This was the 3rd time we would drive to Yellowstone. Its about 14 hours driving until you get to the Badlands in western South Dakota. First stop has always been the Worlds Largest Prairie Dog. Its fun to see how the boys have sprouted over the years.
There is also a prairie dog town there where you can feed them peanuts. They were hungry and cooperative on this visit.
We have come to really enjoy the Badlands. Very beautiful and the crowds are minimal.
Lots of nice climbing opportunities. Alex is excited to make it to the top of this eroded hill.
Bart took a more challenging route down and got a scrape. Luckily, it was all superficial.
We went out for a hike at the "Window" early the next morning. The formations formed by erosion were wonderful.
We had the place to ourselves. So beautiful and desolate.
Even with his small injury, Bart kept climbing.
We saw this dear running through the area. I like the way that its mouth is open like its yelling or something.
One afternoon we went to Wall Drugstore. Quite the tourist attraction and lots of fun. Thats a big jackelope!
My thats a large and friendly rabbit.
I really liked the TEENAGERS sign. LOL. Bart couldn't find the humor.
On the ride back to our hotel at the Badlands, we came upon a group of mountain sheep and ewes. The Badlands in the background of this sheep is fantastic.
We also found huge prairie dog towns. They are clearly thriving in the park. You can almost hear this one barking.
As the day ended another storm rolled in. Here you can see it over the hotel where we stayed.
The storm combined with smoke from nearby forest fires made for a great sunset.
We left the Badlands and got to Mount Rushmore in the morning sun. There were forest fires nearby. The town of Keystone, only 4 miles away, was covered in a haze of smoke. But the wind was in our favor and no smoke inhibited our views.
Classic shot with the monument looking over our shoulders.
Nice shot off the boardwalk under the monument.
Bart and the Presidents
Alex with a piece of what was removed to carve the mountain. You can see the drill holed that were used for sculpturing the monument.
Always a awesome experience.
Next we went to Jewel Cave. We had really enjoyed it during our 2006 trip. Only visited Wind Cave on the last trip..
Alex was very excited to be spelunking again. Although there would be no crawling required on the tour we were taking.
The tour is primarily a descent deep into the cave.
Water in the cave forms many beautiful structures.
This shows how the walls are all covered with 6 or more inches of crystalline calcite
Cave Bacon
Lots of beauty on this near tour.
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