September 4, 2005 Icelandic State Park HWY 5 North Dakota

September 4, 2005
Icelandic State Park
Hwy 5
North Dakota

After fond farewells we hit the road and headed north then west across HWY 5. Truly a magnificent road as far north as one can et in the united states. Other than outrages gas prices a wonderful day.
Met Clarence and Betty Schuh just outside of Williams, Minnesota. As we ran along HWY 2 we spotted a great old greyhound bus conversion parked by an old barn so we had to stop. She was a beautiful bus with the conversion done Clarence. A remarkable man, Clarence. He and Betty have lived here for over 50 years. In the short visit we had Clarence walked me around the property and showed me the things he has invented/built over those fifty years. Among them where a solar heater for the house using beer cans as the heat collectors, an electrical tractor(he did that one 25years ago), the underground root cellar that was built above ground then cover with earth and makes a pleasant hill in the back yard.
He and Betty have spent many years out on the road traveling in many different types of vehicles. The last being the 35 ft greyhound. He has a 40 ft. flxible that is his current project and although he was slowed down by a heart attack a few years ago I’m sure he will get it done. For 80 he is still going strong.
After a fine visit, gift of fresh cucumbers from Betty’s garden and making a great portrait we where off down the road again.

As we crossed the state line into North Dakota the land began to change from the forests we have been living in all through out Minnesota into the rolling Prairies of North Dakota. Lighting lit up the evening sky and we found our camp for the night.

Meeting Clarence gave me a fresh feeling about folks. He is one of the true americans out there on his own and using his mind and creative processes to solve his problems. He dose not see them as problems, more as challenges and does not have time to fret about them he is too busy living and enjoying his life. A true inspiration.

Clarance and Betty Schuh with me and Heather