west of the midwest

True to its reputation, the midwest (more like the mid north) for us was all about unending hospitality. We left Chicago for Minneapolis with directions to Elise’s house, who all the way from Canada had so thoughtfully arranged for us to stay at her parent’s place during our overnight stop. When we got there we found the backdoor open and a note saying to make ourselves at home and that they’d see us in the morning. Jake and I were a little concerned that the house had been burgled so we peeked around until we saw that the computers were still there and proceeded to make ourselves a bit of dinner with some of the gigantic dino kale in the backyard.

behold!

The next morning we met Elise’s dad Michael, who had some oats soaking in a delicious milk and cream combo, waiting for us to wake up, add berries and peaches, and eat up! It was such a treat. We couldn’t believe our luck when he sent us on our way with a delicious pack lunch of chicken roast sandwiches and melon. People are amazing.

hay hay hay

sunflowers galore

love these guys

So off we went, hoping to make it to Bismarck, North Dakota in time to get to Jake’s show at the East 40 Chophouse and Saloon. I remember thinking on the way, (you get to thinking lots of strange trivial and not so trivial things after a few hours in a car with no music…oh yeah, the boombox set up stopped working, it was nice while it lasted), anyway, I remember thinking, “dot dot dot that would be like me moving to ND!” and then getting to Bismarck and saying “wait, i LOVE this place!” Another surprise favourite state.

east 40 chophouse

After a quick costume change and googlemaps check (read: wireless hijack) outside a local motel, we got to the venue right in the middle of Ben Suchy’s set, another host whom we had never met before and was cyber-introduced to us by dear Mayana, all the way from New Zealand. Ben Suchy is a gem, and comes from a family of musicians. His parents came for the show and were big fans of Jake’s music. We all sat around together eating buffalo chili and burgers and talking about grass fed cattle rearing. Ben’s dad, Chuck Suchy, used to play on the Prairie Home Companion radio show, something of a staple for some young Americans. The Bismarck crowd was one of the best, warm, attentive, generous. Apparently no one ever stops here on tour so they were honoured to think that we’d even come all the way from Oregon! So Bismarck, don’t bypass it or you’ll be missing out.

they even have diners there like in the movies

across the continent