The Badlands
A short visit to an old friend.
Though I have far better, and more extensive
selections of photographs on other parts of
this site, I can never resist a visit to
this place, whenever I am nearby. Of course,
a few new photographs must be taken.
Actually, this is not as silly as it might
be. The Badlands are constantly changing. On
average, two inches are carved from these
formations every year, changing them, just a
bit. In some areas it is less, while in
others it may be considerably more. In
addition, as in most places, this is a
different place at different times of year,
and sometimes even on different days.
Generally, when I come here, it is clear,
dry, and very hot. On this visit, the day
started out with fog, and the temperature
never did get above sixty or so --- very
unlike The Badlands of my many summer
visits. This is just a very short overview,
of a very recent visit. There is a much more
extensive collection of Badlands pictures on
other parts of this site. |
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Just inside of the park
is a scenic overlook, which is a must, for
anyone visiting. This is set right on The
Wall itself, which is the line of separation
between the upper prairie and the lower
prairie. Sadly, for most visitors, this is
the extent of their experience with The
Badlands. They come here, look down into the
Badlands, gasp at the sight, take a few
photos, and then go on their way. Still,
better this than nothing. |
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Left:
An early morning fog cast shadows on the
prairie, and on the assorted Badlands
formations. Fog, as well as rain, are rare
phenomena here.
Below:
Heading down into The Badlands. |
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Starting down into the
badlands. This steeply graded road, supposed
to have been impossible to build. In
addition to the grades, the underlying base,
of The Badlands, is soft and easily eroded.
At the bottom are the visitor center, and
store, the cabins, a restaurant, and all of
the other amenities that are expected of a
national park. |
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The park headquarters,
museum, and store, are all housed at the Ben
Reifel center. As this visit was in October,
there were very few people here. |
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It is still early, and I
am hoping to call home. Cell phone service
is sporadic, to non existent here in the
badlands. There is also no internet
connectivity down here. This may actually be
a good thing for the vacationer. |
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Driving down Highway 240,
also know as Badlands Loop road. The 31.5
mile road starts near the visitor center,
and ends just outside of Wall, SD. This road
intersects Interstate 90 at exits 110
(wall), and 131 (Badlands). |
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Driving the yellow
mounds, and rainbow mounds areas. This is
also rather near the Pig Dig area, one of
the more famous fossil digs in the park. |
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Above:
Just out of The Badlands, and approaching
Wall.
Left:
The Wall Drug main dining room. The man to
the right of the photo is not sick from the
food. He is reading a plaque at the bottom
of one of the wood carvings. |
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More diners, and more
wood carvings, as well as paintings. |
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Cowboys, and dinosaurs
are both a big deal, out here in the near
west. Wall Drug is an absolute tourist trap;
but a very fun place to stop off for an hour
or two. The sell everything imaginable here.
I have only put a few photos up, as I have
been here many times. A far more extensive
collection of Wall Drug photos is displayed
on other sections of this site. |