Badlands National Park, SD

We slept in and then did a few motorhome chores, then headed back to Badlands National Park. For the most part we spent the day off the paved roads. It was nothing in the way of serious off-roading, but still off the beaten path in some cases. We were rewarded with terrific views and more wildlife.

We added buffalo and a coyote to our list of sighted critters while here. 

Oh, and more sunflowers! They are everywhere, and this time we could get close.

We also ran into three European families that were touring the states in European RVs that they had shipped over for the purpose. The European’s camp a little less lavishly than Barbara and I do. These RVs were expedition vehicles with four-wheel drive and high road clearances. There was a large Mercedes, a slightly smaller Land Rover, and a Ford that appeared to be based on an American full size van.

On the road to Sheep Mountain Table

Sheep Mountain Table

Sheep Mountain Table

Sheep Mountain Table

We stopped by a couple of campgrounds in case we come back this way. The one in the park was pretty basic with no hookups. You would be off the grid completely, including no water. Another was a KOA a few miles south of Interior, SD population 100. It was in a nice location along the White River, but the sites were a little small. The third was in downtown Interior. While not anything special the sites were good sized and would likely be where we would go if we were to come back.

This national park is worth a visit if you are up this way. It is not large, but it has monstrous views. You can see everything in a day and since it is about an hour east of Rapid City you need not stay here to enjoy the sights. There are certainly more amenities in Rapid City, and from there you can also visit the Black Hills an their attractions.

We are going to try to head that way ourselves tomorrow, but there is a hitch. I have noticed a large puddle of hydraulic fluid under the front of the coach. That means there are slide or jack problems, or both. It is quite possible that our modified plans to spend next week in the Back Hills will be modified yet again. This is the second major trip we have had to cut short because of mechanical problems. It is real disappointing to travel half way across the country to start the enjoyable part of our trip only to have it cut short.

Tune in tomorrow to see how the adventure progresses.