This morning, Barry told me our new battery wasn’t recharging properly. So, the mystery continues.

After a few phone calls to our RV dealer. They verified it was our converter fan not working properly.

We weren’t sure where it was located so Barry tore apart our home to find it. Not really, just one area, it was behind the electrical panel, under the kitchen drawer.

When we purchased our rv, I joined a wonderful group for Coachman Chapparel Owners Facebook group. I post questions and everyone helps out so much. They post phone numbers for the Manager of Coachman RV.

We called Kristy, she answered right away. She is overnighting a new converter to us in North Dakota. Plus, we just have to text a copy of our battery purchase to our dealer and they will reimburse us.

While Barry took care of that mess, I worked on our September stops for Washington State. And, made chocolate chip cookies for him. Took me an hour to bake 24 cookies, 6 on a sheet in my tiny oven. Hey, they taste the same!! I only used half of the batter; I froze the rest for another time.

We finished our sightseeing in the area, riding our bikes at the Infantry Post of Fort Abraham Lincoln today. It is just beautiful here; so much history.

Early this morning, I mean 1:10 am, I woke up and noticed the hall light was not on. It was very quiet, as well. Meaning, air conditioner wasn’t working either.

I got up to see if our surge protector was working correctly. I thought maybe a prankster unplugged our electric. That wasn’t the case! Once checking a few things I decided our electric was not working.

So, do I wake up the one who has been sleeping? By the time I was getting back to bed, he was wondering what I was doing.

Well, after about 30 minutes trying to figure it out. We went back to sleep with a fan. What is funny, was our outlets, microwave, refrigerator all had power. Our lights did not work and air conditioner. It is very technical, I won’t bore you even more than I have already.

After thinking the worst, checking fuses, electric current, etc. A trip to Walmart and replaced our RV battery, and like magic we have electric.

Never a dull moment, a big rain storm came and went.

Non eventful day, went to mass at 6 PM, took a bike ride and now sitting outside watching the sunset.

Today, Barry suggested to drive to Rugby, North Dakota.

The geographical center of North America is in Rugby. It took us all day to drive there and back, the countryside with the endless hills of growing crops, we came across a huge field of sunflowers.

Later in the evening, we went to hear Matt, who is the interperter at the park and has Mandan Indian ancestry. He told us stories about his grandmother and played the flute for us while sitting in one of the huts at the On the Slant Village.

In the morning, Barry and I hiked to Fort Abraham Lincoln Visitor center.The center has a very nice museum with Indian and Military items, as well as a movie of the Indian history. Jordan, our guide, took us to a replica city of the Slant Indian Village.In the afternoon, we cycled to Fort Abraham Lincoln.We saw the Commissary, which is a working store. The Barricks, Horse Stable and General George Custer home. They are all replicas built on the original spots. We saw where all the other homes, barracks and guard station where.Private Westfield gave us a tour of the Custer home, taking us back in time to 1873. A few items in the home where owned by the Custers, mostly furniture.General Custer left from Fort Abraham Lincoln with his 7th Calvary Regiment travelling to Little Big Horn.This State Park is next to the Missouri River, so beautiful and so much to see and do. The park has two teepees and two cabins, kid friendly place for camping and educational.

We awoke to a beautiful sunrise this morning and left to continue our journey.

On our way to North Dakota, we stopped to see Sitting Bull’s Monument and Sacagawea’s Monument sitting on a hill looking over the Missouri River.

Then, Barry started driving and i looked to my right to the lake and I saw two bald eagles sitting on a log by the river. Oh my, they where huge and so beautiful. Oh, I cannot believe I did not get a picture of them. And, they were in the wild, free to live in that beautiful place.

We drove through the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Indian Reservation, beautiful countryside with hills which did not have peaks. We were wondering if they were man made. We found out later the glaciers cut the top of the peaks and moved them with the glaciers.

We arrived at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in North Dakota. There are historical sites to see, hiking and biking.

We are enjoying our first campfire tonight, hot dogs and Gold Star coneys. Listening to music and chilling, while we hear thunder in the distance.

Pictures without the bald eagles!!

Barry and I travelled to Mobridge, South Dakota today. We arrived at the Grand River Casino for the night.

During our ride, we saw such incredible sites. The only way I can describe what I saw is by giving you an example. You know when you are sitting on the beach looking at the ocean and seeing miles and miles of water until you see the blue sky? The serenity I felt at the ocean is the same feeling I had today; while seeing endless rolling hills of green and tan continuing towards the blue sky.

The places we see on the way to our destinations are little gems which have added to our journey. Lake Ohae is definitely one of them.

By the way, Casino winnings; Carole – $40.00. I don’t need to say anymore!!

Our campsite view is incredible.

Last night we arrived to Al’s Oasis Campground in Oacoma, South Dakota.

Barry said it lightening and thundered early this morning; I did not hear a thing.

Not much to share with everyone today, we stayed at our campsite to do our first cleaning. With RV living, there still is cleaning. Barry cleaned the truck and the front of the RV and I, the inside. I was surprised how dusty the windows were.

Didn’t take to long since I have our daughter, Emily’s Dyson vacuum cleaner. Worked perfect for our needs. Thank you Emily!!

Then, we worked on our itinerary for August.

Heading out to boondock for one night in North Dakota tomorrow; we will let you know how that goes!

Bright and early, Barry and I took off to Pipestone National Monument in Pipestone, Minnesota.

On our way, we drove through Walnut Grove, Minnesota where Laura Ingalls lived and the TV show was based from. We love driving through small country towns.

Pipestone is known for the stone used by the Indians to carve their peace pipes. This stone is only found in one place in the entire country. We hiked through the prairie and saw beautiful wild flowers as far as the eye could see. Also, we saw another waterfall named Winniewissa.

On the road again and stopped at Mitchell, South Dakota to see the Corn Palace. They say it’s one of a kind. The outside of the building is made out part of cornstalk or corn. You can actually do a drive by and view the outside and then leave. Barry and I were not to excited. Anyway, we can say we where there.

Once again going west on I90 to the Chamberlain rest area. This was an amazing stop. The sculpture, Dignity is a must see. Beautiful area to visit.

We arrived at the Al’s Oasis campground around 7:00.

Barry and I arrived to Mankato, Minnesota Friday night.

Yesterday, we met up with my cousin, Bill and his wife, Marilyn. Spending the day with them, we meet their son Bill, and his wife Lori and their girls. Bill, Lori and I talked about genealogy. Their son, Greg and his wife, Lisa met us for lunch at Jake’s Pizza. We reminisced about family picnics and Bill had great stories about our grandfather.

We attended St. John the Baptist with some of the family. Then, Marilyn made us a delicious dinner to end the day.

Today, we visited Minneopa State Park and saw a beautiful double waterfall and a herd of Bison. Mankato has beautiful parks throughout the city.

The last place we visited was the Mother House for Sisters of Notre Dame.

We said our goodbyes to Bill and Marilyn.

Tomorrow, we are on the road for our next adventure!!