williston ND

Don Fairchild · February 24, 2012, 10:21:38 AM

Are there any bus nuts around or near Williston, ND or plentywood, MT I May be up there some time in late April.

Would like to meet and visit.

Thanks

Don

Van · February 24, 2012, 10:33:51 AM

Hey Don, I could be if the dough was right! LOL!

Just Me

Don Fairchild · February 24, 2012, 11:20:58 AM

Ok Van, how much is your wife will to pay to get rid of you for a couple weeks. LOL

Don

Sean · February 24, 2012, 12:20:51 PM

Don, if you're going in the bus, you won't find a parking spot in Williston for love or money. You might be able to squeeze in to the Wal-Mart but you'll have to fight the roughnecks for a spot. FWIW.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

luvrbus · February 24, 2012, 12:24:14 PM

Going fishing huh Don lol

good luck

Don Fairchild · February 24, 2012, 02:11:33 PM

Clifford, you got that right, I need to get out of here for a little while. I need to find a place where I can fire up the BBQ with out the EPA breathing down my neck for air pollution.

Sean, I do here what you are saying, I have been watching the news but I am not going up there to work. I want to find either a busnut I can rent a place from for a couple of days or a good river to pull up to, drowned a fly or two and tell the world to kiss my

even if only for a few days.

Know what I mean.

Don

Stormcloud · February 24, 2012, 02:47:59 PM

On our return trip from Az, our friends at Bismarck, ND told us that Wal-Mart had 'cleared out' their Williston parking lot of RV and trailer units that were "camping". It was on the local news.

Apparently, they had police and several tow-trucks on site to assist.

I guess that makes one less place to overnight...

Utahclaimjumper · February 24, 2012, 02:52:42 PM

Don,, Whats the draw of Williston?? There are great fishing spots in Montana and Idaho if its fishing. I spent my four military years in Grand Forks and its just flat flat farm land, did I say flat??. Several years ago the then governor of ND posted billboards around the states borders to improve tourism,, two I remember where: "Welcome to North Dakota, mountain removal project completed.">>> "Welcome to North Dakota, Custer was healthy when he left here: >>>Dan

Eagle Andy · February 24, 2012, 06:28:45 PM

Hey Don there is a nice KOA in Miles City and that puts about 3 hrs from plentywood. We moved to just outside Billings MT right off of I94 east bound.I have some room if you need a lay over and 50 amp.

TomC · February 24, 2012, 10:19:21 PM

I can think of a whole bunch of other places I'd rather go then ND.But then it is your choice. Good Luck, TomC

Oonrahnjay · February 25, 2012, 07:03:01 AM

Quote from: TomC on February 24, 2012, 10:19:21 PMI can think of a whole bunch of other places I'd rather go then ND.But then it is your choice. Good Luck, TomC

Yeah, the phrase "rather be boiled in bad beer" do strike a famillyah note!

fraser8 · February 25, 2012, 09:43:08 AM

Here is the scoop on the Walmart, it's off my overnight list... Interesting reading
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/williston-walmart-campers-finding-alternatives-to-parking-lot/article_6c0d2d48-537b-11e1-b4ea-001871e3ce6c.html

akroyaleagle · February 25, 2012, 02:44:58 PM

Don,

I have a friend in Sidney, MT.
PM me and I will give you his info.

Joe

belfert · February 25, 2012, 02:57:34 PM

Quote from: fraser8 on February 25, 2012, 09:43:08 AM
Here is the scoop on the Walmart, it's off my overnight list... Interesting reading
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/williston-walmart-campers-finding-alternatives-to-parking-lot/article_6c0d2d48-537b-11e1-b4ea-001871e3ce6c.html

It appears RVers wore out their welcome at this Walmart by staying long term. This is exactly why many RVers say never to start pulling out chairs and other stuff to make it look like a campground when you overnight at Walmart. Is overnighting now completely banned at the Williston Walmart?

I noticed the Walmart at Vadnais Heights, MN now has a sign that says no overnight parking. I wonder if it applies to RVs too? This Walmart was just remodeled to include a grocery section. I have seens RVs there before, but I don't think the signs went up until after the conversion last fall. They previously had signs about cars left for sale would be removed.

Sean · February 25, 2012, 05:51:02 PM

Quote from: belfert on February 25, 2012, 02:57:34 PM
It appears RVers wore out their welcome at this Walmart by staying long term. This is exactly why many RVers say never to start pulling out chairs and other stuff to make it look like a campground when you overnight at Walmart.

Brian, these were not "RVers" passing through Williston. Williston is experiencing a severe housing shortage due to the shale oil boom -- rents have quintupled, campgrounds are full, people are living in cars, tents, trailers, whatever. These are roughnecks with no place to stay -- oil company can't build dorms fast enough. Google Williston and you can read up on it.

Quote
Is overnighting now completely banned at the Williston Walmart?

Yes, apparently. Not surprising, and, as the article said, Walmart was very lenient about it for a very, very long time. I'd seen pictures of the lot a few months ago; it looked like a post-apocalyptic encampment.

Probably a good revenue opportunity for someone who wants to open a plain-jane year-round RV lot near there. The roughnecks have plenty of cash -- that's why they are there. Just no place to live.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com