It may seem a bit overdoing it – but, Clear Lake really drained us (in a good way!).  That plus a loooong travel day and a downpour resulted in a catch up day.  That means the gym, grocery store and an afternoon of cooking and baking;-)

Once the batteries were recharged, we decided that Badlands NP deserved another chance.  (Our first visit left us very unimpressed!)  So happy for second chances;-)

Badlands is described as ‘desolation at its purest’ – where you can look for miles and see no sign of civilization.  This is so true.  It is 244,000 acres of spectacular landscapes, the largest extent of native mixed grass prairie in the park system, a large variety of native wildlife (bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn and prairie dogs), world class deposits of protected fossils and wonderful skyscapes.  It is the serrated Badlands terrain that provides these awesome sights.  Amazingly – the erosion that provides this interest did not begin until about 500,000 years ago when water began to cut down through the rock layers, carving fantastic shapes into what had been a flat floodplain.  And now we have deep canyons, towering spires and flat-topped tables.  (As an aside – neither E nor G remember such green grass atop these mesas from the last visit.  It was quite brown and much less inviting.  So, note to visitors – come in the spring/early summer.)

Now – off on the Castle Trail to see what there is to see – native mixed grass prairie, wildlife and wonderful skyscapes – –

The Castle Trail – where erosion has created ‘castles’ in every direction.

Spectacular views.  Love all the grass topped ‘tables’;-)

Along the trail…

… we encountered a rattlesnake – –

– – and bighorn sheep, who didn’t seem to care that we we nearby.

This one scurried down this steep slope like it was level.

Thank goodness for second chances – and for our National Park System;-)  As we continue to say frequently – GET OUT THERE AND ENJOY WHAT OUR NATIONAL PARKS HAVE TO OFFER!!!  You will LOVE it;-)

Can’t get enough of natural beauty – E & G