The Badlands

The Badlands holds fantastic beauty. Also, evidence that the universe creates the best sandcastles. Roads are perfect for riding a bike – carry lots of water.

Amazing campground. The little shelters appeared odd on arrival, but after being there a short time, one found themselves chasing the shade they provided. I also learned that my small tent could stand incredible storms. Winds were 19 mph and pouring rain from amazing lightning and thunderstorm. I only know as the app called “my radar” alarmed in the middle of the night. I was the red dot for the center of the storm. I awoke to find all other tenters were sleeping in their cars. But I was safe and dry.

I heard that there was a bike rally. So I went.

It looks like everyone else at the bike rally brought the wrong kind of bikes. One should pay attention to national events. I found myself in the middle of the Sturgis bike rally. But the interesting fact, every biker I met was “not that kind of biker.” I was afraid to ask the logical question “and what kind of biker would that be?”

And of course, I travel no where without finding beautiful flowers.

The government takes time to put in boardwalks. They post signs to warn you to stay on the boardwalk as there are rattlesnakes in the area. I fear many people cannot read as you can see one venturing off the boardwalk – but fear not the hawk is waiting to peck them apart after the rattlesnake bites them. It is nature’s conspiracy theory.

When visiting the badland, Wall, a town made famous during the days of Route 66 being the main thoroughfare to the west, is a fun stop. In the pharmacy department, there is evidence that CBD oil is not new. However, in the olden days, it was sold by vendors in wagons, and it was often called “snake oil.” There is no difference; they both profess to cure everything. Wasn’t Barnum that said “There is a sucker born every minute.”

The final stop of the day before returning to camp, the minuteman missile site. Interesting museum.