Day of sights

     I covered three different protected lands by the NPS today. A long day indeed: Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore, and The Badlands.

     What a cool day. Devils tower is flat out cool. The native americans have issue with those who climb it. As it is a part of their past and held sacred to its meaningful history. Of course we dont give a shit and continue to defy them. So odd that they have a prarie dog area near the tower. Those buggers were everywhere. Goofy looking little things.

     Mount Rushmore was cool. I didn't have a lot of interest prior to arriving, but the history of how it was built was cool to learn about. They had a walkway of all the state flags. Ive been wanting to get a PA flag for years. Watched the movie as well as checked out the exhibits and found out how much work goes into maintaining the formation.

     The Badlands is an awesome area. They had some cool fosils in the visitor center that had been found at the park. Cool short hikes. I hiked the "Notch" trail which was a mile loop. It had a narrow pass, ladder, and scenic viewpoint. I hiked another trail but I didint write down the name. That was short but cool. Its right off of I-90 and should not be skipped if youre in the area.

     Ive grown fond of the smaller parks. The big ones have too much tourism that really kills it for me. Im here for the nature not to look at stores surrounding it with a mall like feeling, I digress.

      Tonight I pulled off to a lake recreation area. Its too dark and I looked for like 20 minutes for a camp site but couldnt find one. Just going to sleep in an open area, seems good enough. No one around for miles. Pretty sure a coyote passed infront of me while driving up. Larger than a fox, but just as quick.

     I need a shower badly.