2014XC: Day 5, June 16 – South Dakota (Badlands)

We couldn’t tell how close to the Badlands our campsite was the night before, other than what it looked like on a map, so we were anxious to see it first thing in the morning. It turns out we were just outside of the entrance to the park but were able to see some of it from our site. It looked pretty cool and we couldn’t wait to get there. We were all pretty much in awe as we started into the park. We stopped at the first area where we could get out and walk around, and the kids took off ahead of us. It was truly amazing to see. I wish that I could show you as you read on that I was able to do justice for the Badlands with my camera, but I’d be lying.

We stopped at just about every viewpoint that we could, and some we weren’t supposed to from that point on. I am sure that there will be so much more to see on our trip that will take my breath away, but honestly, this place did. It was just really worth seeing as I was told by so many of you.

At one point, we were even lucky enough to see some mountain goats on a ridge. Tyler and I took a few pictures: the first one, all you can see is a tiny brown dot towards the middle of the ridge – sorry for the “washing out” of the pic. After that, Tyler and I hopped back into the truck and as we came around a corner we saw another mountain goat/ram? right near the side of the road. We made Steve pull over again and just as we began running towards the place we saw it, the animal actually crossed the road, stopping traffic, and then proceeded down the ravine – that’s the 2nd pic. It was really cool to see!

A few blogs I read about Badlands included a “must-do” trip to Wall Drug. Was a small store when it first opened way back, but now it’s got 5 entrances and takes up an entire block! It was definitely a novelty trip, but well worth it especially when you see the kids enjoying it.

And closing the evening with the very popular camping entree, burgers and dogs!