October 6 to 7 - Badlands National Park, South Dakota
How lucky was I to be right in the pathway of Badlands National Park in my travels?! The Badlands is another place I’m saving for Mike and me to explore together and though I tried to pass it by, I could not help but peek a little.
I arrived in the Badlands around sunset through the Wall, South Dakota entrance. When visiting the Badlands you go from vast prairies to landing on the moon. It’s surreal. Immediately I was greeted by Prairie Dogs. Prairie Dogs!! I was beside myself with excitement. I had no idea I’d see them and they are adorable! I only stayed for a little while in the park to catch the sunset and planned to come right back at sunrise.
My stay in Wall was short, but nice. It’s an awesome little town which looks like they love their Harley Davidson motorcycle folks. If you’re a Harley person, you’d feel right at home. I didn’t have a chance to visit the famous Wall Drug Store, as it was closed. Nor the saloons that were dotted about, but did hit the only drive through they had, DQ. Hotel stay was fine and played around with the macro lens taking photos of spare change for Seena. Look, Seena, you’re in here as a trip note!
The next day I woke up bright and early and headed out around sunrise. Somehow lost my national park pass from the day before, bummer. I think the park ranger may have forgotten to give it back the afternoon before and did not realize it. Tried to see if they could find it, but to no avail. Worse things can happen, so oh well. The good news is they directed me to a herd of sheep they had spotted prior to my arrival. That turned into an amazing experience, watching them traverse the steep canyons.
I stayed in the Badlands until mid day and headed out. On to La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Arrived at Badlands National Park late in the afternoon and was immediatley greeted by Prairie Dogs! I was not expecting them and it made my day!!!
Seeing the Badlands you get a sense of the completely unexpected. You go from huge, long, grass prairies to omg, this! What the heck and where did this come from? It’s like you are suddenly on another planet.
Just caught the sunset and headed to the hotel in Wall, South Dakota after.
Arrived early in the morning the next day and the first thing I did was head to Roger’s Prairie Dog Town.
Discussing politics no doubt.
Sweet little thing.
I was told they almost went extinct because cowboys almost killed them off. Those holes are hard on horses.
Saw more bison! Interesting to see cows right up to the park enterence and on the other side of the fence in the park, bison. Idk, just a reminder on how much history has changed for the bison since Europeans arrived.
Lots of big horn sheep, some collared for tracking.
Being in the Badlands is a little like going to the Grand Canyon. Smaller, and it’s like you’re driving through the bottom of the canyon.
Morning light.
Yellow mounds.
Buffalo in the morning light.
Sheep doing what sheep do, defying gravity.
Ram.
This is where the sheep were all headed, to a pasture down below.
Seed heads of wildflowers.
Lovely colors.
Milkweed seeds. I’ve seen so many species on this trip!
Milkweed seeds.
Path to the moon.
Near the gate I exited. Such a short trip, but Mike and I will be back very soon, together.
Magical seeing these wonderful creatures. So thankful they are here.