Billings County

Theodore Roosevelt park is broken into two units, north and south. You access south unit right from the town of Medora which is right off of I-94 and so had the most visitors. The north unit is almost due north about 60 miles or so. Today was all about the south unit.

Cold, overcast skies, but no precipitation. Started our day at the visitor center which was open! Just a small exhibit about Theodore Roosevelt and his time in the badlands which ultimately resulted in his understanding to create a national park system. Afterwards went back to town (1 mile from park entrance) to get some sandwiches before we spent the day in the park. It was a little convenience store that had a salad bar sort of set up and you could make your own sandwich. (Linley- no brown mustard...?)

The park had about a 36 mile scenic loop that you would normally take through the park. But due to road work at about 25 miles you have to turn around and head back out. Which actually worked out great because we went to the farthest point which was a really nice overlook of the badlands, and then we stopped at various points going back to the visitor center. Many turn outs had little half mile or mile loops that got us out of the jeep. But it was cold. Only was in the 40s, but with the wind it was rated as 10 degrees colder. A cold wind is COLD! I would almost rather be in "quiet" 30 degree weather than in the 40s with a biting wind. But these ND types are fine with this weather. Can't imagine how it feels in the midst of winter when it's minus 30!?

Enjoyed many great views, the badlands have such a different look to them. Even against gray skies they are very desolate looking. Got to see a smattering of wildlife, a porcupine clambering up an eroded hillside right next to the road we were driving, and several Prarie dog "towns". Spent several minutes (at several different locations) watching them pop up and down, scurrying around and then even chirping when I got out the jeep to try and take a picture of these light brown fuzzy animals in the light brown fuzzy dirt and grasses. We had several wild horse sightings, which were great. Just didn't expect to see them, figured they be too "automobile" shy. They weren't close, but close enough to enjoy a view of. And then of course bison. But these are not quite as friendly as Yellowstone, most were small herds that we saw from a distance. Still awesome to see in these natural rugged settings.

Our last stop was yet another overlook, and it wasn't until we were driving in that we realized that there was a lone bison grazing next to the path. Never took the walk out, but got some nice "one on one" time with this buffalo! A really cute end to our day.

Back into Medora and decided, in an effort to maintain our RV water supply, we would just have to eat out! After elk burgers we were back in a our warm RV. With electric at our site, we run our oil heater which is quiet and efficient! We never worry about leaving the animals during the day as we sightsee. We know it is warm inside! In this weather they are probably more comfortable than us...Les mer