Williston, ND

On Saturday, Sept. 24th, we made our way accross the rest of Montana and into North Dakota.  On the way we saw many trains headed west.

From freight trains to...

Amtrak (sorry about the picture - he was going pretty fast!).

When we got to the outskirts of Williston, we were amazed at all the activity going on.  They have started drilling for oil again and that's about all you see.  Trucks, man-camps, oil equipment, tankers, drilling equipment, pumpers, etc.  It is a bee-hive of activity.

This particular drilling equipment was put up about 3 weeks ago and before we left it had been taken down and they were ready to put in a pumper and start pumping.

Williston is unable to keep up with the influx of men and equipment coming into town.  Apartments are full, very few houses for sale, campgrounds are full, etc.  The businesses in town can't hire enough help - McDonalds is offering $16 - $18, but can't get anyone because they all want to work in the oilfields.  Walmart is the same way - sometimes pallets of food get brought out and never gets on the shelf before it is gone.

Anyway, we met Chris and Bob Risberg in the Walmart parking lot and then followed them out to the Lutheran Camp.  They have been there all summer working as Mission Builders (along with 4 other couples) adding a huge addition on to the recreation hall.

We got a nice campsite with water and electric hookups.

On Sunday we went to church with the group.  It was an unusual service in that it was "Polka" Sunday so all the hymns were sung to polka music!!  What better musical instrument to have than an accordian???

 
At the end of the service, they recognized the Mission Builders as it was to be their last time at church.

And, of course, we stayed for coffee and goodies.

After church, the four of us went to a restaurant for breakfast.  Of course, it was very busy - we waited in line for about 10 minutes before getting a table.  When we paid for our lunch, there was a sign that said:  " If you have problems with the service, see below."  And there was a box there with job applications!!  We thought that was an interesting touch!

We headed out to do some exploring and found Fort Buford which is where Sitting Bull surrendered (in the building below).

There was a cemetary with graves for those who died there in battle or for other reasons.  Judy thought that they were very descriptive so she took several pictures.

The fort has been maintained very well.

This gentleman was in 'period' costume and told us all about the fort and trading with the Indians.

We had coffee made over the open fire from that pot.

He showed us how he makes these belt sashes in his spare time by doing something called card weaving.  You can see the cards right near his hands.

Sunset on our way back to camp that night.

On Wednesdy, Sept, 28th, we celebrated Thanksgiving since everyone would be leaving at the end of the week.

While the finishing touches were being made on the meal Ron played the piano and Chris played the violin and a few of us sang.

 The following day, Thursday, we said our goodbyes and left to continue our journey, headed for Sioux Falls, SD to visit with my sister, Judeen, and her husband, Jim.