We left (in Trinidad) our beloved Tusen Takk II earlier than usual this year — on July 15 —  so that Barb could attend a high school reunion in Carrington, North Dakota.  We flew in to Bismarck, North Dakota, where sister Zona & mother Evelyn live.  Barb’s sister Audrey soon joined us from Colorado, and the three of us all drove to Carrington (population 2,097) on July 17, where we descended upon Tim (Barb’s brother) and his three sons: Tyler, Preston and Austin.  The reunion was an “all school” affair, so there was a mix of relatively new and definitely old graduates.  Barb’s class (combined with two others) had some events separately, and there were a number of events in common, including three street dances on successive nights that closed off Main Street in the bustling metropolis of Carrington.

Barb and Audrey had a marvelous time visiting with former classmates and some of their many relatives who either live in the area or who came to Carrington for the reunion. Barb was especially pleased that her good friends Monica and Lynne were there.  The three of them went to the same college (Minot State) after high school, lost touch for a few years, and then found each other again some years ago.

I had an especially interesting conversation with one of Barb’s former classmates; he wanted to know what I found so interesting about living on a boat and cruising the Caribbean.  He had been on one Caribbean cruise and said that had been enough; he expressed surprise that I hadn’t long ago gotten bored with the whole scene.  How to explain the appeal of visiting so many different cultures in the Lesser Antilles.  How to explain the pleasure of wearing a T-shirt and shorts (or less) in the middle of January.  How to explain the wonder of a hike through a rain forest or a scuba dive in gin clear waters.  How to explain the camaraderie among cruisers or the beauty of the sea.

And yet, we have been awed by the beauty of the plains with its sweeping vistas, so filled with wildlife and bursting with golden and green flora.  North Dakota is a place we will continue to enjoy returning to.