It's Showtime!

August 7-8, 2019

Medora Campground, Medora, North Dakota

Day 54-55

Some showers, but no thunderstorms. Glad I hitched up the night before though. Changed BACK into Mountain Time zone. Took about 2 hours with a few pit stops, enjoying some good radio – 88.7 Prairie Radio (PBS).

OMG, Medora is such a cute town! Located at the gate of the South Park entrance, you can walk from downtown to the visitor’s center – though you will need a car to see the park. Local philanthropist and history lover, Harold Schafer (owner of Gold Seal products including Mr. Bubble) was responsible for reviving this small ghost town and adding a musical, which is a must see.

Sparky and I walked into town (about a mile). The campsite is literally right next to the park entrance. The town is clean, charming and well maintained. Teenage seasonal workers come from all over the world and note their country on their name tag. They also have a lot of retired people from all over the US coming to work here for the summer. Kid you not, this is the #1 tourist attraction in North Dakota. I know that’s not saying much, but if you're coming to see this awesome park, you must stop in town and take in the musical. It’s right there, like you drive 1 mile and you see the town, pass the theatre and drive into the park. Everyone one is so friendly.

“Medora Musical” is as famous in these parts as Beach Blanket Babylon is to SF. Harold thought a musical paying homage to the town and Teddy Roosevelt would attract tourists, and he was right! The musical is family friendly with a pinch of wholesome gospel music. The musical was great!!! I was grinning the whole time. A little corny, but sweet, entertaining and educational. Held at an outdoor amphitheater (like Saratoga Winery) with the Badlands in the background. I took the shuttle from the campground because you can’t really walk there. They played the National Anthem, and everyone stood and sang with their hand over the heart. They also asked that all military stand to be recognized and thanked. Very touching and sincere. The theatre seats over 2,500 and was full. It sells out most nights. Again, the show was so good. It had country songs, dancing, gospel (thankfully only 1 song) and a pretty good comedian who did balloon tricks for the kids and involved the dad’s too.

The Pitch Fork dinner before the show was good too! You get a choice, a fondue steak (whole steak fried in oil) or a cowboy BBQ (buffet of ribs, chicken and bison), plus sides. I had the BBQ - the chicken and ribs were great; the bison was a little too though and strong in flavor for me. They had a country band pay during dinner. Weather was great but got a little chilly once the sun went down. Glad a brought layers. Not to worry if you forgot yours. They have a wonderful ( and very profitable) retail store that would be happy to sell you a nice selection of sweatshirts, blankets and hats. Reminded me of Fisherman’s Wharf, but better quality.

Talked to a local couple about fracking. They said it's really only in the western part of the state. Turns out about 5 years ago, during the boom, drugs (meth) and trouble peaked. At one point, assaults on women were a major problem as there were 5 guys for every 2 girls. Local women had to be escorted to their cars. It was even on the national news. It’s better now, but if oil prices go up again, there will be more construction and possibly more trouble. I asked them about the pipeline and the Indians, but the wife didn’t want to talk about it. Said the media reports a distorted story, much like SF and the homeless situation. I didn’t push it.