A full day of adventure.

I wish that this blog would write itself when we are in the midst of activity. Like when I am watching randal and the kids search for prickly pear cactus on the “wall” of the Badlands. Or when Milo is successfully climbing an adult ladder at the Notch Trail in the Badlands National Park. Or when the kids are running around chasing each other on the stage while Mt Rushmore towers above them. Or when we are searching for sticks on the road near our “boondocked” campsite. 

Instead, I am writing when I’m exhausted and the kids are crying and feeding off of each other and not going to sleep. 

But, we’re all so tired because we had the BEST day. 

It’s our second night of “boondocking” - or RV camping with no hookups. So, tomorrow we will have to drain and replenish water. The sites have been great though- peaceful and way off the grid today. Last night, we looked out over the badlands and loved watching a storm come up, followed by a beautiful rainbow, and then a gorgeous sunset. 

The Leprechaun at the bottom of the rainbow. 

Today, we drove into the park and the kids did 90% great on a difficult (per the park description) 1.5-2 mile hike. (That last 10% when the kids are crying sure is a pain though.) the badlands are beautiful and it was like we were on the moon. 

Lunch, RV naps, and a couple hours later, and we came up one Mt Rushmore. I am not at my most patriotic right now, so it didn’t move me as it might at some points in my life. But, it was beautiful and when we got out of the (mostly unmasked) hordes, I was happy. There is a nice loop with lots of steps and Milo impressed me again with his energy. 

All campsites are booked, so we drove to the Black Hills National Forest and found a (relatively) flat site where we could park. It’s beautiful: the wildflowers are in bloom, the raspberries are ripe, and the local cows meander around. 

We are tired, but happy. What a beautiful day spent exploring some truly unique places. 

(That’s our little leprechaun back there on the right.)