Badlands!

After a lovely bike ride through South Dakota State U and arboretum, we made it to Badlands National Park. Great drive:

Bighorn sheep, deer, jackrabbits, prairie dogs, and bison!

On our bicycles, we have to wait for a car to pedal alongside to avoid provoking the bison. They’re right on the shoulder! And big!

The landscape is eerie, awesome, and unusual. Clay, with off-trail hiking, to ridiculously great views of the mountains and prairie. 

Star-gazing ranger talk explained how the sky influenced our concept of time, and why we have 7 days. Plus a star-filled dark sky until the moon emerged.

Hiked Cliff trail and Notch trail, part boardwalk, part so steep you take this ladder. Oy! Did not like the ladder. Views worth it, though.

Looks like a no-go for Yellowstone next week. Sadly. We’ll miss the gorgeous ride through the park, the cabin on the lake, and will drive 5 hours around rather than through. Sending successful repair vibes to Yellowstone.