We made it to the Badlands National Park just in time for the ranger led Junior Ranger Program on the animals of the mixed-grass prairie.
Maddie helped the ranger with a role-play.
Max, of course, was teasing everyone with the fake snake.
Here are all the kids being sworn in.
Maddie, Max and the Ranger with their badges and patches.
The kids had a great time climbing the rocks. Maddie has become quite brave and was very proud of her rock climbing skills. Max was having fun, but was definitely the more cautious one. The ledges scared him, so he took his time and set his limits on where he would climb to.
It is very hot here. We alternated short walks, some climbing, and then driving in the air conditioned car. After a few hours, we decided to take a break to explore Wall Drug and get settled into our cabin.
Todd, Max and Maddie.
I put this picture in for all you people complaining about there being no pictures of me on the blog. This is what happens when I try to get in a picture. Now do you understand?
The Badlands by day.
Covering 244,000 acres, Badlands National Park is one of the largest protected mixed-grass prairies in the United States. When the Lakota first encountered the striking, moon-like landscape, they called the area “Mako Sica” or “bad land.” Early French trappers also described the area as “bad land” after difficult travels over the rugged terrain. The colorful bands of flat-lying strata are beautiful in the changing light. We're going to come back in the evening when it is cooler to see the rocks in the different light and watch the sun go down.
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