Into The Badlands...!

    Leaving Branson after a fun week with the Kelsoes who will be joining us for the rest of our travels this summer. We started to head north towards South Dakota and the infamous Badlands... An overnight in Marshfield MO (West of Springfield) We arrived at Bucksaw Campground on Enid Lake Tightwad, MO (Clinton, MO) to hole-up for the Independence Holiday. It was a pleasant week at a nice US-ACE park with the indigenous peoples of Missouri... although the daily temperature hovered near the 100 degree mark. 

  

Harry S. Truman Dam - Enid Lake

 We took advantage of a few overnighters eliminating the need for long daily drives. Stopping at the recently developed Pelican Park - Craig MO, beautiful On-Ur-Wa RV Park - Onawa IA, the less than stellar Circle K Campground - White Lake SD finally arriving at Sleepy Hollow Campground just a few blocks from the world-famous tourist trap known as Wall Drugstore. 

If you doubt my characterization do a Google search for 'tourist trap'... You will need to "spend" more than a few hours to see it all. The five Drugstore areas alone will take you two hours to peruse. There are a few other "attractions" in the general area but we didn't avail ourselves to the opportunities. 

With the Kelsoes at Wall Drugstore

During or stay in Wall, SD we ventured out to the Badlands National Park system where Neal was kind enough to drive for us. We took the tour of the visitors center, very informative, and continued onto the scenic loop through the hills and plains. You most likely have seen countless pictures from the Badlands but pictures do not capture the awesome expanse of this wasteland nor the beauty of the formations. Every pull-off or parking area provides ample opportunities to hike out into the desolation to face your mortality in the arid and inhospitable environment. Thank you... no ! 

  Neal and I opted for the outlooks that featured mind numbing precipices that buckled your knees at the sheer drops encountered. Neither Neal or I are fans of heights or undue risks. That being said, we pushed ourselves, overcoming that warning nausea that is meant to tell homo sapiens you are "out over your skis"... I still shudder at the experience.

  We have been blessed with beautiful weather over the past week, daytime temps in the 70's and low 80's pleasant nights and little rain. Great travel companions, loads of fun, day and night. 

                      God is Good !!

   If you ever have the opportunity to visit the Badlands of South Dakota I encourage you to do so... it will be an experience you will NOT forget nor regret.

   Headed for Rapid City SD with the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park... Stay Tuned !