Posted by Shari | Posted in Travel | Posted on 19-09-2009
Tags: Bad Lands, Black Footed Ferret, Deadwood, Endangered Black Footed Ferret, Prairie Dogs, Ruby Tuesdays, South Dakota, Spearfish and Belle Fourche
What an experience. Just one more GOOF to add to our list. Jerry decided the route we would take today to the Bad Lands Natl. Park. What a trip it was. I’m not even sure how we ended up where we were suppose to be. At one point we were lost in the middle of the Badlands, on a 21 mile long pink gravel road. I was beginning to wonder if I should be looking for the yellow brick road and thinking there’s no place like home. Two cars passed us and waved friendly like , I think they were as glad as we just to see anyone else.
It ended well, we just saw more of the area than we would have. This state of South Dakota is truly gorgeous. The Bad Lands are no exception. Its truly an amazing place. The rock formations and spires and valleys and mounds of different colors are something unreal. I don’t think there’s another place on earth like it. The geology is definitely unique, but like everything else it’s melting slowly away and will be gone one day.
The really fun thing today was the Prairie Dogs. They are precious and very social. They enjoy people. Kind of like Marmots. Their 
story is sad but getting better. Their social system is very intricate. They actually form towns and neighborhoods and greet on another with kisses. They are very protective of their own neighborhoods in their towns. I did feed them some pretzels and then realized it was not the thing to do. Especially salty stuff, I was sorry. One dog got a pretzel another wanted and they were playing tug of war and conversing rather noisily over the situation. So cute. The park system has reintroduced the Black Footed Ferret back into this park. They are on the endangered list. They seem to be doing well , thanks to their main meal, the Prairie Dogs. But its a good thing, in a way, you know the food chain thing story.
Jerry got his wish and we ate at Ruby Tuesdays tonite. It was a good dinner, they have a fab salad bar. Tomorrow another day trip up to Deadwood, Spearfish and Belle Fourche, they are suppose to have a great museum in that area. I will be planning the route. Hugs, Shari and Jerry
