Morning in the Badlands

We try to go to Badlands National Park at least once during our annual visit. Twice now we've traveled the loop road from west to east with the setting sun at our back. That golden hour glow on the surreal landscape is beautiful. This time we wanted to try a morning run. We didn't make sunrise, which occurs around 5:30 a.m. this time of year. Even so, we enjoyed seeing the sun on landscape that was in shadows in the evening. Plus, we ended our loop at Wall Drug, where Harold, as a veteran, gets a free cake donut and cup of coffee. Sweet!

"Bloom where you're planted."

The things we do for photos

Big rig boondocking in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, next to Badlands

Where Are We Going Next?

Buffalo Jam

Soon upon our arrival to South Dakota, we purchase our annual state park pass. We know that we're going to be driving through Custer State Park multiple times. Whether we're cruising the wildlife loop or circling through Needles Highway or Iron Mountain Road, we usually allow some extra time for sightseeing. 

We were stopped a good while on the wildlife loop on one of our trips this year. It seemed the entire herd decided it was time to cross the road. Someone needs to tell them about keeping their distance! Ha! We could hear the rocks tumbling under their hoofs and hear their snorting. Sure glad we weren't on a motorcycle. Like the t-shirt says, "Don't pet the fluffy cow."

This year we had an unexpected bonus. The Ulfer family was spending the night in one of the cabins in the state park. Harold worked with Bernie on several occasions while both were at Dahlgren. We enjoyed sitting around the campfire after they had a full day of sightseeing. 

The herd

Right of way

Greener grass??

Iron Mountain Rd and distant Mt. Rushmore view

Man...fire, good!

Where Are We Going Next?