At the time of this trip, there were 15 states left to camp before completing Camp50, but this is the last multi state trip (4 or more). I’m checking off Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa on this round of Camp50.

Minnesota

Itasca State Park – The headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi which still seems weird to me since I was in Minnesota. Arrived Minneapolis St Paul airport, grabbed my rental car and I headed North (I think), picked up supplies at a Walmart on the way. It was still light when I arrived,so I had time to look for a camping spot, set up my tent, take some sunset shots and pick up firewood all before it was dark.  The forecast called for overnight lows in the mid 30’s with fog/mist in the morning. Exactly, the kind of weather I was hoping for but, first a good nights sleep.

 

 

 

 

 

North Dakota

Fort Ransom State Park – There was absolutely nothing on the way or around this park so dinner would have to be with the supplies I already had. There were only 3 other campers at this campground, I was the lone tent camper. Once my tent was set-up, I had time to explore the park, so off I went to look for the Sunne Family red barn. I had read that this barn was shipped to the original owners in pieces, it was sold by Sears and Roebuck. All pieces were numbers and plans were sent so they could build it themselves. Things just don’t work like that anymore and Sears certainly doesn’t sell barns by mail these days. Very peaceful place and the barn was wonderful to see.

 

 

 

I have no idea what this is, it was just outside Fort Ransom park entrance and it appears I caught it just at the right time. Timing is everything you know.

 

South Dakota

Great sign somewhere in South Dakota

Lewis and Clark Recreational Area – I was looking forward to staying here, it seems I gravitate towards anything Lewis and Clark, so I knew this was the right place for me. Rainy and damp when I arrived, but I had plenty of time to set up my tent, run into town grab some supplies. When I arrived back at my campsite it wasn’t raining so I had time to go take a few pictures before making dinner and starting a campfire. Tonight’s dinner, filet, rice pilaf and local strawberry milk. Shortly, after dinner was done, it started to rain, so I had a clean things up quickly and get into my home away from home, my Tetonsports MUA2. It’s as roomy as a castle. Rain & wind for most of the night but, I was warm and dry, I slept for a solid eight hours.

 

Nebraska

Ponca State Park – During the research of this area, I picked this state park for two reasons. Geographically it was on the right side (east) of the state but, what really grabbed my attention was “The Towers of Time’ located at the opening of this park. Since I follow signs the universe shows me, I knew this was the place I would consider home for the night while in Nebraska.

Of course it rained buckets last night so every site I looked at was muddy, until I saw the sign that said “River sites”, I had totally forgot about these campsites. Sites along the Missouri River. Go figure!!

 

 

The firewood was sort of a joke, but I did the best I could with what I had. Fire, dinner a place to rest my head along the river, under the stars…… I was just fine.

Iowa

I couldn’t go to Iowa and not make my way to The Field of Dreams. That movie is on my top 10 movie list, taking the 5th spot on that list. It was a bit out of the way but, I had to go. After spending time at The Field of Dreams, I still had a two hour ride to Clear Lake State Park. Sometimes, you have to counterclockwise to find your dreams (get it)?

 

 

 

Clear Lake State Park

This was probable my least favorite place this entire trip, this campground was a bit of a party campground. Found a dry site, did the usually set up with dinner and a fire and started organizing as much as I could since it was my last night before flying out tomorrow. It didn’t rain but, everything was soaked from humidity, fog and mist…..blah

Tossed everything in the truck, took a shower and made my way to Minneapolis St Paul airport. I’m going home, I’m going to get Patriot.

Along the highway on my way to the airport. Thank You FARMERS!!

 

The plan was supposed to go like this, St Paul to Midway airport then home to Boston arriving late Sunday night, picking up Patriot Monday morning with us having a zero day at home.

When I arrived in Midway, they were looking for volunteers to change flights since they were overbooked. I inquired about this and gladly accepted when they offered me a $550 flight voucher, a ticket home in the morning and a hotel in Chicago. Seemed totally acceptable since  I was only going home to sleep anyway. I now had enough voucher money to complete my 2015 camping plans without worrying about where the money would come from for the next flight(s) (more on that in another story).

Thank you to all who have supported me during this journey. I really appreciate your support. Hope you enjoy this write up, only four more overdue write ups to go.