Minneapolis, MN to the Badland, SD

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Up not too early and back to the mall to pick up some souvenirs since the stores were closed last night. Ate at Crackerbarrel, but they were out of the oatmeal that Mike was so looking forward to! Bummer! So, late start for the drive to SD to the Badlands. Luckily, the change in time zones seems to be saving us. It was 100-deg as we passed into SD (although with the prairie winds it definitely wasn’t too bad) and we are just in awe of the landscape – just vast prairies. You can see forever! And then we see the Badlands in the distance – Awesome! You wonder what the pioneers though as they road endlessly across the prairies and then suddenly you see these unbelievable formations! We arrived at the visitor’s center just before it closed – WHEW! Again, very impressive. Unlike anything we have ever seen. We started at the beginning and took a couple of walks on the sandstone. We were hitting it just at dusk and the colors were beautiful. Unfortunately, the hot haze of the day led to some low clouds so as the sun set the colors faded quickly. Nighttime at the Badlands is incredibly peaceful!

We arrived at the motel in Wall, SD at 10:30 after a late dinner (had a very difficult time finding someplace open!) and talked the lady into keeping the outdoor pool open for the next 1/2hr. Kids were very happy about that!

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Photos

Cactus in the prairie grass
Can you imagine having to walk through the fields dodging these?

Open prairie in SD
Freddy sees and open prairie and starts immediately running and throwing rocks!

Comments

[Audra]

Beautiful!!
I love looking at your blog! It brings back memories for me and makes me smile that you are all getting to see these beautiful sites!