Birding in a Gale
It was a nice morning but still very windy. We had breakfast and waited until 7:30 before going to look for that shower key. We found the other campers who'd returned late last night and got the key. Finally, a nice hot shower.
Harry and Sally are continuing on today to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, about 200 miles away. There was no reason for them to share our misery, waiting to get repaired. We expect to catch up with them in a few days. Unfortunately, we don't yet know how few.
After our showers, we went off to one of the local birding hotspots, the Minot Sewage Lagoons. It isn't as grim as is sounds. They are actually big impoundments where the treated water goes through its final stages of treatment...and they provide lots of food for birds.
It was even more windy than yesterday, but the birds were still there, especially waterfowl. We saw large numbers of ducks, mostly Ruddy Ducks and Blue-winged Teal, but we also saw larger numbers of Eared Grebes than we ever had before, and a good-sized group of Wilson's Phalaropes, life birds for both of us. We also saw five types of swallows and lots of Yellow-headed Blackbirds...and finally, a Ring-necked Pheasant.
After the windy morning at the lagoons, we traveled into Minot to check out the tire shops, finding most closed, as we had expected, but one, Tires Plus, a large chain, was open. Also as expected they couldn't do anything until tomorrow as their parts suppliers were closed today, but we have a 7:30 am appointment in the morning. Here's hoping.
We also did a little shopping as the malls were open, stopping a the Home of Economy, which is a store which seems oriented to farmers and oil workers. It had a huge selection of Carhartt and Wrangler work clothes and aisles of tools and supplies. It was sort of like a Tractor Supply on steroids. We didn't come out empty-handed.
Returning to the Surrey RV Park, we found it empty. About half the sites were occupied last night, but we are the only ones here tonight. We had a nice quiet dinner and a walk up the farm road outside the campground. The sunset wasn't as spectacular tonight, but the wind seems to have abated a bit.
Tomorrow it is off to fix Speedy, at least the brakes. We will also contact the local RV dealers to see if anyone can replace the macerator pump in the next day or so.
Travel details
Surrey RV Park - Minot Lagoons - Minot - Surrey RV Park
Distance 37 miles
Time 8 hours
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