Day 24 - Badlands, Wall and Road Kill status report

We had a leisurely start to this Sunday in South Dakota. We headed North towards The Badlands.

The Badlands are yet another area of stunning natural beauty. They are barren, eroded mountains - surrounded by lush green grass plains. The contrast is amazing. Roaming the grass plains are Bufallo, Deer and Big Horn Sheep plus millions of Prairie Dogs (Emma's favourites).

We started with an hours walk - in 85 degree heat. It was a good walk but we all got very sweaty.

We walked up through a canyon to a view point to look down over the valley. On route we had to climb up a 40 foot wooden ladder - not easy with Jack on my back!

Later we had an easier walk with Jack in the pram...

Slightly concerning on all todays walks were the signs saying "Beware Rattle Snakes". We think they were serious.

We really enjoyed Badlands - it exceeded our expectations. I think we benfited from the 2 weeks of torrential rain they had here before we arrived. Everything is lush and green rather than dry and brown.

Around 4pm we left Badlands and headed into Wall, South Dakota. Wall is a small town whose claim to fame is "the largest drug store in the world". The Wall Drug store is a legend in these parts. It's a maze of stores, cafes and tourist tack. We loved it - had some ice cream, bought a Wall t-shirt and baseball cap and tried hard to stop the kids wasting all their pocket money.

We eventually thought we should find a hotel - so we are in the Sunshine Motel for $49 tonight. It's basic but perfect after a long hot day.

We just had a glorious steak dinner and Olivia just bought herself a pink Stetson - so watch out for lots of cowgirl photos in the next few days.

Road Kill Update

We've probably done over 3,000 miles so far and Road Kill is hard to avoid. So far we have said 'goodbye' to:

1. A large Rabbit
2. A very small Chipmunk
3. A billion flies and insects
4. and today - a 4 foot long Snake.

We almost added a Deer to the tally - but a combination of the Deers speed, a quick swerve into the left lane and frantic braking meant we missed the Deer by about 6 inches.

Day 24 draws to an end. We are not getting tired of this trip. It is full on, no 'down days', every day something else to visit. Another 20 days of fun is before us - we cannot wait.

Ken