Here is a picture of what the campsite looks like so far:
If the early homesteaders had access to an REI, this is what it may have looked like on the prairie.
Today the Badlands had a very moderate temperature in the 60's, so it wasn't so bad after all. Actually, it was pretty great. We spotted prairie dogs, mountain goats, bison and a fox, which Anthony said was a coyote. We learned Bison always have the right of way.
Also, for an added bonus, we ran into some people with whom we went to church from Oxford, MS!!! It has been 14 years, and the lady hasn't changed, but I am not sure I knew the husband when we lived there. Before we recognized each other, their sweet son offered to take our picture, and then I saw the mom. I didn't say anything then, but we happen to walk to the same place and I overheard the dad say to someone else that they are from Oxford!! Then I butted in and said "I knew I knew you!!" Actually, I think I hollered it. I know, embarrassing. But how ironic. Moral: make sure you behave, no matter where you are.
It is now 9:30, and I just heard the howl of the coyote!!! How cool. Glad we are in a van and not a tent if they start sniffing around.
Our sunset:
I know, beautiful, right?
Monday morning: last night was the greatest, even though there was no shower, we had no running water at all for that matter. But last night our bladders didn't take us through the night and at 2:30 we made a trip to the lovely toilets, but MAN, THERE WERE A JILLION STARS OUT, and we got to see all of them. We also saw a single, bright light on the horizon in the East, and could not figure out what it was. As we watched it for about 20 seconds, we got to witness a crescent moon rise above the horizon. The single bright light we saw was the tip of the moon as it was rising. Just gorgeous. BONUS FOR HAVING A FULL BLADDER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.
Also, I had noticed some pretty big piles of poo in the middle of the camping area, and there being horse trailers nearby, I was thinking they were from huge horses, but, NO, there were bison grazing just yards from the campground, which was pretty cool.
We have been talking about our theme song for this advanture. We have thought about "Free" by Zac Brown band, or "Wide Open Spaces" by Dixie Chicks. We have thought up more but of course didn't write them down, so we have forgotten what they were. What do you think?
Today I would like to give a shout out to the free wifi at the laundry mat. Not only did I get to publish this, we are thankfully going to smell better when we leave, yay!
Today is Mt. Rushmore.
You are WAY more adventurous than I am! I think I draw the line at no showers. :-)
ReplyDeleteWe have been using lots of wipes when there aren't showers.
Delete