Captains Log: 12262012…

Good News, Teresa is feeling better. Bad news, Sami is not.

Up bright and early to a whopping 1 degree in Omaha. On the road for the 7 hour drive to Rapid City, SD. Much of the ride north along the Iowa boarder was the same. Changed to wider plains as we headed west on 90. Then we came to the Missouri River and just like that the topography changed to hills. We saw some ice fisherman who had set up camp on the frozen river. Broke the time-space continuum and gained an hour, not as painful as I would have thought.

 Arrived at the Badlands National Park around 2:30 MST. Amazing rock formations, which we were told was caused by the area once being underwater. Sami spotted a pair of rams atop one of the rocks just after we entered the park. A lengthy stop at the visitor center to get the kids passport books stamped and brose the gift shop. Then we embarked on the 35 mile scenic route through the NE portion of the park. It was majestic, very interesting rock formations of line and sandstone, topped with a beautiful dusting of snow. Lots of deer, and although we were told ram were tough to see, we saw plenty grazing and eating. To get a picture of one, The Captain honked the horn – we’re lucky he didn’t charge us. Although I am sure Sienna could take him on. A beautiful Buck and then we travelled off the main road onto a gravel path in search of some buffalo. As darkness set in, we finally decided to turn back when we saw some movement and quickly realized there was a herd in the distance. Not a close up look like we had hoped, but spotted nonetheless. Maybe in tomorrow’s travels we will have a more personal relationship with these beasts. 

 We bid farewell to the Badlands, and finished up our journey in Rapid City, where every hotel has an indoor pool with waterslides. Tomorrow Mount Rushmore and another exciting drive.  -The Navigator 

Today’s miles logged: 541