TOUR AMERICA 2022, BADLANDS INTERIOR CAMPGROUND AND MOTEL, INTERIOR, SD

Sunday, May 15, 2022

Temperature 75 Degrees, Abundant Sunshine, Light Winds

Hiking the Badlands

What an absolutely beautiful day we awoke to. The temperature was mild and the sun was shinning in a beautiful blue sky. Definitely not a day to stay home.

Thus after church we decided to finish the other two hikes we wanted to do in the badlands. Our first two hikes we completed on Friday. Now, understand when I say hikes I’m referring to the rather easy ones usually on a boardwalk. We’re not the type to go off hiking across the badlands themselves. Though there are hikes for those who are so inclined. So, come on, we’re going hiking. Unfortunately, I’m only going to be able to share just a bit of each hike but I hope you enjoy them.

One of four.

The Fossil Exhibit Trail is an easy 20 minutes that features fossil replicas and exhibits of now extinct creatures that once roamed the area.

Over the course of 75 million years some creatures that once lived here adapted to the changes taking place, some moved to new areas and others died and became extinct.

Two of Four.

This loop trail follows boardwalks and gravel paths and via stairs goes up approximately 300 feet in elevation. This was the most difficult for the two of us but also the most rewarding.

The current slump.

The way up – at least part of it.

The last final push to the top.

The view from the top.

Three of four.

This is a short 1/4 mile boardwalk trail that leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as the door. At the end of the boardwalk the trail does continue but travel at this point is at your own risk.

The boardwalk leading to the door.

End of the boardwalk.

The view from the end, and yes you could go all the way out there if you wanted to.

Should I go? Or just play it safe?

I’m on my way!

Yup, that is as far as I made. To the second marker. I know my limits.

Four of four.

This is another short 20 minute walk that leads to a natural window in the Badlands Wall with a view of a severely eroded canyon.

So, a hiking we did go and we had an absolute blast. Now, remember our last two hikes were today and today was such a beautiful day we just didn’t want to go home. So where did we go?

Like a moth drawn to a flame, back we went to Wall Drug Store. I decided that I just had to try one of their famous roast beef sandwiches.

So to the Western Art Gallery Café we went. Only to be met by two bus loads of tourists that had just arrived! Time to find something to do for an hour or so. And we did!

And what did we find to do back here? All kinds of silly tourist stuff. Take a look.

We literally had the whole backyard to ourselves.

After wandering around a bit more we went back and found the line was gone.

The dining room is really a special place. The works of art on the wall are truly amazing.

A delicious roast beef sandwich with brown gravy. Yes, it was worth the wait. I once again became a member of the clean plate club.

Lunch over, heading out I spotted this and thought how beautiful it was

Ah, but wait I have a bonus picture to finish out this blog. Remember that poor pathetic picture I took the other day of a prairie dog? You know the one where the arrow was bigger than he was? Ah, now you remember!

At one point he actually came under the fence and up to the car!

Well, we finally had to come home and oh was Proton ever glad to see us. He would not leave my side for the next hour or so. In fact, when I began to do this blog I had to pull a chair up next to me so he could sit on it and be at my side.

So we continue to have a ball travelling down The Road of Retirement. We’ve absolutely enjoyed the time we’ve been able to spend here. And we’re leaving with a new appreciation and understanding of another part of this great country of ours. What more could one ask for.

Thanks again for spending the day with us.  It’s always great to be able to share our story with family and friends. Comments? Feel free to share them with me. And always remember, cherish every moment of every day that God gives you and live those moments to the fullest.

Our continuing mission remains the same: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before