Friday, June 24, 2011

Badlands National Park

The Badlands National Park in South Dakota was created in 1939. It encompasses more than 240,000 acres. In addition to same great scenery, the Badlands is known for its diverse collection of prehistoric fossils. While most of the geology is sedimentary shale, there is some volcanic ash. Due to the softness of the soil, over one inch of the Badlands is eroded every year. The Badlands is the historic home of the Lakota Sioux Indian Nation. They dominated this area until the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890.

We spent a wonderful, stormy, rainy night in the Badlands primitive (no water or electricity supplied by the park) campground of Sage Creek. However, not to worry! Our self-contained camper supplied us with all the amenities of home. This is truly camping at its best!

NOTE: I have now updated our travel map. Just click on the menu item.

SPECIAL NOTE: I hear now profess to the world that it was John Taylor (as opposed to Colleen) who gave me the idea for the map feature. (For those of you who might not have been aware, I previously gave the credit to his wife Colleen.)

Before leaving, Kay and Larry Brookshire gave us this card. It hangs in a special place in our camper, reminding us of what is really important.

As you might know, Meriam is always on the look out for a hole-in-the-wall that serves good food. She found this place in Mission, NE. She was look for Indian flat bread and buffalo burgers. Unfortunately, they were closed!

While the Badlands is not as grandiose as Utah’s Bryce Canyon, it certainly has some beautiful scenery.

Another view of some of the great colors in the Park.

If you will look across to the top of the far mesa, you will notice a dirt road. This is the 13 mile gravel road which lead to our camp ground.

A view of our campground. Not too many places you can spend the night having buffalo wander around, getting in the way and leaving “special” presents on the road (and everywhere else.)