Flat out like a lizard drinking.

That’s been us, the last two days.

We left beautiful Fargo on Wednesday morning and headed west to Bismarck to spend some more quality rellie time before our trip comes to an end on Saturday.

Goodbye Fargo, we have enjoyed you!

Mrs Google said our trip was 2 hours 54 minutes but naturally, with Starbucks and toilet stops, it was always going to take a little longer. So after a breakfast of true champions, we headed off.

Given it was 31 degrees, a stop by the Dairy Queen shop was mandatory.

My first DQ. Obviously not my first soft serve.

But definitely the biggest I have ever had.

Yumdiddlyumpcious!

The trip was fairly uneventful except for our truck stop at Crystal Springs where we thought we might head off for a walk. They had a nice walking track.

What we call a truck stop is usually called a Rest Stop here and they are pretty damn nice, much nicer I think than our Aussie ones. Or any NZ ones, which I haven’t really found yet.

Clean, well serviced, cool (as in not hot) buildings with drink, food machines and beautifully maintained outdoor grassed areas. Which is nice to do bar dips and push ups in. If you felt so inclined. Yeah, we get some looks and sometimes a few smiles.

Just as we were about to step onto a rather good looking walking path, some nice gentleman told us to beware of the rattlers. First thought? That man has been here a while, (I knew this as we had a little snooze in the car park and I saw him arrive), he has obviously been down that track. And most definitely had seen one of those nasty critters. 

Sorry MoD I wasn’t going anywhere near those rattlers……I turned back in the blink of an eye. Could be the fastest I have moved for awhile.

To MoD’s total disgust. There ain’t no rattlers in Crystal Springs he claimed. That man was obviously from back east who has read too many snake books.

Nope MoD. I ain’t going anywhere a snake might be.

We arrived in Bismarck in good time for hugs and welcomes, then headed north for a meal in the ‘Captains Cabin’ at Totten Trail. Seemed like just a shed when we got there but it’s inners were surprising.  Such a  cool little place with nice food and good service.

We then headed to meet MoD’s nephew, niece (in-law) and his new grand nephew.

Gotta love a little bubba. So damn cute.

It was a late night by the time we got home to hit the sack before what was promising to be a hot next day.

Thursday morning, and the forecast was 37.

We headed out for a walk to, you guessed it, Starbucks, for the morning coffee.

As the whole fam are coming for a picnic dinner tonight, we then headed off for supplies.

So, in Aus, we have Dan Murphy’s. In NZ there really isn’t a liquor store on the scale of DM’s or the one we went into today, Williquors.

The Captain greeted us on our entrance.

Such a good bloke.

And, yep, sorry, more photos, because whilst it is definitely on the scale of DM’s, I can’t say that I have ever seen some of these products before. Interestingly most of the products were measured in metric. So I could understand!!!

Everything here absolutely fascinates me including these little goodies from the supermarket. The Hedgeballs, right there in the fruit and veggie section, are actually used to ward off spiders. As for the Dill Pickle chips? We are told they are yummy….haven’t asked for thoughts on the Lime and Jalapeño…….

On our way back from the supermarket we stopped by a ‘yard’ sale and picked up a little pool for Blake and Joy’s grandkiddies. The afternoon was spent setting up the backyard for our picnic and then playing in the sunshine. Although I must confess it even got a bit hot for me and I had to retreat to the inside for a more civilised temperature. Good old air con. What we would do without it???

The evening was spent hanging with the rellies, out in the back yard, playing games and just enjoying quality time.

Before I leave, I have to share a picture of my nan I found in the supermarket. Well obviously it isn’t my Nan, but I remember my Nan used to take her teeth out and put on that face to make us laugh. And we laughed and we laughed and then we laughed some more.

Good night Peeps. Another great day. Tomorrow we head back to Minnesota.