that sheep may safely graze

click on photo for larger image

more sun would have been nice -- I guess I have to go back

the road heading west was taking me to lower ground

that sheep may safely graze

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addendum

For some reason I overlooked posting an iPhone shot from inside the Wagon Wheel Bar & Grill. It should have been at the end of my April 18th post. I loved the colors, so here it is.

in to the middle of the Badlands

click on the below photos to enlarge them

this is how the iPhone camera sees the Badlands

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from Circle View into the Badlands

click on the below photos to enlarge them

the sunrise view from my window at Circle View Guest Ranch

Owners, Phil and Amy Kruse, have a fantastic back yard! The morning breakfast was delicious and filling. The morning coffee was among the best I've had. When I asked Amy what kind of beans she used, she replied with a slight grin, "Folgers!" Of course, I didn't tell her that I am a bit of a coffee snob. The only explanation I have is that she made it extra strong -- or was it the clear, fresh air, views that didn't stop, and old fashioned hospitality? I highly recommend Circle View (a few miles west of Interior on Highway 44).

Before heading into the Badlands, I had to tour Interior. If the resolution on your computer prevents reading the sign, it states:

INTERIOR

I was born of wagons west. The oldest town in the Badlands. I’ve known drought and winters, fierce storms. Three times fire has swept my streets. Yet, my rodeos were known through out the N.West. Yakima Knute -- Stroud -- Earl Thode, champions all have ridden my arenas. The great Jim Thorpe has played my fields. The early music of Lawrence Welk has sounded in my nights. This is a land that bred great Indian chiefs and mighty warriors -- now it is a land of neighbors.

WELCOME -- TRAVELER

and into the Badlands we go

near the entrance of the Park I was greeted by this small herd of deer

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on to the "top of the world"

It was getting late in the afternoon. The good folks at Coyote Blues had recommended the Circle View Guest Ranch near Interior, SD. 

A few miles west of Interior, I found the driveway to the Ranch. This view is to the north looking back, half-way up a butte -- I couldn't even see the buildings but knew they must be near the top of the world. The view in all directions was breathtaking, but being tired & hungry I put off photography to the next morning when, hopefully, the sun would be shining.

posted on the fridge at Circle View

I wasn't about to make a 60mi. round trip to Wall to look for a restaurant. Phil, who owns Circle View with his wife, Amy, recommended the Wagon Wheel Bar & Grill in Interior. The review posted on the Wagon Wheel link is pretty accurate. I had pizza that was filling, if not of gourmet quality, and some Mexican beer that was surprisingly good. It was time to hit the sack and look forward to exploring the Badlands in the morning.

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more buffalo

Interesting article about buffalo and Custer State Park in today's Star Tribune.

Click on the below photos to enlarge them.

What's with the funny-shaped horn?

THIS is what proper horns should look like.

What do you suppose they're talking about?

I think it's time for me to move on!

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where the antelope play and the buffalo roam

double click on images to enlarge

my motto:  let sleeping buffalo lie

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You'll never guess what's next!

every turn disclosed something new

not deer, not antelope, not buffalo, then what?

Wild Burros! I had never seen any before. 

they didn't seem very wild

But why does he need to lick my car?

My favorite Burro shot -- iPhone -- through the windshield. Go figure!

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blue skies & sunshine

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