Rivers West Tour - Day 14

Today started with another motor coach tour.  Our first stop was the North Dakota Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.  Outside was this large statue.

Inside were lots of exhibits about the expedition and life along the river.

This tree of birds also attracted a lot of attention from some of the ladies who spent quite a bit of time checking out what sound each bird made.  I don't think any were purchased though.

Our second stop was at Fort Mandan.  The fort is a square with rooms all around the outside and a large courtyard in the middle.  Our guide brought out a deck mounted blunderbuss without the deck mount.  It was very heavy, but many of us took our turns holding it; some better than others.  The wagon master stood close by to grab it if necessary.

They also served us a catered lunch of chicken noodle or dumpling soup, sandwiches and cookies.  After eating I wandered over to check out the statue of Seaman, Merriwether Lewis' dog.

There was also supposed to be a muzzle loader demonstration, but there was a miscommunication as to where it was to be held so it didn't happen.  I was looking forward to it, because I remember my dad doing this.  I'm told there will be another demonstration later in the tour.

Tomorrow we visit Fort Abraham Lincoln, On-a-Slant Village, George Custer's Home, the North Dakota State Capital and the North Dakota Heritage Center.