Powered 111 miles from Gackle to Bismarck over arguably the most scenic territory yet. From the burnt red/orange sunrise to my entrance into Bismarck it was beautiful. With scenery straight out of the award-winning “Dances With Wolves”, this trip is turning into an ode to Kevin Costner after my “Field of Dreams” visit in Iowa and my upcoming visit to Montana where “Yellowstone” is filmed near my late father and stepmother. Across the plains of North Dakota, there were dozens of lakes/ponds formed by glaciers per locals, complete with pelicans in every one. As I descended into Bismarck, I landed at the doorstep of 12 Stones Coffee Co. The enterprising owner Dina had done extensive research in multiple states including Minnesota where she met Kerlis from Mi Cartegena. My coffee networking has elevated to a new level! Dina’s mission is about combining community and faith (the 12 Stones namesake is a biblical reference). Organized religion is not everyone’s cup of tea but they do create community. I view these casual coffeehouses as the modern day “Cheers” and, like the line from its theme song, “Sometimes you wanna go, Where everybody knows your name”…and your daily double decaf, half caf with a lemon twist.
