Theodore Roosevelt National Park

July 2 As a young man, Teddy Roosevelt came west to hunt and got involved in ranching. After his mother and wife died suddenly within a day of each other, he came out here to find peace and live the rough life. He was able to find his peace and returned to the famous life that we all know. Eventually his ranches and much of the badlands became a national park. This is a place that I have wanted to see since I first read about Roosevelt and his life. Well we made it and I'm glad that we made the long slog yesterday.
We went out of the park to an overlook off the Interstate called Painted Canyon.

What fun it must be to ride the range chasing the cows and hunting from horseback. After taking in the views, we headed back to Medora, the small town at the entrance to the south portion of the park. We bought some firewood, beer, Nouth Dakota wine and Becky went looking for some yarn. She has yet to find any yarn that has been spun or dyed in North Dakota. Then it was back into the campground.

 There were prairie dogs everywhere. I wished I had a .22. These creatures are vicious little devils. They carry the plague so don't get bit.

Hoodoos...the clay erodes out from under the sandstone layer and leaves these crazy looking formations called Hoodoos.

The Little Missouri runs through the park.

Dinner over the fire. It was delicious. This is why we need the firewood! 

We waited until 6:30 in the evening to take the scenic drive because we heard that was one of the best times to see wildlife. We were not disappointed in what we saw.

The red in the rocks and dirt reminded us of Sedona,

The different colors were amazing.

 Patrick and Becky went on a hike up into the mountains. It was a short walk and I waited in the truck and read a book.

A big American Bison called the buffalo. He was the first of many that we would see on the circle route.

More hoodoos. 

wild horses. Becky and P walked out into the field to get some shots.

This guy was comfortable around people.

Mule deer in velvet.

Petrified wood. Hold the jokes!

 Becky and Patrick went for another short hike.

 I waited in the car. They first took the path there by the Tahoe and then followed two young men up a path on the other side of the road. Turned out they were forging their own but it turned out fine.

The cat gets out on her leash on occasion.

Total animal count for the night:
Buffalo 22
Mule Deer 3
Antelope 1
Dog 1
Cat 1
Praire Dogs 1000+
Wild horses 7
Tomorrow we ride again!