Karla's Kronicles #24

The Karla Kronicles #24 The Big Trip - Part 5 - The Badlands and Wall Drug
Greetings Kronicle Readers! (Note: Larger and More Detailed Photos are in the Photo Albums Located HERE.)
Day 32 and back on the road again; our destination is Badlands National Park. We are on I-90 and came across a Rest Area that was no ordinary Rest Area. At Exit 265, we were surprised to see an exhibit on the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition. We took quite a bit of time there as it was so very well done. They even had a replica "Keel Boat" that was used to travel along the Missouri river; the "bow of the boat" was inside the building; but as you went up the stairs or took an elevator, you could walk out to the stern of the boat through glass doors that overlooked the Missouri River.
We arrived at the Badlands mid-afternoon and since they don't take reservations, we were lucky to find a campsite that would accommodate our big rig. No hookups, but wonderful views and within walking distance of the Visitor's Center and Lodge. So on our first afternoon, we headed over to the Visitor's Center to see the National Parks Service film on the Badlands and to get information on the hikes in the area so we could plan out the rest of our stay (4 days total). Once again, 18-years ago we breezed through and saw the Badlands from the windshield of the truck. This time we wanted to really experience this Nat'l Park.
This was our Campsite at Badlands National Park; we just barely fit in and parked the jeep at an angle in front of the Coach. The sites are just pull-outs on the edges of the loop; there are 2 loops; Flush toilet Restrooms, water-supply but no shower facilities for any tenters thinking of heading there...
	Each Campsite had a shelter that blocked the intense afternoon sun.
The next morning we left the campground early in our jeep and stopped at all of the overlooks as we made our way northwest thru the park. The only wild life we were seeing were these little cottontail bunnies eating the grasses near the walkways. Most walkways were built-up boardwalks, and when frightened the bunnies would dash underneath for shelter.

The Badlands are very dramatic looking. Desolate and beautiful at the same time. Harsh and rounded rock formations fill your vision for miles around.
In the photos below, you can see the road cutting through the land...Can you imagine traveling by Wagon through this?

	Most visitors stay on the main sightseeing road and exit into the town of Wall; where the famous Wall Drugs is located. We delayed that a bit and continued on a more primitive road in the Park; and by doing so, we saw some more wild life. Robert's Prairie Dog Town must have thousands of Prairie Dogs living there. And they are much tamer than we've been around before. Twice, we had to stop the jeep as a Prairie Dog would start across the road, then stop right in our lane, sit up and look at us; no fear of the jeep at all.
At the end of this primitive road is another small campground for Tenters only. And because of it's slightly more secluded area, that is where we saw the Buffalo. Not the herds of Yellowstone, but these are transplanted Yellowstone Buffalo. We heard there were 3,500 head in the Badlands. We saw 4 total, but we noticed a great many hoof-prints at Prairie Dog Town.
And so after checking out this more remote area of Badlands National Park, we headed out the North Entrance of the National Park and into the town of Wall...famous for Wall Drug...another definite Tourist Trap but with a neat history!!
Ahh, yes, Wall Drugs; if you've driven on I-90 in South Dakota, you have undoubtedly noticed "Burma-shave" signs along the way advertising Wall Drug. Check out this link I found...It's the story of Ted and Dorothy Hustead and how it all got started back in 1931....It can tell the story of Wall Drug MUCH better than I can! Wall Drug History
Wall Drug extends for several blocks; much different from it's tiny store front in 1931...

	In 1988, a Memorial Tablet was placed on Wall Drug for it's Founders, Ted and Dorothy Hustead.
Larry got a little friendly with one of the local gals...
	and I got my first ride on a Giant Jackalope!
Then Larry got a little friendly with a Buffalo....
	I wish we had sound for this photo. Every 12 minutes, this sleeping dinosaur ROARS to life and puts on a pretty darn good show. One little boy was really frightened. I can't say as I blame him! It shakes and roars and rumbles up a big racket! Even scared me!!!!
As you can see, it's quite a Zoo inside; just room after room of anything and everything you can imagine...If Wall Drug doesn't have it, you probably don't need it!
Yikes, Enough with the crowds and the Tourist Trappings of Wall Drug... It's time to get back to the Badlands National Park, South Dakota Kronicle's #25 will finish our trip through the Badlands and some of our Hikes and Overlook photos.
Hope you are enjoying these travels and that you all had a great summer! As always, wishing you all health and happiness! More later...Karla and Larry

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