Life on the Ranch,,,

Dickinson, North Dakota, population about 25,000, is primarily a service and logictics hub for the Bakken oil field in western North Dakota. The state is one of the top oil-producing states in the US (ranking 2nd or 3rd behind Texas and New Mexico) and uses horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing ('fracking"). At the same time, Dickinson is an agricultural center with lots of ranching going on.

We stayed at our friends' ranch outside Dickinson (more on that further below), but one of our focuses were the Dickinson Stockyards and the auctions taking place. Wanted to learn more about cattle trade and ranching. Did you know, that there are "auction schools" where people can become "auctioneers" and learn to speak quickly as they have to in an auction bidding?

Went to some local shops and even got a few good deals - especially, clothing -  at Running's and a new secondhand mall in town! The park in front of the courthouse of Dickinson (below) reminded us of the main purpose of our visit: Theodore Roosevelt.

 

 On the ranch at sunset on our first evening:

Approaching the ranch house (below) with its great views and sunsets, a comfy house surrounded by pastures, wide open space, remote,,, peaceful,,, just what we needed! And, the weather was superb, too, up to 80 deg. F. (27 C) during the day!

 

And, we were having great meals, from beef roast out of the slow cooker, falling apart, to ribeye steaks (below), different sausages and fish (walleye). Had our share of good beef for the next months!

We were watching the animals, horses, cattle and cats. On the photos is Stanley, one year old, and very adventurous, whereas Pete, the elderly, is a bit shy and stays away from visitors.



Two of our friend's three horses coming in at dawn for a special treat. The two cows - one of them below - will be butchered soon, but until them they enjoy a great life with treats and patting. 

It's been good to rest for two full days on the ranch, with some visits to the local bars inbetween, meetings with local ranchers and friends of our friends. Such trusting, good people, down-to-earth, honest, hard-working, polite and with sort of a dry humor! Nobody here locks a door, the cars are left open, who needs help gets help without any reservation.