Wednesday, September 2, 2015

From North Dakota to Minnesota

Aloha Everyone,

Miles and miles of farm lands growing hay, corn and sunflowers is our initial impression of North Dakota. Our stay was at KOA campground in Bismarck, about halfway through the West-East corridor on I-94.






Minnesota is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," but there are actually 11,842. 


Water truly defines this state, and there are many lakeside resorts and state parks. J.J. and I continued on I-94 East and we counted at least 100 bodies of water which are visible from the road.


So what is the difference between lake and pond? According to an on-line dictionary, "If the water is deep enough that light does not penetrate to the bottom, and photosynthesis is limited to the top layer, the body of water is considered a lake. A pond is a body of water shallow enough to support rooted plants. Many times plants grow all the way across a shallow pond."


J.J. gave this more simple explanation:  "Any landscape where water gets trapped creates a lake."



Lunch stop in Jamestown, North Dakota.


My "safe food" choice is grilled cheese sandwich or pancake.


Yvonne at the visitor center was very welcoming. When we mentioned that J.J. and I would like to see at least 1,000 lakes while we are in Minnesota, she provided us with maps and brochures of their Lake Country Destination Guide and Detroit Lakes. Looks like we will need return visits to this state.


Some RV parks provide more than a place to stay. It gives us a place of solace, a place of comfort and a place of joy. Oak Park Campground is one such special place. I will write a separate blog for Thursday's entry.


Aloha -- Cathi