Day 10 Crossing the Plains

Set out for the Badlands early knowing we had over a 5 hour drive. The topography started out similar to Iowa but soon changed and kept changing throughout the day. Farm homes were fewer and farther between; rolling  fields extended for miles. Landscape went from lush Killarney green to pale, rugged, craggy hills…and back again. Stopped for gas in a tiny town and while pumping, turned around to see 3 giant blades to a wind turbine drive by. Traveled for miles through the reservation of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, a band of Lakota people, that was established in 1889. We thought Iowa’s roads were bad!!! The reservation is almost 2,000 square miles - cattle, farms, casinos & some poverty. Noticed a smokey haze on the horizon from the tragic Canadian fires. Then we turned down the road to the Badlands National Park. So many “WOW’s” were uttered. Got settled in our camp spot and gazed at the unreal vistas until sunset. Friendly neighbors, Don and Audrey, invited us over for cocktail hour & interesting conversation. First stop tomorrow will be the Ben Reifel Welcome Center named after the first Lakota to serve in the House of Representatives. Was excited to see the night sky but unfortunately, the stars were muted from the smoke. Hoping for better viewing tomorrow evening. Getting a good night’s sleep so we are ready to explore this magestic terrain.