1. The congretions (boulders)

2. The CCC cabin built in 1937

3. The bentonite formations (absorbent soil)

4. The Oxbow on the Little Missouri River

Day 14, Saturday June 18, 2011 VIsiting Theodore Roosevelt N.P.

Even though the previous day had been a nasty one weather wise, this Saturday was scheduled to be only 20% rain. (Actually it did not rain at all). We headed south from Williston ND, on US 85 to the north unit of the T. Roosevelt National Park. This meant that we had to cross the BIG Missouri River where US 85 had the river and floodwaters lapping both sides of the road. It was a sight not soon forgotten. Remembering that the oil boom activity of the NW North Dakota was ever present we found that was also true heading south away from Williston. On that road there were hundreds of tankers, bottom dumpers, oil tankers and other miscellaneous trucks that are needed in this type of start up of the oil boom. One truck that we saw carrying a huge 120 foot long oil tank that had a flat bed with 88 wheels under it. That was the most wheels I had ever seen on a trailer. (As it blocked traffic and turned the corner very slowly I had time to count the tires.)

We did eventually arrive after the 70 mile drive . We used our N.Parks pass (Senior) and started the 14 mile drive to the end of the road. Many stops along the way to get pictures of the formations of “capstones”, “Bentonite formations”, “Oxbow of the Little Missouri River”, “Cement concretions”, and some other which can be seen on the posting from the Park. This Park was completed in 1937 by the***CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps ) during the depression. Teddy Roosevelt had lived here, owned a ranch, chased thieves who stole his river boat and walked them 25 miles to jail, , and was inspired by the need for conservation . Hence, when he became the president had the best conservation legislation (executive order in some cases) before or since. As an example he created 5 National Parks and 58 National Wildlife Refuges. We looked for the Prairie Dog town on a trail but found that the water had made the trail impassable so saved that for a later time. We did see some birds and even thought that was not the main effort of the day we did see 6 new birds to add to the list. We observed the; Orchard Oriole , American Pipit, Tree Sparrow, Kestrel, Spotted Towhee, and the Mountain Bluebird. It was a good day and the sun gave us warmth. There were men from MIchigan here on their day off who came (The LItt and Big Muddy Rivers, the to ND for work.

The trip back (afternoon of Saturday) was much smoother and there was less truck traffic by that time.

Day 15, Sunday June 19, 2011 Traveling to Malta Montana.

We were again fortunate to be able to break camp in dry weather and head west on US 2 before the rains came. Before long the rain did come down but not hard, but steady. That was off and on all day until we were more than half way to Malta. We had to cross four main rivers all who banks were overflowing with water and flooded fields were ever present in the river flood plain. (The Muddy, Poplar, Porcupine and Milk Rvers). The prairies were all very green and lush looking. The grasses and winter wheat were coming along nicely, but where there was water in the fields it will be there in this soil saturated land for a long while yet to come. Gas here today was $3. 84, although on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation centered in Poplar MT, the price was a nice $3.60 as there were no taxes. I even got a cup of “senior “ coffee in Mickey D’s for $.50.

We arrived in the campground appropriately named Edgewater RV Park, which was on one of those flooded rivers...the Milk River. It had flooded the Park last week, but now was in better shape. We will be fine for the two nights we stay here. Ruth took me out to supper tonight as a Father’s day treat and celebrate with home style chicken and it was excellent.

Tomorrow we visit the second most prolific NWR in North America called Bowdoin NWR. Stay tuned as this could be one of the best. Weather looks good, too.

*** For those not familiar with the CCC , it was established by FDR as a way to put men to work during the depression (We need something like that now , eh?)