Badlands National Park ...August 31 - Day 5

(Kim's Perspective)

Today was our 18^th wedding anniversary and, like most years, we spent it doing the things we love to do together.  It started out with an early hike to the top of a small butte to watch the sun rise above the campground.  We brought coffee and our backpacking chairs and sat in the early morning sun soaking up the rays and the beautiful view.   

 Bill settled in for the long haul while I wandered off to investigate the trail.  

We eventually headed back to the trailer and watched a buffalo roam into camp.  We were awed by his power and beauty and just as awed by the sheer idiocy of the woman who thought it smart to walk over to him for a photo op. Clearly, she's not watched enough "When Animals Attack" videos. 

After a quick breakfast, we geared up and took the bikes to Sheep Mountain.  This was a highly entertaining ride.  Gravel roads led to some 4x4 trails that were a lot of fun and ended in some amazing views.

"18" - Our Annual Tradition

 

  We exchanged our anniversary cards at an amazing overlook...

 ...and stopped often to take pics.

 

 

Motorcycling Selfie

After a great morning of riding, we headed back to the campground and stopped along the way so I could get some pics of the sunflower fields.

 

We ate lunch and then headed into Wall with the Sitts.  Naturally, we went to Wall Drug and spent a couple hours shopping and entertaining ourselves with the bizarre exhibits. 

 

We had dinner across the street at some sad little restaurant that didn't have much going for it.  Menu items were scratched out on some of the menus and 3 of the things we tried to order were not available.  Not the best dining experience, especially on our anniversary, but options are pretty limited in Wall, South Dakota so I guess you just have to make the most of it. 

After dinner, we headed back to the campground and were rewarded with some great shots of a couple of buffalo and the remnants of a rainbow.

 

 

 

We returned to the camper, loaded the bikes, and prepped for our short travel day to Custer State Park.  It quickly grew dark and Bill and I took some time to do some stargazing.  We stood outside for awhile before we realized there was a buffalo nearby snorking around and scratching his head on a sign post.  Bill and Shele had already turned in for the night, but I texted Shele to come out and join us for a few minutes.  Today was special for her as well - it was her birthday! - so I thought it would be a great way for us to end our celebratory day together.  We had a fantastic day and watching the stars twinkle in the night sky with a buffalo by our campsite was an awesome way to have it end.