Da Five Bloods - Movie Review

 

Da Five Bloods was released on Netflix early in the summer of 2020 mere weeks before star Chadwick Boseman passed away from cancer. The chatter around the movie obviously changed dramatically upon the actor's death, and while Chadwick's performance should be noted and applauded, there is much more to this film that deserves mention. 

FAST FACTS

REPORTED BUDGET: $45 million

BOX OFFICE: N/A

ROTTEN TOMATOES CRITICS / AUDIENCE SCORE: 93% / 53%

CINEMA SCORE: N/A

END CREDIT SCENE: NO

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

The Spike Lee directed film features four African-American veterans of the Vietnam War who return to the Asian nation to honor a fallen friend and find a treasure they buried during the war. The movie features numerous looks at live footage and speeches from the Vietnam War time period, which can be horrifying or inspiring depending what footage happens to be on the screen at the time. 

While much of the footage is of real events and real people, the overall plot of the movie is fictional. Although the veterans portrayed were not real people, the actors were still able to convey a sense of brotherhood, struggle, and anguish that soldiers from that time period often feel. 

The strength of this film lies with the phenomenal cast: Chadwick Boseman (as Stormin' Norman), Delroy Lindo (as Paul), Clarke Peters (as Otis), Norm Lewis (as Eddie), and Isiah Whitlock Jr. (as Melvin) among others. 

OVERALL RECCOMENDATION

Parts of this movie may be off-putting to some due to the violence of the Vietnam War, or because Spike Lee's films always delve into deeper socio-political themes. I found the movie as an intriguing portrait of race, war, and psyche of soldiers that have intimately experienced the horrors of war. 

My Rating: B+

I do have some nitpicks here and there, but nothing that would force me to steer people away from this film. If you're interested in war movies, it's worth a watch. If you're interested in individual character development, it's a must watch.

SPOILER REVIEW

Most of my nitpicks come early in the movie as Spike Lee begins with shots from the late 1960s. While the clips and photos are outstanding, they go by so quickly that it is hard to fully grasp or appreciate them. That being said, I loved Lee's choice of switching camera styles as you go from present to past in flashbacks. 

As I said above, the plot follows four veterans (Paul, Otis, Melvin, Eddie) returning to Vietnam to honor their fallen squad leader (Stomin' Norman) and recover gold that they buried while fighting in the war. Because I'm watching this movie months after its initial release on Netflix and after Boseman's death, the scene early on of the four men looking at a photo of their departed friend really hits hard emotionally. 

As the men begin to explore the modern Vietnam, they learn how far the country has come since the dark days of the war, becoming modern and vibrant in the larger cities. Eventually, they have a contentious meeting with a French businessman (played by Jean Reno) who promises he can help move the buried treasure out of Vietnam if they are able to find it. Once the deal is made, then the men prepare for their journey back into the Vietnamese jungle.  

While all the men struggle with being back in a place where so many atrocities occurred, Paul has a particularly tough time. Burdened by post-traumatic-stress-disorder, he has bouts of anger, instability, and outbursts. Unfortunately for the veterans, Paul's issues only continue to worsen throughout their journey. 

Despite some truly astronomical odds, they men end up finding their treasure and the remains of their fallen leader. However, this is just the midway point of their story. Getting out of the jungle alive proves more difficult than finding a proverbial needle in a haystack. 

One of their members, Eddie, unfortunately steps onto a buried landmine after a confrontation with Paul, making everyone fully aware of the danger that Vietnam still presents in their lives as well as the horrors of such weapons. Once they believe they've exited the jungle, the men run into well-armed treasure hunters who are keen to keep the treasure at home in Vietnam. 

After a gun fight that miraculously leaves our remaining three veterans still alive, they're presented with a choice due to their car being disabled. Paul decides to hike to the nearest town (20 miles away), while the others opt for a shorter hike to nearby ruins in order to prepare for the inevitable second wave of hunters. 

On his lengthy hike, Paul descends further into madness. Spike Lee takes this opportunity to capture several monologues as the actor looks directly into the camera. Eventually, Paul stumbles, loses his treasure and supplies, gets caught by the treasure hunters, and is brutally murdered. However, just before his capture, he has a vision of Stormin' Norman. He flashes back to when Norman died, and we learn that Paul kills Norman in a spray of friendly fire while under attack. In an extremely emotional moment, the vision of Norman embraces Paul and forgives him for what he describes as "an accident." Boseman's tenderness, warmth, and charming persona adds an angelic side to the chaotic events that have taken place. 

The two surviving members of da five bloods bunker themselves in an ancient ruin and plan a last stand against the inevitable onslaught coming their way. After an intense fire fight and an unbelievable act of courage by Melvin (dove on a grenade to save Otis), Otis is the last of the bloods remaining. Finally able to leave the jungle and Vietnam with his treasure, Otis responsibly distributes his new found wealth to the family of his fallen brothers, and other worthy causes (such as an organization to remove landmines in war-torn countries and a Black Lives Matter organization). 

Da Five Bloods may indeed garner a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars, but I think the real guarantee is Delroy Lindo earning an acting nomination for playing Paul. I know Chadwick Boseman gets a lot of the headlines. Every time he is on screen he is magnetic, drawing your attention in further and further. However, I don't think he is on screen enough, or integral enough in the plot to garner any nominations. Overall, this movie will definitely be represented at many of the big awards ceremonies, and is deserving of the attention it receives. 

 

The Trial of the Chicago 7 - Movie Review

In a year where theaters have been abandoned, Netflix capitalizes by providing exquisite viewing options that have real opportunities to challenge for multiple Oscars. One of those viewing options: The Trial of the Chicago 7.

FAST FACTS

REPORTED BUDGET: $35 million

BOX OFFICE: $107,400

ROTTON TOMATOES CRITICS/AUDIENCE SCORE: 90% / 91%  

CINEMA SCORE: N/A

END CREDIT SCENE: No

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

Writer and Director Aaron Sorkin sheds light on the trial that took place following the Democratic National Convention on 1968. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the movie follows a collection of men who convened in the city to protest the government and the war in Vietnam. 

The Trial of the Chicago 7 boasts a particularly talented cast, which brings the story to life: Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden, Sacha Baron Cohen as Abbie Hoffman, Jeremy Strong as Jerry Rubin, John Carroll Lynch as David Dellinger, Mark Rylance as William Kunstler, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Richard Schultz. There is also a somewhat surprise cameo that I'll leave for the spoiler review.

The genius of Aaron Sorkin in combination with the collection of acting talent sets the stage for a wonderful movie, and it does not disappoint! Despite the seemingly mundane scene in which most of the movie takes place, I could not help but find myself riveted by such a vibrant bunch of antagonistic protagonists. 

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION 

My first reaction after finishing the movie was that I wanted to watch it again. I wanted more time with all of the characters and their personalities. They drew me in to the movie and kept me interested throughout.

My Rating: A

I think this movie is headed for Oscar recognition. I can see a best picture nomination and possibly a couple of acting nominations. Definitely worth a watch!

SPOILER REVIEW

The movie begins as each of the masterminds that will eventually be put on trial organize their resources and plans for protests in Chicago. 

To recap, the leaders and their respective organizations are: Tom Hayden and Rennie Davis (leaders of the Students for a Democratic Society), David Dellinger (leader of National Mobilization Against the War), Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin (leaders of Youth International Party), John Froines, and Lee Weiner. There was also one additional defendant named Bobby Seale (cofounder of the Black Panther Party), but Seale's case (tried separately from the rest) was declared a mistrial. 

The trial was for a conspiracy to incite violent protests and riots across state lines. The location of Chicago, the national forum of the Democratic National Convention, and the trial being a federal case due to the leaders crossing state lines put this in the spotlight of national media. 

Most of this movie takes place in the confines of a court room with occasional glimpses of the riots themselves. One might think that the setting might make the movie dull or sluggish, but I was pleasantly enthralled the entire time.

The differences between Hayden and Hoffman throughout was riveting, most of which was political or ideological banter. Also the dynamic of the two primary lawyers and the judge was fascinating (and aggravating) to watch. The chemistry and personality of all of the actors kept this story interesting and demanded my attention throughout. 

Ultimately, a star witness is called to swing the trial in the favor of the defendants. Michael Keaton plays Ramsey Clark, the formal U.S. Attorney General, who comes in to set the record straight on government involvement in this case. Based on actual events, the movie ends with small blurbs on where each defendant ended up in their lives following the trial. 

While watching this movie, one could be reminded of the protests that took place over the summer during 2020. While those protests were race related, and the protests in 1968 were (mostly) related to ending the war in Vietnam, the comparisons are there to be made. The visuals of rioting and police violence are vivid and horrifying, reminding us that this country has come a long way, but also that we still have a long way to go.

 

The New Mutants - Movie Review

 

I'm going to delay The New Mutants one last time to remember Chadwick Boseman. As I left the theater Friday night, I checked my phone to discover he had passed away after a battle with colon cancer. The word "stunned" does not do justice to how I felt. 

I feel incredibly blessed to have seen him as the Black Panther, a role that I can't envision anyone else playing. I struggle to comprehend the pain or difficulty he must have endured while filming several action movies and going through multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. I was also fortunate to see him in 42, playing Jackie Robinson.

Many others have already eulogized him in more profound ways than I ever could, but I'll miss him on screen, and I cannot wait to watch his movies about Thurgood Marshall and James Brown. 

FINALLY!

The New Mutants sees the light of day, hitting theaters after four delays that caused many to doubt whether it would, or should, ever be released. Disney must be thrilled to finally get this final Fox produced X-Men film out into the world.

FAST FACTS

REPORTED BUDGET: $67 million

OPENING DOMESTIC BOX OFFICE: $7 million

OPENING WORLDWIDE BOX OFFICE: $9.9 million

ROTTEN TOMATOES CRITICS/AUDIENCE SCORE: 35% / 53%

CINEMA SCORE: N/A

END CREDIT SCENE: No

THE THEATER EXPERIENCE

I normally begin with my non-spoiler review, but this year has certainly not been normal. Theaters have been closed due to concerns surrounding Covid-19 since March and are just beginning to reopen in the United States. The New Mutants will test the waters for other movie studios to determine if people are ready to return to theaters. 

I saw the movie at an AMC location in a suburb of Chicago. I've never questioned the cleanliness of this location, but admittedly, I was nervous driving over. I was most anxious about physical distancing from potential neighbors during a hundred minute movie. I waited until the last possible minute to secure my seat to ensure that I would be on my own island in the theater. Though my showing had sparse attendance, other showtimes (especially Dolby screens) were quite crowded. 

They had specific directions for people to walk, employees wore masks behind protective barriers, and the theater was dotted with stations providing sanitizing wipes. Truthfully, the stations of sanitizing wipes did make me feel more at ease as I made my way to my seat. 

Overall, I believe the experience was positive, and I'm more likely to return for the next movie I'm interested in seeing. However, I can't help but wonder how a movie experience like Black Widow would make me feel given the likelihood of significantly more people crowded into a confined space. 

NON-SPOILER REVIEW

Directed by Josh Boone, The New Mutants faced a number of challenges on its way to being released. Originally thought of  back in 2014, it began filming in 2017. Between 2017 and its release in August 2020, it faced delays due to re-shoots and Fox scheduling changes. Both the success of Deadpool and the failure of Dark Phoenix altered the fate of this film, pushing it back further and further. Also can't forget about the sale of Fox to Disney, which was a titanic shakeup to the entire film industry. 

I thought Blu Hunt (as Danielle Moonstar) was the acting standout as the lead who struggles with her mutant powers. Other notable actors include Maisie Williams (Rahne Sinclair), Anya Taylor-Joy (Illyana Rasputin), Charlie Heaton (Sam Guthrie), and Henry Zaga (Roberto da Costa). 

Unfortunately, the challenges that the movie encountered show through. Some of the editing didn't seem to fit and there were tone shifts that didn't quite connect. Most of the issues I had with the movie were on par with the post production issues that seemed to plague it.

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION

This movie seemed to have a potential that it never quite reached. Also, I would not go to this film expecting big connections to the X-Men universe. For the most part, this is a self-contained adolescent mutant story.

My Rating: C

Feel free to wait for this one to come to streaming or on demand. If you completely forget about it, I don't think Disney will blame you. In fact, they'd probably prefer it.

SPOILER REVIEW

The story begins with Danielle Moonstar as she wakes during a time of turmoil on the reservation where she lives. She loses her father before seeing a smoke-like creature above her. After fainting, she wakes up in a hospital for gifted individuals who have discovered their mutant abilities in violent ways, which have caused them to be shunned from their communities.

A quick summary of abilities: 

• Rahne transforms into a large dog
• Sam can blast off like a rocket
• Illyana can teleport/form an energy sword/has a pet dragon
• Roberto becomes engulfed in flames
• Dr. Reyes (played by Alice Braga) at the hospital has the mutant power of energy projection/ shield generation

Danielle's powers, however, were never clear to me. Does she have psychic abilities, fear manipulation, energy projection, or all three together?  

Throughout the movie, Dr. Reyes attempts to coax Danielle's mutant ability to manifest. Each time Danielle is stressed or afraid, the other students endure realistic flashbacks to traumatizing moments in their lives. 

• Rahne encounters the priest she killed who branded her as a witch. 
• Roberto relives an intimate moment with a girl where he inadvertently burned her. 
• Sam finds himself in the coal mine where he killed his father by igniting his rocket ability. 
• Lastly, Illyana has her demon-like abusers from her childhood spawn and chase the kids through the hallways of the hospital. Not really sure if her abusers were actually demons or that is just how she sees them. They're not very clear about it.

Dr. Reyes is eventually given orders by her superiors to kill Danielle once they realize she is causing all of the disturbances. The attempt on Danielle's life triggers a massive bear with red glowing eyes to appear, killing the doctor and endangering all of the other kids. As the bear tears through the hospital campus, Danielle searches for a way to control her powers. Eventually, she learns to control her fears and the bear vanishes. With the doctor now dead, the kids are free to leave the facility, which is how the movie ends. 

If my review feels a bit choppy or disjointed, then I've given you an accurate vibe of the film. Feel free to check out some of my other reviews below.

 Onward                                                    Birds of Prey

The Way Back                                          Downhill

Sonic

Travel Journal 2020 - South Dakota

"Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret." - Oscar Wilde

Welcome to South Dakota

Featuring the Black Hills, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, The Badlands, and many other points of interest, South Dakota was my primary focus on this summer road trip. I spent a full week in Rapid City, exploring all that the surrounding territory has to offer. 

I even took a fantastic day trip to Devil's Tower in Wyoming, which you read about here.

The biggest advice I have if you're planning to travel to western South Dakota: plan ahead!

There is so much to see and do! The national parks provide endless hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, while some of the small towns in the area provide every tourist attraction one could possibly desire. It can actually be a bit overwhelming.

My experience began with some of the more tourist centric activities including Dinosaur Park, Bear Country, and Mt. Rushmore.

The Dinosaur Park at the top of a tall hill in downtown Rapid City is the definition of a tourist trap except for one key detail: it's free! The fact that it doesn't cost anything is the only reason I'm even mentioning it. The best part about the area is the view of the city and surrounding hills. Otherwise, it's pretty underwhelming. There are only several dinosaurs and they're all in pretty rough shape. I spent maybe five minutes at the site before moving on.

Bear Country was much more promising. Obviously the pictures above show just how close you can get to the wildlife. They are all free roaming, meaning you must stay in your car at all times (think Jurassic Park except without the caged paddocks). Even though it's called Bear Country, there was also elk, reindeer, arctic fox, mountain lion (the only one in a more secure caged area), and a small zoo-like area where smaller animals (like the bear cubs pictured above) were located. Clearly the main event was the bears, which didn't dissapoint. I spent just under two hours here and only spent $18 for admission. Not bad at all!

Mt. Rushmore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Unfortunately, the visitor center and most of the ranger talks were unavailable still. There was a ranger talk I saw at the sculptor's studio, which was interesting. They also have a lighting ceremony, which attracts a large crowd. Unfortunately, it was canceled due to lightning in the area the night that I spent at the site.

There is a really nice hike that gets you closer to the monument, but the very end of the hike is blocked off due to some construction (don't worry. It doesn't change the experience at all). There are a lot of steps though. 

The site itself is impressive as you gaze upon the legendary figures sculpted into the side of a mountain. They each represent something great from American history.

From left to right on the monument:

• George Washington lead this country to independence by winning a seemingly unwinnable war. Then, inexplicably set the precedent of stepping down from power after two terms. He represents foundation.
• Thomas Jefferson was the primary writer of the words that would resonate throughout the colonies, declaring independence. As president, he would double the size of the country by way of the Louisiana Purchase. He represents expansion
• Theodore Roosevelt recognized the need to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of this great country by establishing the national parks. He was also able to begin the Panama Canal project, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He represents Preservation
• Abraham Lincoln came from humble beginnings to find himself leading the country through its most turbulent time. Despite the country being divided, he strived to keep the union together. He represents unification.

I certainly tried to reflect on these men and their accomplishments, wondering what America would be without them. 

The picture on the right is of Mt. Rushmore through the scope of the Doane Robinson Tunnel, which can be accessed by a remote part of highway 16A. It offers a unique view of the monument, but the drive to and through the tunnel is worth the long and twisting drive. The best time for this view through the tunnel is in the morning (not at sunset like I did). 

Another tourist favorite location that I visited was Deadwood, South Dakota. The city is about forty-five minutes north of Rapid City. It features an old west feel with many saloons and places to gamble. I engaged in a bit of gambling by participating in a small poker tournament at Saloon #10. Fret not, families are welcome, and Deadwood has some kid friendly activities as well!

As a kid, I was fascinated by dinosaurs and prehistoric times. South Dakota is famous for fossils and being a hot spot for prehistoric discoveries. I searched around trying to find an authentic experience that would satisfy that childhood interest. Luckily, I found the perfect place: Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota!

Mammoth Site is an active research site with paleontologists working daily on studying and excavating the site. 

About 140,000 years ago (during the ice age) this site was actually a large sink hole that would lure ancient wildlife to their deaths. They would approach the edge of the sink hole to graze on grass or sip the rare source of water, then they'd slip on slick rock into the hole. The site was discovered in the 1970s and they've found over sixty mammoths in the hole so far! 

The above picture on the left shows an almost entire skeleton lying in the place it came to rest. The above picture on the right shows two large mammoth skulls. 

They have also found an ancient bear skull and many tiny aquatic fossils (South Dakota at different times over thousands of years was inundated by sea waters). They have excavated about twenty feet of the site, but estimate another forty to fifty feet is still yet to be uncovered! If you look in the upper right hand corner of the picture on the right, there is actually a worker taking notes. 

I spent over two hours here and highly recommend this wonderfully authentic snapshot of history. However, it can be a bit of a drive. It's about an hour south of Rapid City. I recommend pairing Mammoth Site with Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park, which are both just north of Hot Springs. 

Speaking of Custer State Park, here are two pictures from my hike. I completed the Lover's Leap trail, which is about a four mile loop. The elevation is pretty significant and makes this a moderately difficult trail. You also happen to cross the creek (pictured on the left) twelve times! I was also able to see two deer on the hike. 

Wind Cave National Park (just south of Custer State Park) features lots of prairie heavy hikes. Unfortunately, they are not doing ranger tours of the caves yet, but I was still able to do a very scenic trail (Rankin Ridge), which is a one mile loop. Before you drive up to the trail head, spend some time at the prairie dog town. As you drive north to Custer, there are several other prairie dog towns, as well as a high likelihood of crossing paths with a bison herd!

I was also able to spend a day in The Badlands National Park. This is definitely a separate day trip since the park is about an hour east of Rapid City. However, there is a more scenic alternative to the expressway that cuts through natural grasslands of South Dakota. 

I did three hikes in The Badlands. They were all close to where I entered the park, which was convenient. The convenience also meant an abundance of people also trying the hikes. 

The first hike was The Door Trail (pictured above). It's a simple hike (about 900m), which is why it was highly trafficked. Although it may be simple, don't go too far off trail. It can be a labyrinth with a significant lack of water. 

The second hike I did was significantly shorter (about 1/5 of a mile). The Window Trail is a short, mostly boardwalk, trail that comes to a point. At that point you can look out on the view pictured above. 

The third and final hike of my Badlands experience was the Notch Trail (about one mile roundtrip). A one mile hike doesn't seem very difficult, but there are some interesting aspects to this hike. The pictures above are of the ladder that you must climb in order to complete the trail. Left is going up, and right is going down (which is infinitely more difficult). 

At the top of the ladder, there is a very narrow path on the edge of a cliff (pictured above) that might scare some hikers if the ladder hadn't already accomplished that. Ultimately, you end up in a wonderful rocky canyon that overlooks the rest of The Badlands (pictured below). The trail allows you some flexibility in exploring the rocky landscape before heading down the ladder. Just be careful because the rocks are quite loose, causing footing to be very unsteady at times.

One of my favorite hikes on this trip for sure! Be brave and attempt this fun and exhilarating hike!

Just like in North Dakota, I wanted to get in a round of golf. The Golf Club at Red Rock is one of the better courses in the state, featuring a forested setting. The pictures above are just two of the outstanding views that I had while waiting to hit from the tee box. I was quite lucky to get this round in since I was dodging rain drops almost the whole week.

Lastly, I wanted to give a shout out to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which is where I entered and exited the state. I spent two nights in this city, bookending my time in South Dakota. Pictured above are the falls of Sioux Falls. They're located in Falls Park, which offers a lovely place for a brief hike and an outdoor lunch in their café.

Overall, South Dakota has an endless amount of entertainment options for the traveler. There will be crowds at many of the popular destinations. Just come prepared and you'll leave South Dakota with no regrets.




Check out my other travel posts:

North Dakota

Nebraska and Iowa

Singapore

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Travel Journal 2020 - Wyoming

"I'm fortunate to live in Wyoming, one of the most beautiful, pristine places in the world." - John Barrasso (Senator - WY)

Welcome to Wyoming

During my brief time in state of Wyoming, I cannot disagree with the quote from Mr. Barrasso. I spent a day exploring Devil's Tower, which is about an hour and a half drive from Rapid City. 

First, a little background info on this breathtaking wonder on the plains of Wyoming. The tower itself was named the very first national monument in 1906 by Theodore Roosevelt! 

There are a few theories as to how the tower formed, but the simplest details a stock made of magma that cooled underground. This stock of magma then became visible after millions of years of erosion leveled the surrounding landscape. 

This location has been home to ancient peoples who lived around tower for thousands of years. Oral histories about the tower have been passed down by various Native American peoples. Even today there remains a physical and spiritual connection to the tower.

With all of this in mind, I wanted to take my time hiking around the territory.

There are three main trails near the monument: Tower Trail, Red Beds Trail, and Joyner Trail. There are also a few other small side trails, but I decided to combine the main three into one epic hike.

The easiest of the hikes is the Tower Trail, which loops around Devil's Tower. The trail is mostly paved and is only about 1.3 miles. The ease of the trail makes it the most trafficked. There were people of all ages and abilities taking advantage of the wonderful close-up views of the magnificent tower. I even saw a motorized wheelchair scooting around the trail! the picture above on the left is a view typical of the Tower Trail.

The other two trails require a bit more effort to traverse. Red Beds Trail is a larger loop around the tower (roughly 2.8 miles). The trail offers more elevation changes while going through both wooded areas as well as open prairies. The trail can be easily combined with the Joyner Trail.

The Joyner Trail is a small loop of about 1.5 miles that sits at the end of the Red Beds Trail. It is an easy trail that cuts through both prairie and woods. This trail is the least trafficked of the three and offers the best views of wildlife. It also provides some spectacular views of the tower from a distance. The picture above on the right as well as the picture of Devil's Tower above are both taken from this trail. 

I combined all three trails by beginning with the Tower Trail and completing it. Then, I immediately switched to the Red Beds Trail, which begins near the entrance/exit to the Tower Trail loop. Once you get about two-thirds of the way through the Red Beds Trail, a split occurs. You can either continue the loop and finish the trail, or you can split off and head towards the Joyner trail, which intersects tangentially to the Red Beds Trail. Complete the Joyner Trail loop, head back the way you came, and then finish the rest of the Red Beds. 

There was a trading post and a café with all sorts of souvenirs and snack items just as you enter/exit the Devil's Tower park area. It's a good place to rest and reset before you travel back to wherever you traveled from (in my case Rapid City). 

I highly enjoyed my time at Devil's Tower and would definitely recommend visiting the mystical wonder that sits in northeastern Wyoming.

Travel Journal 2020 - North Dakota

"I have always said that I would not have been President had it not been for my experience in North Dakota." - Theodore Roosevelt

Welcome to North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt came to North Dakota as a young man. His experiences here would shape the rest of his life, even influencing his Presidency. He recognized the beauty and biodiversity that existed in the area and realized the need to preserve areas like this for future generations. After only three days in western North Dakota, I developed a deep appreciation for this wonderful territory.

Driving through North Dakota, you can be forgiven for falling under a trance as you pass through endless seas of grasslands that dance hypnotically in the strong winds. The only interruption being the occasional farm or lake. 

At least until you get to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and the grasslands suddenly plunge into deep canyons. Their sides painted in the colors of geological history, creating a stunning beauty that makes a long road trip extremely worthwhile!

Before I delve into what makes western North Dakota so special, I'll briefly describe my time in Fargo on the eastern side of the state. Fargo is a simple town on the banks of the Red River, which forms the border between North Dakota and Minnesota.

For me, the highlight is the downtown area. Broadway is the avenue that features all of the restaurants, shops, and bars that one could possibly want. Specifically, Fort Noks Bar of Gold (not a typo. It's actually spelled that way) is the predominant nightlife hotspot in downtown Fargo. There are also some nice parks to spend time at by the river.

I had the pleasure to golf at Rose Creek Golf Course (pictured below). It was well maintained with a friendly staff. Although I didn't play particularly well, I thoroughly enjoyed my round.

My second round of golf in North Dakota would come further west. Before I ever took a step in the national park, I played an evening round at Bully Pulpit Golf Course. It was my introduction to the jaw-dropping beauty that I would soon explore. 

The back 9 holes of this course are particularly breathtaking. One of the holes with a great elevated tee box is pictured below. I describe the course in more detail here.

The drive to the course is stunning as you get your first glimpse of the national park. The best advice I can possibly give is: take your time and enjoy the views. 

Now, the main event of my North Dakota adventures! 

Two things stand out to me as I think about this national park: the landscape and the wildlife. From my first moments setting eyes on the glorious canyons, I was hooked. 

The canyons seemingly go on forever as their vastness can be overwhelming. The top picture is of the South part of the park, and the bottom picture is from the north part of the park. Both parks are threaded together by the Little Missouri River, which you can see in the bottom picture.

This protected area offers a safe environment for a wide variety of animals, including (but not limited to) bison, prairie dogs, white-tailed deer, rattlesnakes, golden eagles, and wild horses. 

The bison are truly fascinating creatures. Seemingly gentle giants weighing in at around 2,000 pounds, visitors must remember that they are not domesticated. Being able to run up to 30mph, it is best not to upset one of these majestic inhabitants of the park.

On a smaller scale there are prairie dog towns throughout the park, which you can easily spot by the mounds of dirt dotting the grassland. You may also hear tiny squeaks from the ground as the guards alert the community of your presence. It's truly quite cute until you realize they communicate constantly. Then it can become quite annoying. Still, they're adorable to watch as they frolic from mound to mound.

Every turn you take as you drive along could mean another encounter with nature. I was amazed by one such sight as a group of wild horses were perched upon a hill overlooking the grasslands.

Sometimes you just have to stop and let what you're seeing really soak in. This was certainly one of those times. If you plan on coming to the park for some hiking, then plan a few extra hours just to observe the wildlife. 

There's certainly no shortage of hikes in either of the two parts of the park. However, I did most of my hiking in the south section. I only had one real day to hike in this part of the park, so I chose shorter hikes, which included:

• Painted Canyon Nature Trail (0.9mi)
• Coal Vein Nature Trail (0.8mi)
• Buck Hill Trail (0.4mi)
• Boicourt Overlook Trail (0.8mi) - pictured below
• Wind Canyon Trail (0.5mi)

The reason I chose to show the Boicourt Overlook Trail is because it thrilled me the most. Not because it was challenging or had the best view, but because that pathway gets awfully narrow. There's a substantial fall if you were to misstep too far to your left or right. Oh, and there was a wind advisory that day. Wind gusts topping out at just over 30mph! 

Another sample of a typical North Dakota hike is pictured below.

After a long day of hiking and exploring, I was quite pleased to have an excellent dinner at Boots Bar and Grill in Medora, North Dakota (where the entrance to the park is located). The food was wonderful, and they even had a band playing! It has been quite a while since I've heard live music with everything going on. It was the perfect way to end the day.

Usually on my travel posts I include a section on the best place for mediation or quiet reflection. Honestly, you can find a good spot almost anywhere in the either the north or south section of the park. 

The place I chose was actually in the northern part of the park. There was an old Civilian Conservation Corps camp overlooking the canyon and the Little Missouri River. It was a good place to find some shade, observe some wildlife, and reflect. 

My time in North Dakota flew by, and I didn't expect to miss it as much as I do. I certainly hope to return one day and experience again the majestic landscape that inspired a President.

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