Day 293. May 26, 2014. Wall Drug!

RLOCATION:  Badlands National Park, in SW South Dakota

WEATHER:  Sunny, high around 80.  Stormy in PM

We took a 2-hour hike on one of the trails in the Badlands Park.  As usual, I got super hot during the hike.  It took about an hour for my face to lose the redness.  

From there, we drove about 20 miles to Wall, South Dakota to visit the famous Wall Drug.  Anyone traveling along USA highways, especially in South Dakota, has seen the ubiquitous billboards enticing people to stop.  It is the epitome of a tourist trap, but something one must do!  

 George enjoyed chatting up this young thing.  He had a buffalo hot dog and blueberry to celebrate Memorial Day there, in their cafeteria.  

From Wall, we took a backcountry road through the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, passing by thousands of prairie dogs popping out of their holes, and bison.  I groaned when we encountered the road sign "Pavement Ends".  We arrived at an old cowboy town called Scenic.  It has seen better days.  This is the old saloon, saying that Lakota Indians are welcome

  The only business left is a trading post

Back at the campground, we enjoyed a drink at our site's picnic table.  It has a shelter to help with the gusty wind.  Campfires are not allowed here, due to the wind.  A nice couple from New Jersey joined us to share campground experiences.

DINNER:  Leftover Supreme a la Indian curry.  This was really a dish of leftovers:  black beans, baked sweet potato, sautéed carrots, rice, all cooked with curry spices.  Not too bad, but I MUST find a grocery store tomorrow.