Taking in Beauty in the Badlands

From Chicago, we decided to drive straight to Badlands.  It was a long, long stretch of plains on I-90...I don't think Mr. Garmin has ever recorded such a long drive with no turns.

Next turn in: 282 miles

 

The cub in the great plains

 

Heading west, into the sunset

We finally made it to Badlands National Park, but before entering the park we couldn't resist making a quick stop at a roadside store advertising "Feed the Prairie Dogs".  Who says Ricardo doesn't smile for pictures? Just let him feed some fat little prairie dogs:

What could be more fun than this?

That`s a fat one!

Then we spent a couple nights in the Badlands themselves - got some amazing pictures of scenery and wildlife:

 

Coyote posing for a picture

 

The first night we slept in the cub at the remote campground at the very end of the park.  We awoke to a herd of bison surrounding us!

The next day we hiked through the park and did some backcountry camping.  It was hot and incredibly dry.

Setting out

View into the valley

Where's Ricardo?

Evening view from the tent

Sunrise

View from an overlook

 

On our way out, we again were tempted by the roadside signs for one more stop...Bear Country USA, where the animals roam free and you drive through in your car.  Don't worry, these pics are all from the safety of the car, Mom! :)



 

This wolf stole the cover for our spare tire on the back of the cub.  He proudly brought it back to all his wolf friends, and they all began playing with it and fighting over it:

Most of the animals in the park seemed to have plenty of space, free to walk around, and well taken care of.  The grizzleys at the end however, were confined to a very small space.  This is what we do not like about zoos! 

 

We spent the night in Rapid City.  Next destination: Yellowstone!  Maybe we'll spot a grizzley in the wild...