The past few days run together; I’ve lost all sense of “time.”  I don’t know what day it is or the clock time.  I do know when it’s time to get up as I hear the birds chirping in the trees, I know it’s time to rest when I’m completely exhausted after a day’s hike through some very amazing land, and I know when I’m hungry- beyond that time doesn’t matter.  I didn’t even bring a watch. 

We stopped at 1880’s town and the kids loved it.  In Preston’s words, “This is better than Sturbridge, because you get to be a part of it.”  We ALL dressed up in 1880’s clothes and walked around the town.   Sheriff Sumner kept us in order despite Badboy Daddy.  (When the boys put the clothes on the young girl helping us suggested a picture of Sheriff Sumner rescuing her from bandit Preston to which Preston replied, “I’m not a bad boy.”) Preston was our stagecoach driver for the day.  I was the mama (what a surprise!) and Grace was my adopted Indian daughter.

Then we finally saw the Badlands.  Our first glimpse of this amazing land was a shadow on the horizon.  Maybe a group of trees, but too big for that. Closer & closer until we could see the most breathtaking sight so far this trip or lifetime.  The exit came and off we went unprepared for the sight we would see in 4 miles.  It literally took our breath away.  We oohed & awed just like tourists- oh yeah, we are tourists.  And this was just the beginning.  For the next 2 days every way we turned our heads, each new turn in the path brought another unbelievable view.  NO words are truly describe this area.  Our pictures don’t even do it justice. 

We arrived late in the afternoon. Our first task was to set up camp.  Then we hit the ranger station for the Junior Ranger program books (an excellent FREE program, at most national parks, that really allows the kids to learn a lot in a fun way).  As we ate dinner we watched a beautiful light show in the distance- the sky lit up with lightening. WOW!  Then the light show moved towards us; we put everything under cover and made it into the tent for the night before the skies opened and we were treated to a wind, rain and lighting event.  It poured and with a new tent that I had never tested I wasn’t sure if we would end up soaking wet or stay dry.  The kids and I said our prayers and claimed the promises of Ps 37 & 91, angels watching over us.  The next morning was beautiful and I tried to capture it on film but the camera battery was dead. ARGGG 

 

We hit the trails and I mean hit it hard.  The first ¼ mile was straight up, then 4 miles of alternating prairie and desert lands with vistas that never dulled.  We saw a total of 3 other people on the trails.  For those interested we hiked Saddle Pass, Medicine Root and a section of the Castle trail.  I am sworn to secrecy, but I will tell you that 2 of the kids had a rather difficult time with the hike, especially towards the end.  BUT mom & dad are very proud of the fact that they never gave up.  And we learned what it must have been like for the pioneers.  We glorify their lives but trivialize the work that it took to open up the west for others.  We kept encouraging the children by promises of a cold drink and air conditioning when we got back to the car, but no pioneer could even dream of such luxuries.  After the hike we just drove and admired the views until the ranger prairie talk- informative. 

The following morning we were treated to yet another downpour and wind storm.  While the tent stayed up it did leak a little.  But not bad.  But the Lord was good and the rain stopped just as we were getting up.  To our delight Rodger’s niece and her new husband meet us at the campgrounds.  (They were headed back to VT after living in MT for a few years)  They loaned us some backpacking equipment so we may be able to salvage that part of the vacation.  THANKS MATT & HEATHER!!  Love you.   WE packed up and headed out of the Badlands. We backtracked to the Sodhouse monument.  The kids had a great time chasing the chickens and feeding white Prairie Dogs.  We took a dirt road out of the Badlands and were able to see dozens of Prairie Dogs.  They are very cute and chatter when they see us.  Sadly we never saw any Bison.  But perhaps in Yellowstone.

The first town after the Badlands is Wall, SD.  We stopped for lunch and of course, shopping.  All of the kids found their cowboy boots.  Sumner found his cowboy hat and Grace a pair of moccasins. 

We arrived at Mount Rushmore about 5 PM in a rain storm.  But soon the clouds passed and we could see the monument.  Despite all the pictures we had seen the experience of being here was stirring.  The feeling was patriotic and awe by the engineering of the work and beauty of the sculpting.  We stayed for the evening program and that was inspiring.  The program began with the Pledge of Allegiance. At the end we sang the national anthem and then watched a boy scout troop lowered the flag.  As they did that anyone who was or had served was invited to come to the stage.  Then after the flag was folded each of the men & women were passed the flag and asked to introduce themselves and tell in what branch they served.  There were several active duty, a few retired and a few that only mentioned 1-2 years of service. 

Mount Rushmore and hiking the Badlands were a realization that seeing pictures is nice but experiencing nature and history are better.  Today we're off to see Mount Rushmore in the morning, the Crazy Horse monument, Jewel Cave and then drive part way to Yellowstone.