The Badlands South Dakota and a Visit to the Little Town on the Prairie

Prior to heading out for a new day, Baylie and Jalen were introduced to an old fashioned switch board. They couldn't believe that people used to share a phone line and listen in on each other's phone calls.

Our P.E. teacher suggested that we take in Badlands National Park so we decided to detour and check it out. We passed a prairie dog sanctuary - my dad would have freaked out over this since cowboys do NOT like prairie dogs.

We also saw a large herd of buffalo. (I was hoping to see big horn sheep, but no luck.)

We ended up going into the Badlands the back way (I think). It was a bit confusing, but we eventually ended up in the right place.

This part of the country is so different from all the surrounding area. The name Badlands is actually taken from a Lakota term meaning "sick land" because the land is so barren.

We felt like we were on Mars.

The rock formations were fascinating.

The colors are also fascinating.

Panoramic view

The drive after we left the Badlands was beautiful farmland.

The rolling hills of South Dakota.

The corn was growing high.

David has been reading the Little House on the Prairie books to the kids. While driving, he realized that some of the books take place in South Dakota. We looked it up and realized we weren't too far so we took a detour to DeSmet to see the town where the books from On the Banks of Plum Creek and onward took place.

Cool old house.

Home where Laura lived with her family when Pa worked for the railroad.

Wagon like the one Laura's family would have traveled in.

Sculpture of Laura.

Schoolhouse where Laura and Carrie went to school.

Replica of the school where Laura taught.

Home that Pa built for the family. Laura didn't live here because she was already married.

Laura and Alfonso's home (it's been updated over the years).

Not original :).

Burial places of several of the Ingalls family. 

Carrie

Mary

Laura and Alfonso's infant son

Ma

Pa - original marker

Iowa was our 17th state. It was the hardest place to take a picture because the sign was right next to a bridge, was on a steep hill and wasn't lit up. But we still got our picture!

The Nebraska state line was in the middle of the Missouri River. There was no sign. Omaha was beautiful at night. We'll try and find a state sign tomorrow.

We finally made it to our hotel a little after midnight. We're all exhausted, but it's been a wonderful day.

The Long Way Home - Independence Rock and Mt. Rushmore

Today we headed back to South Carolina. Our van is packed to the brim!

We added two more states to our list, plus we stopped to commemorate crossing the Continental Divide.

We stopped at Independence Rock in Wyoming. As the descendant of Mormon pioneers, I take great strength from the courage and faith of these people. I love to walk in their footsteps and imagine what was like for them. It's humbling to think that a journey that took them 4-6 months only takes us a few hours.

Independence Rock was one of the most famous landmarks on the trail. Pioneer knew if they reached it by July 4, they would not get stuck during winter.

We climbed up the rock and all the way around it searching for names. Some were carved more recently - unfortunately, but we still found several that were carved by the pioneers. You have to look very closely.

I took this trail to the top, which considering my fear of heights was pretty brave of me.

The views from the top haven't changed much since pioneer times.

David and kids at the top.

We stumbled across a pronghorn with her two babies. 

We even got to see them nurse.

I think this one looks like "K Bayles."

Gravesite of three little children.

Can you see the bunny?

We were able to see Mt. Rushmore lit up at night. There was hardly anyone there. It was very cool to see.

After 12 hours on the road, we arrived exhausted at our hotel. The front office closed at 10 p.m. so they left an envelope with my name taped to the front door. Our room is tiny, but cute. Tomorrow we will head to Nebraska and more pioneer sites. We are enjoying this trip, but we are all ready to get home.