Page 40 - USA ROAD TRIP SUMMER of 2000

We saw lots of Bison again today but no other animals. Too hot in

the mid-day and we were too tired to stay in the Park until dusk.

We’re in a little motel in the town of Watford City, which is 15

miles further north from the Park. Ate at Ginny’s Burger Ranch –
full course meal for $3.50. The manager at the motel let Lois use

the washers in the motel so we have clean clothes. I gave moral
support each time Lois returned to the room from her washing

duties but otherwise watched the Republican Convention. G.W.
Bush gave a rather effective acceptance speech tonight. Looks like

Mr. Gore has his hands full.

To bed. We plan to spend the entire day in the Park tomorrow

without the usual race for air conditioning at mid-day. Will get out
the cooking gear and have a “home cooked” dinner tomorrow

night in the Park. Can’t wait.

TEDDY ROOSEVELT NP – NORTH UNIT

Friday - We overslept and didn’t get into the Park until after 8:00.

The light was a bit high but still OK for photos. Saw a large mule
deer buck first thing.

There were Rangers at the entrance gate with shotguns looking

anxiously busy. Seems a whole herd of Bison made a great escape

last night an were now wading happily in the Little Missouri River
moving towards private land. The big round up was to begin. They

pepper the bulls’ bottoms with shot to get their attention. The
Bison hide is ¼ to ½ inch thick so the buckshot just stings and

doesn’t wound them. The hide is so thick that a coyote can’t chew
through it.

The natural predators of the Bison used to be the wolf packs and

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