Richardton, North Dakota to New Salem, North Dakota - August 12, 2021

Hay Bales Forever

Waking from a decent sleep, I rose from my bed in Richardton. After the usual pack up, I was bound for the local Cenex.

Note: In these parts, I survive on Cenex and State of North Dakota Rest Stops - a reasonable balance.

In these tiny towns, the Cenex stations are nearly everything - food, fuel and a community gathering place. Most all contain several tables and chairs. Groups of residents often assemble as they would at a cafe. This Cenex offered showers!

Question:  Could Cenex offer everything to small town residents? Beds? A cryptocurrency? Cremation? Why not go the distance…

After purchasing coffee (Is it worth purchasing this particular drink at any gas station on the planet?) and food, I sat at an inside table and had breakfast.

Note: The sheer number of people who use Cenex restrooms is astonishing.

Noses into the Wind

I left Richardton and cycled to Glen Ullin, hoping that the local library would be open to the public. It was not.

The days (Wednesday and Friday) and hours (120 minutes each day) was more limited than I have, thus far, experienced on the planet. The WiFi had a password that I didn’t have access to. This was another good test of my patience.

I stopped by the local grocery store and purchased a Dr. Pepper and some fruit, which I consumed in front of the library.

Glen Ullin Public

I then selected belongings (maps, electronics, a Speedo) that I wasn’t using and sent them to Langley using the post office across the street.

Shortly after, I left Glen Ullin.

I battled the west wind while pulling a three-mile, northbound hill, then turned to cycle east towards New Salem.

Rest Stop (Outside of New Salem)

Braking at a rest stop on the way, I was looking forward to quieting my mind for awhile. An older gentleman struck up a conversation with me, leaning into the extremely political issues of the day - COVID vaccines, the wearing of masks, transgender youth, abortion, the defunding of police, the use of Agent Orange, divorce, god and patriotism (to name a few).

I’m surprised to say that I didn’t lose my composure as he paced around the rest stop, drawing onlookers.  At one point I was told not to leave while he took a “whiz”.

These social circumstances are good tests for me. I would do well to find non-confrontational ways to excuse myself from situations such as these. I’ll get better as time passes.

In New Salem, I tried to acquire a room at the Arrowhead Inn. The two-star motel was completely booked. I bicycled back to the North Park Campground in town and paid $15 for a site.

North Park Campground (Spare)

The place, I found out later, was really primitive. The proprietor led me to a field, and I was told that I could pitch my tent there. There were no picnic tables, showers, or a restroom for that matter. I scratched my head wondering what I had paid for, but was happy to have a place where I would remain unbothered for the evening. It took a shower, using a bottle of water, and climbed into my tent.

I was able to talk on the phone to Anders and Beth before drifting off to sleep.