Bismarck, ND to Pollock, SD
This was one of those tough days where the wind would not let up, and the sun was brutal. That meant I tried to get to an overnight spot as early as was possible so I could get a break from the wind, and into a cool environment.
When I arrived in Pollock I decided to find a store and get food before closing time. Most of the small towns shut down around 5/6ish, so I had to reach the only store in town fast.
Little did I know what an amazing experience lay ahead. As I walked into the store, the owner called out from behind the counter, and greeted me with a friendly 'Hi stranger, can I help you?'. I told him that I needed to pick up food and then find accommodation. There was only 20 minutes to closing time. I found what I needed, and returned to the counter to pay. While I was shopping he had called around to find accommodation for me, and had arranged a room for me about 50ft from his business, and informed me I should go and speak to the bartender at the (only) bar to check in. I thanked him a few times, and as I walked out he called after me and suggested I should go to the bar for a drink later.
The bartender had everything ready and waiting for me, and encouraged me to have dinner at the pub. I wasn't keen; it had been a tough day. However, after I settled I decided to go to the pub after all, even if just to say thank you again. The bartender saw me coming in, and immediately brought me ice water (which I needed) and a dinner menu that I politely declined, explaining that I am a celiac. She responded: "You have a look at what you would like, then we can discuss how I can make it gluten free". Wow, I was stunned. I selected something from the menu, explained how it can be gluten free, and she went off to prepare the meal.
Just then the shop owner and his wife arrived at the bar. He brought his wife over to introduce her to me. After that I was introduced to everyone who entered the bar. I heard so many stories about the area and the people, it was fantastic. I even got to meet the oldest guy in the area - much older than me 🤭. What a friendly and welcoming crowd! I discovered just before I left that word had spread around town about the stranger in town on a three wheel bicycle, so folks came to meet me.
The only photo on the ride to Pollock, crossing the state lines
What an incredible experience-making memories