Badlands includes a huge stretch of land that was under water for a few ages and has since evolved from sea, to jungle, to forest, to its current state, which is an indescribable mix of gorgeous, varied landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Its most dominant feature is beautifully striated barren cliffs that are so dry the ground is literally cracked and crumbling under your feet. Climbing these was at times kind of hairy as rocks crumbled to pebbles, but it was also really fun and rewarded us with breathtaking views.
Somehow, this totally inhospitable land is surrounded by gorgeous waving grasslands where bison and antelope graze peacefully. Some of the plain looks so green and rolling it could be a golf course. And, there are other cool land features as well, like the Yellow Mounds, which are exactly what they say they are and are like nothing I have seen before. They have an other-worldly yet very serene vibe. I could have walked among them for hours...but for the rattlesnake warnings. At literally every turn in the road there was an awe-inspiring view. It took alot of self-control not to stop at every one which leaves me wondering how we are possibly going to see all we want to at the other parks on our itinerary. I fear we booked about half the time we will need everywhere!
When the Badlands finally tired us out, we made a stop at Wall Drug, an infamous tourist trap, for some ice cream and then headed back to camp for a pasta dinner. It is our last night at here the Rapid City KOA. It's been a good place to get our bearings and the kids have loved finishing each day in the pool, but I'm psyched to move on. We have one more night at a KOA in Cody, and then we try some more rustic camping. Seeing all this beautiful land makes me wish I were experienced enough to really camp in the middle of nowhere under the stars...but Theo points out that we might miss our flush toilets! ;-)
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