I'm writing this evening (Tuesday) from Bismark, North Dakota. How come I'm not in Canada you may wonder? I actually did drive up to Thunder Bay, Ontario, but found that Thunder Bay is a city of 110,000 people, not a quaint seaside little spot. I also found that the price of gas in Canada is $1.33 a litter. Doing the math, if there are 3.78 litters to a gallon, that makes gas over $5.00 a gallon. I should have been tipped off when I saw a woman with a large gas can in her trunk heading back over the border to Canada. I couldn't see driving 2,000 miles across Canada at $5 a gallon for gas.

Once I got to the border, getting across was rather simple. The border guard was a young guy who did some stuff on the computer and asked me the usual questions. After about 3-4 minutes he allowed me past and even gave me directions to their Hwy 17. Coming back was just as easy, however, the guard was a little curious about the shortness of my visit.



So I drove back to Duluth, Mn. and spent the night there. The Red Roof Motel I stayed in was kinda on the outskirts of town. I looked out my window twice and saw deer grazing on the dandelions. I have several photos from my day in Duluth that I will share with you in another post.

Today, Tuesday, my plan was to drive from Duluth, Mn. to Fargo, North Dakota. The route I chose continued to make Gretchen mad because it was along two lane roads that met up with more two lane roads. Along the way I stopped at a McDonald's and took this photo of the double drive-up that I've only seen in Minnesota. After they give their order they are directed into one line to pay and pick up their food. I asked an employee about it and he told me they get the cars in and out quicker this way.

I took the next photo at about 9:45 PM tonight. As you can see it is still dusk here because I'm so far north.

If I'm reading my calender correctly, I've only been home three nights since I left for Puerto Rico on April 22nd. On this particular trip I have slept in a hotel the last 18 nights in a row. I have driven over 5400 miles now on this trip. Gretchen tells me it is just under 1700 miles from here home. I also realized today that this weekend is Memorial Day weekend. I don't know if I want to be out on the road looking for motel rooms on Memorial Day weekend.

With all that said, I've decided to turn south tomorrow and head for home. I should be home some time Friday. My route will take me through Cheyenne, Wy., Salt Lake City, Ut., and Las Vegas, Nv. I have a bunch of photos yet to share, so keep checking in.