The Consumer Reports winnebago I’m living in this summer passed through Bowman, North Dakota yesterday, where we stayed in an RV park that was more like someone’s back yard. Our fresh water came from the owner’s personal outdoor hose, and the makeshift site marker was paint on a wooden plaque. I’d give up luxury for character any day.

Our backyard for a night was the field of grain, above. I wanted to run through it and flop myself down, but figured I should respect private property. The scene made a normally mundane morning of fact-checking and email not feel like work at all.

So we’re officially in the West. Next stop: Thermopolis, Wyoming, home of the world’s largest natural hot-springs. Check out more of the photos I’ve been taking on the Cover America Tour website.