The Badlands 10.28.11

Today was one of the coldest days we’ve had yet. The upper temps are in the 40’s and the lows are dipping down into freezing. Because of this, we decided to check out The Badlands instead of Mount Rushmore because we would be in the car more! Haha…

Wow, it was gorgeous! The colors, the carvings in the rocks, the wildlife – it was amazing. Around ever corner were different views and carvings to see.



I was particularly taken by how dramatic the scenery would change – from grasslands to jagged cliffs & soil eroding away from every rainstorm. It was gorgeous.



One thing nice about being in these parks off-season is that at the drop of a hat you can come to a stop for photo opportunities – sometimes even going in reverse! During the entire day, we saw maybe 6 other vehicles in the park. And that’s exactly what we did when we spotted this fox! He was running/jumping around the tall grass and we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse.



Other than the sly fox, we also spotted some bighorn sheep – actually you couldn’t help but spot them since they were sitting on the side of the road! I told them they shouldn’t sit on the side of the road as we drove by but they didn’t listen.



And prairie dogs…



Outside the park was a whole family? Pack? Clan? Of all-white prairie dogs…cute little squeaky things.



Another great National Park….we really should have purchased the National Parks pass, which we did last time we were traveling California – I forget how each park has entrance fees! Yellowstone was $15, this one was $15 but I know in the next couple months that will add up! But so worth it…I may still get one. :-)




More to follow…
Rene