Tuesday July 7, 2020 Badlands Exploration Part 1!!

             Welcome to the Badlands. My first question was why in the world would anyone call a place Badlands.  Apparently Spanish explorers, French fur trappers, and Lakota Sioux Indians all called this place the same name  "the bad lands".  Farmers can't grow crop here and the weather makes it pretty uninhabitable for people and most animals.   This beautiful valley was once a shallow sea. As the water drained it left this lush subtropical environment. Geologist have a hay day here.  With erosion comes major discoveries of what once lived here. There is a vibe of life, death and solemn beauty.  I LOVE IT!!!!!    Today was our first day of two to explore. My mom and dad joined us in our crazy hikes and death defying climbs up and down the slippery peaks and valleys.  We all had a blast. Each of my kids had their moments today (cue roll my eyes) but it was still so enjoyable.  I have to say, there is something spiritual and even magical about being in these national parks.  It is so easy to see Gods hands in our beautiful earth. Each day I feel so grateful and so blessed to be able to be on this trip.  It is a dream trip that I never knew I had :)))                                                                                                    

Three generations of the same braided hair!!!!

Taj's moment for the day.  Grumpy boy

I love my Moby and Dumby

Grandma and Asher got in a water fight.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                On our way out of the Badlands, we found a historical landmark here in South Dakota.  This Homestead was inhabited by a pioneer family. They moved out here from the east and built all these structures that are still standing today.  We got to watch a short video that taught us about the family and how they survived.  They came out here to live but eventually left because they couldn't sustain life. The weather kept killing their herds and water was scarce.  My kids have really had a reality check seeing what these people lived in.                            

We couldn't help our selves.  hahahhaha.  All the pictures from the family looked like this. 

When we were done exploring, we went back to the campsite and enjoyed the evening eating, playing and walking around.  These days are precious. 

Would you pick up these two hitch hikers? hahahah