We were awakened at 10 by a gentle knocking at the door which meant about 7h 30m of sleep given the time it took to finally settle in at the hotel.

As the day progressed, we all took care of this and that. Actually, some had plenty to do, requiring most of the day. I got on my bike for a bit in the parking lot, doing the usual stuff. Except it was seriously hot so I didn’t last too long. Shortly after five we left, with three coolers full of food and everyone eager to get going.

Our route took us through the beautiful ocean of grass, germane to this area, gracefully flowing with the wind. The undeleting hills, with their crevices and curving dry creeks are picturesque and tranquil.

For the first time in two months we are back in beauty natural at Badlands National Park. The rock formations are as otherworldly as the suspect photos brazenly proclaimed.

Believe it!

I found this place online long ago during one of those listless internet searches for anywhere better when tired and bored. A veritable dream come true.

We made it to the campsite and set up, enjoying the dramatic and intense lightening show. 30% chance of rain in a couple of hours. We ate and chatted oblivious of what was on its way.

The rain and wind quickly blew over two of the three tents, and everyone save Mme Awesome, who had already retired to our still standing tent, congregated in the bus. The stove with the rice also toppled in the fury as our neighbors packed up and drove away.

We watched the show in awe eating chips and drinking mango juice. Maybe 20 minutes later it was over save for wind and a chilly temperature drop. With our companion’s tents filled with water, it seems like they’ll have a nice slumber party on the very handy bus.