Our First National Park Stop

Yesterday was mostly a driving day from De Smet to Badlands National Park - about 275 miles or so.  The driving seemed to go a bit more slowly than previous driving days, but maybe it was because we had gotten a taste for the many activities we have planned - and were eager to get on to our next one.

We also made our first pit stop for groceries and a few more items from Wal-mart.  Matt needed a few things from the hardware store, so we split up to be more time efficient...but those stops always take longer than you anticipated.  After a picnic lunch at a beautiful rest stop on the Missouri River near Chamberlain, SD, we crossed into our second new time zone of the trip.  We are now in Mountain Time.

We got camp set up and then returned to the Badlands for information that would help us plan our activities in the park.  We couldn't wait to begin exploring!  From the moment we first caught a glimpse of these formations from I-90, they took my breath away.  They are eerie, yet beautiful - full of contrast in the right light, yet pale in the glaring bright sun.  Things seemed so desolate.  But as we soon learned, the Badlands are full of life.  Stay tuned for more information and pictures from our adventures today...