North Dakota November 2010

North Dakota was mostly about Roosevelt National Park on the western boundary of the State.  It is however an interesting area and deserves further comment.  The northern part is all about oil, older wells and current drilling.

The landscape is similar to southern Saskatchewan, Canada.  Grain fields and long disused homesteads from a byegone era...





...and big agricultural machinery for modern large scale farming and ...

new oil wells.

After an hour or so we came upon the small village of Epping.  As often happened, the village populations were preparing to hibernate for the winter.  The museum was closed.

The wooden boardwalk had contributors?? names carved into each board.

Our car was the only one in the street and remained so.

There was however evidence of commercail activity spanning many years.

Yes over a very long period. We continued our journey noting one person burning some rubbish beside a "For Sale" sign in front of his house.

Now and again a major industry was evident as we travelled south.

And wildlife.  Here a herd of Pronghorns.

In Watford City (a small prairie town) this very interesting financial institution with modern premises.  It has survived all the fluctuations of the financial ups and downs of the prairies for over a century, claiming  no depositer has ever lost their money.

The view south from opposite the bank above.

Prosperity shows with agricultural machinery on the outskirts of "town".

Further south several paddocks of sunflower were seen and not yet harvested.

Perhaps this farmer is heading that way.

North Dakota was a very pleasant and diverse area to travel through, but don't look for for accommodation in the northern half as it was all taken by the oil men.