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Badlands National Park
Southwestern South Dakota

Off to my left (south) is the Badlands, or at least a portion of them. The Badlands are quite expansive. I like to think of them as large clay speed-bumps, effectively bisecting a high prairie from a low prairie.

After a little riding I run into these colorful, undulating formations. Sorry, the color is a little washed out. The sun is in the wrong position for the likes of my camera.

After a bit more riding I pass by these formations, or are they huge elephant backs? Looking at them makes me wish I had big elephant ears. Just like elephants, by flapping them I'd be able to cool down since I'm now staring to overheat. God it's hot out. Luckily I'm carrying 2 liters of water in my hydration pack. It's important to drink when not thirsty, because if you wait for your thirst to kick in, you'll be finding yourself in the early stages of dehydration.

Beware of buffalo. Seems all I can see of the buffalo is their poop, some of it is pretty fresh. That's almost a perfect circle, well done buffalo. There must be an artist in the herd. Or an engineer?

Oh, there is one, way off in the distance. Can you see it? It is the artist? Probably.

Being so far away, the only thing I have to beware of was stepping in their plops. Maybe the Park Service should either change the warning sign or add a supplemental sign? Just a thought.