respond and then one or all of the cops who were stationed a safe distance away would be all over us. I could see them pounding on our car with their signs and everything. Well, actually we just had a staring contest, no one spoke, and off we drove.
Todd, I almost needed you again!!! But once again, we got through it without the feel of the cold steel handcuffs on our wrists!
Note to Mom: Really good to hear your good news today. Glad your shoulder is healed and all is good. You needed some good news!
Again today we had a great ride and some beautiful green landscape. Really great farms, little settlements, and green green hills. The weather was clear as a bell and nice and warm today.
Note to Todd: Added to previous comment, today we came upon a traffic stop on the freeway just before getting into Minneapolis. As we approached, we noticed there were no markings on his car at all. It was a dark colored four door sedan looking as normal as any other car on the road. There were no visible lights or any other marking or object that would make him look like a police car. However, there were lights coming from several places, still not sure how though. He was dressed all in brown with those silly looking round brimmed hats. I grabbed the Flip and tried to get as much as I could as Wayne gasped "I wish you wouldn't do that" ! So, contrary to what I said earlier, maybe this was a dummy move on my part!
Bye for now .....I promise I will try to stay out of trouble now!!!
Love to all
Wayne and Colleen
We got here about 4:00 this afternoon, found the Marriott and stopped in the parking lot. Our GPS lady gave us not only the directions to the Marriott but also the address and phone number. So I called to see if they had any rooms available under the Friends and Family rate that Richard was so kind to give us certificates for before we left home.
Yes, they have a room so I reserved the room for two nights from the parking lot !!!
We pulled up front, a very nice man all dressed in red came out to unload our car. We went inside and registered and to the top floor we came.
Now this is the nicest hotel we have stayed at yet, I love Marriott. And the biggest reason that I like Marriott is that it has THE bed!! The bed is the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in in my entire life. It's wonderful!
We are almost across the street from the MOA (Mall of America) and plan to go there tomorrow and check it out. I have been wanting a new pair of shoes so I think that will be on the agenda tomorrow.
Looking at the website tonight, I find the MOA has over 400 stores employing over 12,000 people. Amazing. It's on 4 levels and has movie theatres and lots of other entertainment venues.
Note to Pat: We think we will be going through Lake City on Friday when we leave here. We will stay somewhere between here and Sioux Falls Friday night and then be in Sioux Falls on Saturday.
Note To Lil: Thanks so much sweetie for your comments and compliments. We really appreciate your following us.
Note to Todd: No more dummy moves today! Have been very thoughtful about the use of my Flip!
Today when we drove around Fargo a bit before leaving town, we encountered a peaceful protest in front of a Women's Clinic in old town Fargo. There was a shoulder to shoulder line of approximately 12-14 young people holding signs that said "Pray for the End of Abortion"........The clinic was in the middle of the block and on each corner were 2-3 young people wearing vests that said "Clinic Escorts". They were there to escort patients past the protesters.
After thinking about it, I asked Wayne to drive back around so I could video the protest. He drove up to the clinic, stopped, and stared at the protesters. I held my breath thinking for sure that they would say something and he would respond, we would BOTH respond and then one or all of the cops who were stationed a safe distance away would be all over us. I could see them pounding on our car with their signs and everything. Well, actually we just had a staring contest, no one spoke, and off we drove.
Todd, I almost needed you again!!! But once again, we got through it without the feel of the cold steel handcuffs on our wrists!
Note to Mom: Really good to hear your good news today. Glad your shoulder is healed and all is good. You needed some good news!
Again today we had a great ride and some beautiful green landscape. Really great farms, little settlements, and green green hills. The weather was clear as a bell and nice and warm today.
Note to Todd: Added to previous comment, today we came upon a traffic stop on the freeway just before getting into Minneapolis. As we approached, we noticed there were no markings on his car at all. It was a dark colored four door sedan looking as normal as any other car on the road. There were no visible lights or any other marking or object that would make him look like a police car. However, there were lights coming from several places, still not sure how though. He was dressed all in brown with those silly looking round brimmed hats. I grabbed the Flip and tried to get as much as I could as Wayne gasped "I wish you wouldn't do that" ! So, contrary to what I said earlier, maybe this was a dummy move on my part!
Bye for now .....I promise I will try to stay out of trouble now!!!
Love to all
Wayne and Colleen
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
In Fargo, North Dakota......eh yeah
Hi there everyone from Fargo North Dakota. No blog last night because we took another down day yesterday in Minot. Today's drive was only about 4 hours to Fargo but we stopped because it looked real stormy and we decided to get a room and just look around Fargo for a while.
We haven't taken any pictures today and since we didn't go out of our room yesterday, none then either.
Fargo is right exactly on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. We plan to go into Minnesota tomorrow.
Note to Pat: We may be going to Lake City tomorrow. Wayne looked it up and it's about 5 hours from here. We'll get some pictures for you to see tomorrow night if we get there.
We are way ahead of schedule for Sioux Falls, we aren't due there until Saturday.
Wayne is feeling the magnet pull of seeing Nicole and he wants to keep within a few hours of Sioux Falls.
On our way here today, we stopped in a cute little town called Harvey. We drove around Harvey for a while and it was really cute. There was a police officer driving a pick up with the license plate "police" so Wayne asked her where to find a good place to eat. She gave us a couple choices and away we went.
It was strange seeing such a little town even having a police department but we know they have at least one officer and she was very friendly.
These small little towns in eastern North Dakota are priceless. Things look like they haven't changed for dozens of years.
There were miles and miles and miles of sunflower fields along the highway today. I think they were left to go to seed because they looked almost dead but there were miles of them on both sides of the road.
Note to Richard and Lisa: We stayed at the Fairfield Inn in Minot for two nights at $49 each night......THANKS again !!!
Dinner at Applebee's tonight introduced us to the cutest little waitress named RUNEA.....pronounced Re nay or Rene. I gave her one of my cards and told her she could have 50% off if she found something she liked on my website. She was real interested in our trip, where we were going, etc. Very nice young lady.
We have been travelling on smaller state highways instead of the impersonal interstate freeways. It is just so much nicer on the smaller roads. You see so much more and meet such nice people. It is the preferred way to travel in the Stevenson Family!
Note to Self: No more riblets at Applebee's, delicious but too hard and messy to eat.
Note to Cameron and Sergio: We both signed up as followers on your blog and marked it on our favorites. We are looking forward to your posts!! We are excited about your trip to NY and DC and hope you have a great great time!!
We are in the central time zone now so we are two hours ahead of home.
I cannot tell you how much fun we are having. We are happy to be together each day and seeing new things and meeting new people. It's an amazing way to take a vacation and I totally recommend it for everyone. I wish you could all be here with us. You get such a great view of life in this way. It's so powerful when you see new things and see how others live.
Update on our License plate game: We only need 12 more to have all 50 states. We still need Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and West Virginia. All the rest we've seen.
That's about it for today. Tomorrow we will be in Minnesota and will post again tomorrow night.
Love to you all
Wayne and Colleen
We haven't taken any pictures today and since we didn't go out of our room yesterday, none then either.
Fargo is right exactly on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. We plan to go into Minnesota tomorrow.
Note to Pat: We may be going to Lake City tomorrow. Wayne looked it up and it's about 5 hours from here. We'll get some pictures for you to see tomorrow night if we get there.
We are way ahead of schedule for Sioux Falls, we aren't due there until Saturday.
Wayne is feeling the magnet pull of seeing Nicole and he wants to keep within a few hours of Sioux Falls.
On our way here today, we stopped in a cute little town called Harvey. We drove around Harvey for a while and it was really cute. There was a police officer driving a pick up with the license plate "police" so Wayne asked her where to find a good place to eat. She gave us a couple choices and away we went.
It was strange seeing such a little town even having a police department but we know they have at least one officer and she was very friendly.
These small little towns in eastern North Dakota are priceless. Things look like they haven't changed for dozens of years.
There were miles and miles and miles of sunflower fields along the highway today. I think they were left to go to seed because they looked almost dead but there were miles of them on both sides of the road.
Note to Richard and Lisa: We stayed at the Fairfield Inn in Minot for two nights at $49 each night......THANKS again !!!
Dinner at Applebee's tonight introduced us to the cutest little waitress named RUNEA.....pronounced Re nay or Rene. I gave her one of my cards and told her she could have 50% off if she found something she liked on my website. She was real interested in our trip, where we were going, etc. Very nice young lady.
We have been travelling on smaller state highways instead of the impersonal interstate freeways. It is just so much nicer on the smaller roads. You see so much more and meet such nice people. It is the preferred way to travel in the Stevenson Family!
Note to Self: No more riblets at Applebee's, delicious but too hard and messy to eat.
Note to Cameron and Sergio: We both signed up as followers on your blog and marked it on our favorites. We are looking forward to your posts!! We are excited about your trip to NY and DC and hope you have a great great time!!
We are in the central time zone now so we are two hours ahead of home.
I cannot tell you how much fun we are having. We are happy to be together each day and seeing new things and meeting new people. It's an amazing way to take a vacation and I totally recommend it for everyone. I wish you could all be here with us. You get such a great view of life in this way. It's so powerful when you see new things and see how others live.
Update on our License plate game: We only need 12 more to have all 50 states. We still need Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and West Virginia. All the rest we've seen.
That's about it for today. Tomorrow we will be in Minnesota and will post again tomorrow night.
Love to you all
Wayne and Colleen
Sunday, September 20, 2009
BUSTED at the BORDER !!!!!!!
Hello again everyone! I'm so happy you are reading our blog.
Today we changed our minds and diverted our route northward to Canada. We entered the border check and was questioned extensively by the Canadian officer there. He was real nice, but firm. He couldn't understand why we were only going to be in Canada for the day or possibly one night. Anyway, he finally let us go and off we went.
We went to a town called Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Well, it was nothing fancy or exciting enough to write home about. Our experience was less than amazing too. First, we went to a gas station to fuel up. Wayne doesn't like to drive on the lower half of the tank. He considers us empty when we reach 1/2 full!
OK, so the gas is sold by the litre and is quite expensive when you do the math. It was $3.80/gal today. We haven't been paying anything over $3.00 since we left home. They also do not allow self service. You have to let the attendant pump the gas. The young man at the station was amazed that we were from San Francisco and was there in Saskatchewan at his gas station!
He recommended a cafe for lunch and boy are we sorry we went there. It took us over 30 minutes just to get something to drink. All in all, it was over an hour before our food arrived. Yes, they were a bit busy, yes it was Sunday after church, yes we should not be in such a rush but ONE HOUR???
The waitress seemed to have a real attitude and Wayne wondered if they have something against Americans and had figured out we were American. But I do have to say the food was pretty good, when we finally got it.
Ok, so now we have a dilemma, do we go on up to Regina as the border guard suggested or do we head back down to the good ole USA and in the general direction that we were originally headed? We decided to come on back down.
So, now we come to why I used the title of Busted at the Border tonight.
As we approach the American portal for getting back in the US, I whipped out my trusty Flip video. You remember that, right? The Amazing Flip Video camera?!!
I am merrily getting video of the signs, the buildings and everything leading up to the actual port entrance. As we are waiting for the Border Guard to come up to our car, he suddenly approaches the driver's side and says, "no photography of any kind here" and TAKES MY FLIP !!! He took it right out of my hands!
He went in to the little guard shack or whatever you call it and someone else starts pushing buttons and looking at all the video. (we had 27 clips at the time)
He kept it and kept it and I was sooooo afraid I would never see my little Flip again.
Finally he came back out and asked us/me if I/we knew that it was illegal to do any photography at any time. He said Homeland Security does not want anyone photographing what they do. He was also VERY firm.
After he did all the looking and punching buttons, he finally gave my little friend back to me. It went immediately into the case and into the cubby hole in the door where I had been keeping it. He asked Wayne to pop the trunk and when Wayne started to get out of the car, he told him to stay seated!
Wayne says to me, "I wonder if he deleted everything we had".....my response: "There is no way I'm touching that puppy right now, I will wait until we get away from here, if we ever do, and then I'll check.
After a cursory check of our trunk, I guess he was satisfied that we were not raging terrorists or capable of any bomb threats and he let us go.
Whew! That was some excitement that neither of us needed!
Did I know I shouldn't have been filming? Well of course, after the fact when I thought about it, sure I knew it was wrong. But at the moment, as a tourist, who all day has been filming signs, buildings, everything, I just kept on doing it until I was BUSTED!
BTW, he deleted not only the clip of the border crossing but also 2-3 of the clips immediately prior to that. Not to worry, I won't miss them, I'm just glad we got out of there without handcuffs being placed on our wrinkled old wrists!
As we were leaving, I noticed some guys who had been driven into a special area and the border guards were taking rifles out of their vehicle. I saw two of them. I'll bet those poor idiots are still there !!!!!!
This is the typical view across Montana and NorthDakota on the Hi Line.
I was amazed to see the round bales of hay. They have some plastic sort of shrink wrapping around them to hold them. They look pretty all out in the field.
I have this thing for old old old buildings and barns. These were in North Dakota along the Hi Line. Cool, huh?!
Tonight we are safely ensconced (sp?) in the Fairfield Inn/Marriott in Minot North Dakota. Tomorrow we plan to as far as Fargo. Then since we are way ahead of schedule for being in Sioux Falls on Saturday, we are planning to swing out east a bit and loop through Minnesota before going on in to Sioux Falls to see Nicole.
Love to all.........more later.
Wayne and Colleen
Today we changed our minds and diverted our route northward to Canada. We entered the border check and was questioned extensively by the Canadian officer there. He was real nice, but firm. He couldn't understand why we were only going to be in Canada for the day or possibly one night. Anyway, he finally let us go and off we went.
We went to a town called Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Well, it was nothing fancy or exciting enough to write home about. Our experience was less than amazing too. First, we went to a gas station to fuel up. Wayne doesn't like to drive on the lower half of the tank. He considers us empty when we reach 1/2 full!
OK, so the gas is sold by the litre and is quite expensive when you do the math. It was $3.80/gal today. We haven't been paying anything over $3.00 since we left home. They also do not allow self service. You have to let the attendant pump the gas. The young man at the station was amazed that we were from San Francisco and was there in Saskatchewan at his gas station!
He recommended a cafe for lunch and boy are we sorry we went there. It took us over 30 minutes just to get something to drink. All in all, it was over an hour before our food arrived. Yes, they were a bit busy, yes it was Sunday after church, yes we should not be in such a rush but ONE HOUR???
The waitress seemed to have a real attitude and Wayne wondered if they have something against Americans and had figured out we were American. But I do have to say the food was pretty good, when we finally got it.
Ok, so now we have a dilemma, do we go on up to Regina as the border guard suggested or do we head back down to the good ole USA and in the general direction that we were originally headed? We decided to come on back down.
So, now we come to why I used the title of Busted at the Border tonight.
As we approach the American portal for getting back in the US, I whipped out my trusty Flip video. You remember that, right? The Amazing Flip Video camera?!!
I am merrily getting video of the signs, the buildings and everything leading up to the actual port entrance. As we are waiting for the Border Guard to come up to our car, he suddenly approaches the driver's side and says, "no photography of any kind here" and TAKES MY FLIP !!! He took it right out of my hands!
He went in to the little guard shack or whatever you call it and someone else starts pushing buttons and looking at all the video. (we had 27 clips at the time)
He kept it and kept it and I was sooooo afraid I would never see my little Flip again.
Finally he came back out and asked us/me if I/we knew that it was illegal to do any photography at any time. He said Homeland Security does not want anyone photographing what they do. He was also VERY firm.
After he did all the looking and punching buttons, he finally gave my little friend back to me. It went immediately into the case and into the cubby hole in the door where I had been keeping it. He asked Wayne to pop the trunk and when Wayne started to get out of the car, he told him to stay seated!
Wayne says to me, "I wonder if he deleted everything we had".....my response: "There is no way I'm touching that puppy right now, I will wait until we get away from here, if we ever do, and then I'll check.
After a cursory check of our trunk, I guess he was satisfied that we were not raging terrorists or capable of any bomb threats and he let us go.
Whew! That was some excitement that neither of us needed!
Did I know I shouldn't have been filming? Well of course, after the fact when I thought about it, sure I knew it was wrong. But at the moment, as a tourist, who all day has been filming signs, buildings, everything, I just kept on doing it until I was BUSTED!
BTW, he deleted not only the clip of the border crossing but also 2-3 of the clips immediately prior to that. Not to worry, I won't miss them, I'm just glad we got out of there without handcuffs being placed on our wrinkled old wrists!
As we were leaving, I noticed some guys who had been driven into a special area and the border guards were taking rifles out of their vehicle. I saw two of them. I'll bet those poor idiots are still there !!!!!!
We did so enjoy our ride on Highway 2, the Hi Line. It's quite a place.
This is the typical view across Montana and NorthDakota on the Hi Line.
I have this thing for old old old buildings and barns. These were in North Dakota along the Hi Line. Cool, huh?!
Tonight we are safely ensconced (sp?) in the Fairfield Inn/Marriott in Minot North Dakota. Tomorrow we plan to as far as Fargo. Then since we are way ahead of schedule for being in Sioux Falls on Saturday, we are planning to swing out east a bit and loop through Minnesota before going on in to Sioux Falls to see Nicole.
Love to all.........more later.
Wayne and Colleen
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Goodbye Montana, Hello North Dakota
We are in a new state for both of us. Neither of us have ever been in North Dakota. We are in a small town called Williston, ND. We are in the least expensive motel we have stayed at yet. No, I think it's the nicest one in town!! Oh well, we are only here one night.
This Hi Line, highway 2, is a great little road to ride. There are lots of little towns along the way. And friends, when I say little, I mean little!!!
We discussed making a left turn and going into Canada but decided we were having too much fun on the Hi Line.
We are just barely over the border of Montana/North Dakota so we have lots of driving to do to get across ND yet. We plan to go to Fargo, then cut south to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
This area is known for agriculture of course, and oil. Yes, oil. Who knew?
Lots of road kill for those of you who are interested in such things. Today we saw more dead critters on the road than I think I've seen in my entire life. Among the numbers were skunks, oppossum(s?), dogs, cats, deer, porcupines and one that I couldn't figure out.
Everything in eastern Montana was one Indian Reservation or another. Lots of casinos, large and small. Last night at the restaurant, we had dinner with cowboys and indians !!
We are both feeling good and very refreshed after our down time in Havre. Spending the extra day there made a big difference.
Today was also the first day I did all the driving. Wayne has been doing most of it but today was my turn!
Tomorrow can't come soon enough, I think Wayne is really anxious to leave the thriving metropolis of Williston, North Dakota and I think I agree.
More later........
This Hi Line, highway 2, is a great little road to ride. There are lots of little towns along the way. And friends, when I say little, I mean little!!!
We discussed making a left turn and going into Canada but decided we were having too much fun on the Hi Line.
We are just barely over the border of Montana/North Dakota so we have lots of driving to do to get across ND yet. We plan to go to Fargo, then cut south to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
This area is known for agriculture of course, and oil. Yes, oil. Who knew?
Lots of road kill for those of you who are interested in such things. Today we saw more dead critters on the road than I think I've seen in my entire life. Among the numbers were skunks, oppossum(s?), dogs, cats, deer, porcupines and one that I couldn't figure out.
Everything in eastern Montana was one Indian Reservation or another. Lots of casinos, large and small. Last night at the restaurant, we had dinner with cowboys and indians !!
We are both feeling good and very refreshed after our down time in Havre. Spending the extra day there made a big difference.
Today was also the first day I did all the driving. Wayne has been doing most of it but today was my turn!
Tomorrow can't come soon enough, I think Wayne is really anxious to leave the thriving metropolis of Williston, North Dakota and I think I agree.
More later........
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