Badlands

  I always forget how long a drive it is across South Dakota.  We left Pipestone early (for us) and drove through miles of construction.  I took the wheel for a bit to give Rick a break.  The flat, straight roads of South Dakota are perfect for working on my driving skills with the new camper.  Despite the fact that it is late July, the prairies are very green and there is water everywhere.  It was a beautiful drive.

We got to the Badlands in late afternoon.  We drove through the northern end of Badlands National Park.  The views were amazing.  It was in the 90s but much drier here.  Our plan was to park the camper and head back to the Visitor Center.  We are staying about 6 miles from the park along the White River in a shady campground.  However, the pool was calling us, so we went for a swim instead.  All I can say about the swim is AHHHHH!

As we sat by the pool we could feel the heat abating. and a whisper of movement in the air.  We had a quick supper and decided to drive out into the Badlands.  Earlier, the midday sun had made the terrain so bright it was hard to see.  However, as evening began to slide into the park we could see the fascinating contours of the rock formations. 

A storm passed through and we could see huge black clouds, lightning bolts and sheets of rain flowing across the prairie.  Then a double rainbow formed, just for us.  We stopped at several lookouts and trailheads.  The air was fresh and clear.  At one viewpoint the sign told us that one very clear days we could see a butte three miles away – and there it was off in the distance!  It was the perfect time to walk among the formations in the shadows and cooler evening.  We stayed on the path, though, since there were many “watch out for rattlesnake” warnings.

As the sun began to drop behind the rock formations a nice breeze came up and the meadowlarks were calling goodnight.  The damp prairie grass smelled of summer.  The clouds turned pink and orange.  We just sat and looked out at the amazing panorama. Sometimes as we travel I recognize moments that need to be captured.  This evening, in the mystery of the Badlands, was one of them.    We took lots of pictures, but you will need to come here and spend a sunset in the park to get the full experience.