From Prairie to Prairie

Coming out of Isle Royale, we were dirty, deprived of substantial food and in need of relative luxury, like a cheeseburger and a beer. And lured by false pretenses of a Thunder Bay City Guide, we were off to Canada to check it out. It was our first time crossing the Canadian border and with the guide in tow, our hopes were set high--showers, food, beer, people! Well that is exactly what we did not get. I still have no idea where the photos from this guide came from. However, we did manage to find an amazing little backpackers hostel for the night with an amazing communal feel and great people. 

In the morning, just as we were ready to head back to the US, my mother informed me that my uncle and aunt live in Winnipeg just, oh, a mere 8 hours away...well, why not?

Driving to Winnipeg, we saw the mountains dissipate and the great pains appear. They really are that flat. We also stumbled upon a Canadian favorite: Poutine (translation) the most amazing gravy cheese fries!

When we arrived at my relatives' home, we were treated to the luxury we (I) have long dreamed of--crudités, meats, cheeses, spreads, breads, desserts, wine, showers, and finally a bed! We were given a city tour, saw the Leo Mol statue garden and I happen to come across a statue of me!

We also had a chance to check out a metal show headlined by The Sword.

After the amazing hospitality, we were finally headed back to the US, more specifically to the state you don't hear much about--North Dakota. It proved to actually have a magical oasis at the Lewis and Clark State Park, of course after endless fields with rolling tumbleweeds. 

And lets not forget, we did also spend a night at mosquito park at the Nelson Reservoir in  Montana. What is on the map labeled as "Buffalo Hot Springs" is actually an abandoned town with non-working water slides. And the free campground is free for a reason--you won't want to get out of your car or you will in fact be eaten alive by Mosquitos. Seriously, over 10 bites a minute. They are hungry out there! Thus in our NY plated car, we sat in the car, eating dinner, blasting AC and did not even care. 

Next up--grizzlies in Glacier NP!