About 23 miles Northwest of Bismarck is Harmon Lake, a 145-acre reservoir set on Otter Creek in North Dakota’s Great Plains. Since a lack of precipitation made the Little Missouri River too low to paddle, this artificial lake set among rolling grassy knolls and cycling paths was a good alternative excursion.
It’s 1800 miles from Hartford to Bismarck across the US heartland. Hundreds of miles of corn and soy cash crops, peppered with industrial cattle farms line the highway as we head West. Rest area historical markers pay homage to species extinct and communities displaced by Manifest Destiny. Our quest, to connect with nature and each other, is rooted in a passion similar to what drove John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt to encounter the wild.
Morning on the water
Whereas explorers of the West had to rough it, the boat ramp at this lake facilitated easy access. At first, menacing clouds swooped in and cast a shadow over our prospects. Would this be another Grand Teton experience? Since we were already on the water, we kept a watchful eye, but the rain stayed off to the North and East until the entire system blew over.
There is something about a clear summer morning that sharpens the scene like a natural Instagram filter. The variations of greens and yellows against a blue sky backdrop conjures an innate sense of serenity. A much welcomed change of pace.
At 75 degrees with low wind, our paddle was pleasant. Very few other boats were out at that time. Families fished from shore or walked the paths. One boy, probably middle school age, cheered as he caught a 2 1/2-foot fish. He snapped selfies to his dad and called family to share his excitement.
We paddled the several inlets and dodged the tops of dead trees protruding from the lake. Supposed relics from when the creek was dammed fifteen years ago. Gentle breezes aided out paddle across the still water. We sipped coffee as we looked out over the water and across the vast plains to the east.
This paddle was kept short. We packed up the canoe and pushed West to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We will stay there for three days of hiking and bison sightings.
