Winter's Beauty in the Badlands

Mid-February is not my idea of the time to visit South Dakota's Badlands. Circumstances led the 42N team to venture from eastern Iowa to Montana with several stops along the way. I had never been to the Badlands but recall seeing brilliant photographs of the eroded landscape taken in much warmer times. So when the opportunity presented itself to visit the park we seized the day.

Realize that in mid-February while there was little snow in the park, the unrestrained wind gusted and the temperatures were rising into the 30s. This being the middle of winter meant that several businesses located near the park's entrance were closed for the season. The visitor center was open as was the in-park hotel (or lodge complex.) We experienced contact with four other cars in the park during the time we were there.

I had no idea as to the enormous scope of the Badlands. Standing at a number of lookout points you can see the eroded hills from horizon to horizon. Apparently many of the hills are composed of what appears to be soil including various clays - from ancient marine bed sediments. I'm sure there is rock and other things in the Badlands makeup but I haven't researched that aspect yet.

The youngest member of the 42N team decided to climb the natural pyramid looking for an entrance to the Queen's chamber. She got temporarily stuck on the climb by mud oozing from under the dry surface. Since she didn't want to get any dirtier the team member abandoned the climb having never found any secret entrance. After seeing many antelope, sheep, hawks and prairie dogs in the park we continued our westward journey to Montana stopping at nearby Wall for lunch and to see what the billboard signs all referenced for a hundred miles - Wall Drug Store. Know that.

A Gathering of Presidents at Mt. Rushmore

Off season at Mt. Rushmore can yield big results. Unseasonably warm temperatures 10 days ago melted most of the snow around the far western South Dakota landmark. More importantly vehicle traffic was all but gone at the park leaving the 42N crew time to observe the heads of Washington, Jefferson, T. Roosevelt and Lincoln. Site management still opted for full price to park the car and walk through a nearly deserted visitor center. We opted not to waste the cash as the faces can be clearly seen from a variety of locations on the road. At this time of year when almost no one is around you can stop the car at will and take in the scenery.

Continuing around the mountain is the chance to see the side view of the sculpture. Near the mountain’s west base is a parking area where the profile of Washington alone can be clearly seen. Again the 42N crew were the only people at the site.

On the eastern approach to Mt. Rushmore is a convenience store/gas station. Next to it is this display of three more U.S. Presidents; Kennedy, Reagan, and G.W. Bush. Made of plaster, concrete or something else these three busts stare in the same direction as their famous predecessors – although at a much smaller scale. Perhaps they serve as potential additions to the famous carving. Or perhaps it was someone’s idea to honor all the Presidents as we do on this Presidents Day. Know that.