BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK - MAY 11

This morning we had thick overcast to start the day. We still found interesting formations with color to photograph. We were in the area of the yellow mounds and took time to photograph bits and pieces of the area. It was interesting deciding on what area of the mounds to put in to a composition. The colors   added a nice element to the images. We found a few flowers to add interest as well. As you can see there is a great deal arid and sparse vegetation.

A LONG VIEW

A COLOR MOUND

MOUND DETAIL

LINES

LOOKING UP

ENDURING

A LITTLE BIT OF GREEN

MANY COLORS

As we headed back to Wall I spotted a group of big horn sheep on the ridge line above. The 400 mm. end of my zoom lens was needed to get these pictures. They were quite a distance. It also helped that we had a sunny day so the camera settings could be adjusted favorably.

BIG HORN EWES AND BABIES

THE KIDS ARE WAKING FROM A NAP

RESTLESS ONE

 The mid-day routine was similar to yesterday starting with a late breakfast at Wall Drug. We then returned to our rooms, and reviewed pictures, and took naps. At this time, I also signed onto doing a winter trip in Yellowstone next January!

One of things that I have enjoyed so far this trip is that I now have a separate bag to keep my wildlife camera and long zoom in. This makes it very easy to grab when needed without fumbling around with lens changes, or some of the camera settings.

In the afternoon we dined at the Badlands Saloon and Grille. I enjoyed a steak which I had to share with a couple of the others as there was just too much for me. The steak was delicious along with the sides. Then we were off directly to the Norbeck Pass area for the evening.

Shortly after entering the park we came across a small group of white-tailed deer.

Then a group of big horn ewes and babies.

Dosing

Finally we took in the setting sun and color on the badlands formations in the Norbeck Pass area.

 As you can see it was a good day with a great deal of variety.

BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK - May 10

The visit to Badlands N. P. began early this morning. We left our motel in Wall, S. D. at 0430.

We were on location in time to see and photograph the Belt of Venus which precedes sunrise. The belt is the pink band of light that appears above the Earth's shadow before sunrise or a short time after sunset. This phenomenon appears in the sky opposite to the sun.

BELT OF VENUS

As you can see sunrise provided some beautiful light on the Badlands. 

After sunrise we drove further into the badlands and experienced it's harsh geology. 

Even so there was wildlife along the way - white-tail deer.  We continued to explore the area. The different colors are a result of the different minerals in the soil.

BACK LIT TREE

Around mid-morning we returned to Wall for breakfast, and some "down Time".
This included breakfast at the Wall Drug Cafe. Here you get free ice water, and a cup of coffee is five cents. The drug store is really a number of specialty shops within the building.

We still had plenty of time for a nap, and a quick review of pictures before heading off in the afternoon. About 1600 we gathered up our gear and were off to an early dinner, and then a visit to the Park. Dinner was at the Red Rock Saloon.

The Badlands Geology is full of different colors and shapes. 

In the afternoon as we were finding a suitable place for sunset light when we came across some  big horn sheep ewes browsing in the grasses. 

Storm clouds were in the sky on the horizon mostly to the North of us. As is always the case, one should always look around to see where the light is hitting. Most of  the action was to the West,

 but for a short time there was great light hitting the formations to the East. 

We lingered and for the first time, I really enjoyed photographing the "Blue Light" which occurs after the golden light of sunset. 

Often times it is a nice phenomena but not striking. This time I really enjoyed the light in the clouds and sky.

CUSTER STATE PARK - DAY 2

CUSTER ART

This morning I woke to about a half inch of wet snow on my car. So, another wet and cool day ahead.  The forecast was once again overcast with possible snow showers. As there was no rush to get out the door, I finished packing, and enjoyed another motel breakfast. Then I was off to Custer State Park once again.

Basically I drove the same route through the park starting with the Wildlife Loop and then doing the Needles Highway afterwards. Before seeing any wildlife I stopped at an overlook to see into the valley, and enjoyed a short walk to do some close-up photography of the environment. 

Along the Wildlife Loop Road today I saw more variety of wildlife, starting with white-tail deer. The doe was quite close to the road, and again I used the car as a blind for photographing it.

Soon I came across some bison with calves. Some of the calves frolicked about while others stayed close to their mothers. 

Then pronghorn came on the scene. These are beautiful animals with unique horns. They are quite shy and are generally located along ridge lines. They are quite fleet of foot. 

There was a lot of open range to drive through and it was quite beautiful.  

I again drove the Needles Highway, this time in the opposite direction. The weather was about the same as yesterday with snow flurries to add to the mood of the area. 

CATHEDRAL

 As I approached the Needles Eye Tunnel a car came along that helped to show the size of the tunnel. 

EYE OF THE NEEDLE

It turned out it was being driven by a local guide so I had the benefit of his services indirectly during a stop in the area. I had not seen the "Eye" of the Needle yesterday, but I did see it today as I wandered about the area thanks to the guide having taken his clients to see it. When driving I think it is impossible to see it unless you have a clue as to where to look.  I also got a picture of the "rock duck". 

MR. ROCKY DUCK

It was late afternoon as I exited the area and I decided it was time for my late lunch/early dinner. I had read about Sylvan Lake Lodge and decided that it would be a very pleasant stop. It is located in a spot suggested by Frank Lloyd Wright. The hotel and cabins sit in a hillside forest of pine and spruce, in harmony with the rugged landscape. It is similar to other park lodges built in the early 1900's.

The two pictures flanking the chimney are by Albert Bierstadt, a German artist who painted romantic interpretations of the west. 

On the way back to Rapid City I made a slight detour to photograph the Crazy Horse Memorial from a distance. As you can see, it is still a work in progress.

CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL

It was now time to head back to Rapid City, turn in my car rental, and wait to meet my fellow photographers for our visit to Badlands National Park. The weather delayed our meeting, but eventually I was met at the airport at about 10:00 rather than 8:00 p.m. It was an hour drive to Wall, S. D. where we were staying. So, again it was a bit of a short night as we would be off to photograph early in the morning and sunrise would be about  o530.  We would be off from the Motel about 0430!

HIGHWAY ARCHITECTURE