The old Mandan High School building will be going away. At least, that’s the plan…although, as a Bismarck resident, I have yet to see a school building actually torn down once we’re told that it can no longer house students. They always find a way to reuse it and draw tax money. But enough of that. I figured that if I ever wanted to check out some parts of the school I always wondered about but had no access to, this was my opportunity.
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If you recognize this area of Mandan High School, you did one of two things: sing in the choir or play in the band. I did neither of these things, but I did spend some time here. I even had a band locker, but more on that in another post.
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One of the most prominent buildings along the Missouri River in Bismarck-Mandan is the new Gateway to Science center. With little kids and a membership, I noticed that the old building really could use some work. Thankfully, Gateway to Science was able to build a new facility, and it’s spectacular.
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When I decided to take my camera with for this open house event, I determined I was not going to try to do a tour. First, it would be too much work. Second, I just don’t think it would be interesting – for me or anyone else.
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I’m glad I got to the school early, because I got to visit many places alone before things got crowded. One of those places is the ol’ gymnasium. I played a bit of dodgeball here, and did a lot of stretches.
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Last week, Mandan Public Schools hosted an alumni day and open house at the high school. This may be have been the last opportunity for many to walk through and see the school where they made so many memories. I’m one of those people. As nostalgic and sentimental as I am, this was actually more a matter of curiosity.
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This is one of my favorite “floats” in the 2024 Independence Day parade! It’s got a pretty meaty sounding engine, too!
I don’t know about you, but thanks to Bidenomics I can’t afford to fill a regular shopping cart…I can’t imagine what kind of cash it would take to fill this baby with groceries!
I had the opportunity to go for a little cruise on my motorcycle. I can use the phrase “my motorcycle” instead of “one of my motorcycles” because, for the first time since 1996, I only have one. Well, I put it to good use tonight.
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I hope you read that title in Alice Cooper’s voice. I was going through some photos from 2022 recently, looking for a selfie I took in a Blackhawk helicopter, when I came across this one. I don’t believe I’d posted it before! By the way, this was an iPhone photo…not something I typically do on this blog. But the cameras in those things are getting so darn good – especially on my 15 Pro.
I actually came across the GPS waypoint for this little school, nestled in the far northwestern corner of our state, a day or two ago while looking for something else as well. I guess it was destined to get my attention!
I remember the moment I took this photo. First, it was drizzling. Second, I was near the intersection of the borders with both Montana and Canada. In fact, I believe my phone was roaming just like I was! I got one of those “you’re now in Canada” roaming messages on it. And third, it was a fantastic find. I even noted that in my map when I marked the waypoint for it. I’m glad I had the chance to post it!
I spotted this gem of a barn on the way back from a speech competition in northwestern North Dakota. My boy had performed quite well, so it was a Proud Dad moment. My eyes are always scanning while driving, a trait which has kept me alive through many years of motorcycling and motorcycle racing, and naturally that translates well to my photography hobby. Well, an inattentive eye would have missed this scene. Thankfully, being alert paid off: I pulled over, grabbed my gear from the trunk, bolted to the best vantage point, and got the shot.