Visiting AZ friends (in North Dakota)

6/13/25 - On our way out of Custer, SD, we got a nice view of the Crazy Horse monument.

The tower crane we learned about last summer is now in place. This should help speed up completion significantly.

Shortly after this, we drove through dense fog. Luckily it cleared after we left the Black Hills area. We drove >10 hours this day...the main highlight was seeing four pheasants.

We also saw some massive grain processing / storage facilities. The mill in Grand Forks makes 5% of US flour.

We arrived in East Grand Forks (MN), right across the river from Grand Forks (ND) after 8pm. Luckily the sun set after 9:30pm!! And our friends waited to welcome us.

The apartment our friends, Robert and Shannon Geraldo, are renting in Grand Forks, ND. Newer AZ friends, Tim and Terri Horpedahl (in this picture), are from the area.

6/14/25 - In the morning, while the guys rode go-karts, Shannon and I went to the Farmers Market. They didn't have a lot of produce yet, but they had lots of baked goods. I bought an apple pie for Sunday's dinner that weighed about 10 pounds!

At the Grand Forks, ND, Farmer's Market

Afterwards, Shannon and I rode on the beautiful Grand Forks Greenway to meet Terri. The Greenway is an amazing park system (bike trails, golf course, campground, etc) that was created after the devastating flood of 1997.

The two towns in 1997. Now, the towns are beautiful!

The city buildings are separated from the river by these walls. Metal plates are inserted, when needed, to close off river access openings.

After a quick tour of Tim and Terri's house, Shannon, Terri, and I rode the Greenway trails to meet the guys for lunch.

Tim & Terri Horpedahl and Shannon & Robert Geraldo

Our campground is within the Greenway. Our site was right next to the bike path and the river.

A deer near our campsite

After a bit of relaxation at the RV, the group joined Kim and John (another Grand Forks couple that has a house in our community in AZ) for dinner.

6/15/25 - After meeting the group for breakfast, we golfed at the University of North Dakota 9-hole golf course.

Pat, Robert, and Tim

Shannon and I watched Robert and Pat in their go-kart rematch.

They competed in fast go-karts on an impressive indoor multi-level race track!

The place also had axe throwing, laser tag, arcade, etc

Tim and Terri served us a great dinner at their place.

Sophie thought she was supposed to fetch the bean bags!

Finishing the evening with some of Robert's delicious Old Fashioneds

6/16/25 - Rain cancelled golf for the guys and biking for the gals. Pat got an oil change and I updated this blog. We met the group for dinner.

Fun time at Harry's Steakhouse with the Feb 2026 Cabo San Lucas group: Us, Tim & Terri, Peggy & Randy, Robert & Shannon

I love "Grand Forks"!

6/17/25 - I met Shannon and Terri for a 14 mile bike ride on the Greenway. We rode to the golf course where the guys played another 18. In the afternoon, I celebrated my birthday with a massage and free Starbucks treat.

In the evening, we got together one last time.

Pat and Robert had a chili competition

What a special way to spend my birthday (and Pat's on June 23)!!