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.