I knew I had missed a few photos in the last post that I wanted to share with you. This is a panorama from my marathon twelve-mile hike out into the Badlands. The fields was actually more like a swamp from the previous night’s rain. The mud grabbed hold of the soles of my shoes and formed massive and heavy cakes. Walking became a mucky schlep and not any fun!The most common bird in the Badlands is this fellow . . . the Western Meadowlark. It has a very loud song that it bellows from high perches.The Western Meadowlark is a fairly large bird, easily seen from a distance, and the bright yellow on the bird’s chest makes it even much more visible.As I said, they love to sing . . . . . . and are always hunting for a meal!!The Common Grackle. These birds can be found all across the western plains, including deep into the Badlands.Red-Winged Blackbird. I have seen this bird in every State I have visited on this journey . . . and like this one, all were perched on tall grass and singing their hearts out!Where there is water in the Badlands, there will be flowering plants. And where there are flowers, there will be bees. Follow the bees and you may find a source of honey . . . if you dare to venture to open the hive!The Badlands are also the home to low, ground hugging cactus plants. With the rain come the beautiful yellow cactus flowers.I found this tiny rabbit in a clump of grass. It was sitting very still, now moving a whisker, hoping I would just keep moving. As soon as I took this photo and turned my back, the rabbit was off in a flash.From the Badlands, I proceeded next to visit Mt. Rushmore . . . on probably the worst day to be at this monument . . . the Fourth of July!! I was hoping to see the fireworks, which are usually amazing, but this year they were cancelled by the President with no reason given! Looking at the dry conditions of the forests around the monument, maybe this was not a bad idea. We do not need to lose more of our Nation’s forests to careless fires!!The crowd’s were impressive . . . or oppressive is a better word!! Parking was a nightmare, and I was glad to get out of the crush. It was a neat place to visit, especially being a fan of “North by Northwest” . . . but not somewhere I need to see again!And finally . . . as I was leaving Mt. Rushmore late in the day, I caught sight of a small herd of Pronghorn Sheep in a valley off the side of the road. I wound up having to pass them, go up the road and then double back so I could park and hike to see them better. I got to them just in time to snap this picture of one of the new sheep playing with one of the adults. Regretfully, I was upwind of the herd and they got my scent . . . and moved off fairly quickly!They are smaller than I envisioned but faster than I thought. The adults seemed to move the young ones away first, keeping themselves between me and the kids.
I am now in California and will be at my sister’s home for a few days. While I am there, I will, hopefully, get you caught up on my journey before I head kind of easterly!! LOL
What the Walrus said . . . 