Category Archives: Monopoly Traveler Reflections

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Monopoly Traveler Reflections–Agate Fossil Beds

After a long, enjoyable week of exploring in the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota with a few days in Rocky Mountain National Park, there was one more stop from our Monopoly Board for this trip. The next destination was Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. We only left a few hours in our schedule to visit as it’s a smaller National Park and focuses on fossils. Great! More dirt formations that require the requisite paintings to portray what might have been roaming at one time millions of years ago. Not my favorite thing to see and learn about. In addition, it was another museum covering the importance of Native American History, which also wasn’t very interesting to me. With all of the exciting places we had seen over the past several days, I was not real enthusiastic for this park. Let’s pull in, see the must items, get our board signed, snap a few photos, and get back on the road. Trying to convince myself this would be a worthwhile stop, I tried to emphasize the positive things about this area to myself. The vast prairie, a bathroom break, and an opportunity to get out of the car and stretch our legs.

The trail to Fossil Hills

The vast prairie was beautiful with green grass waving in the breeze which could be seen for miles and miles. Agate Fossil Beds would be a great learning opportunity for our children…. and myself. Pulling into the park, we stopped for the necessary picture by the sign and headed towards the visitor’s center. Here we picked up packets for our future Junior Rangers and looked at the displays beginning to learn some of the history in this Western Nebraska place. Talking with the rangers and reading some of the plaques, I began to be more interested in the animals which once roamed here a long time ago (at the same time, I was smiling as my kids where learning about history also). Having walked around the visitor center and museum, we pulled out the National Parks Monopoly board for the required signature and presented it to the ranger. As he looked at it, he laughed because the picture used for the board was a photo he took years earlier of Fossil Hills in Agate Fossil Beds. Pictured above is Fossil Hills Trail with University Hill in the center, Carnegie Hill on the right, and the ranger, who signed the board, on the trail on the left side of this picture.

Heading to see the Devil's Corkscrew fossil

We decided it was time to get out and do some hiking. A short trail would be a good fit, before entering the car for several more hours, so we explored the Daemonelix Trail which led to a fossil of an ancient dry-land beaver which created these spiral dens. It was nice be outside hiking with my family surrounded by this beautiful landscape on a warm summer afternoon. It was early July after all. Arriving at the end of the trail, there was this box surrounding a corkscrew formation. We read the plaque describing what this was and the creature that created them. I could envision this ancient animal creating its den through the soil from this display made by the park. I began to wonder what else was hidden in these hills from long ago and why these creatures no longer existed?

The Devil's Corkscrew

Walking back towards the parking lot, I gazed out over the prairie and buildings and began to think about the Native Americans and how they used this land and their cooperation with people coming from different lands. Since this time I’ve become a lot more appreciative of the Native Americans and their importance in the history and development of the US. This was one of the parks that began to signify what these people mean to our country and how they helped shape where we are today for me.  Since Agate Fossil Beds, I’ve learned quite a bit more about Native Americans and how they worked with the each other, the land, and other people from National Parks. On this walk back, we encountered this different plant which I thought was really interesting with these yellow and orange pouches. I still haven’t been able to identify what it is though.

Climbing back into the car to continue our journey home after our junior rangers received their badges, I was really glad this was on our Monopoly board so we could learn about this place. Seeing the bones of animals that roamed the area a long time ago was interesting. Dinosaur bones from a far off place are what I think of when hearing about skeletons being found. Here there were animal remains discovered in Nebraska. I would never have guessed that. This was one of the parks that surprised me the most with how much I enjoyed my time here and what all I learned. That’s the point though, isn’t it?

With our last signature captured for this trip, the game board was safely stored back in it’s place for the rest of the trip home and we continued east once again. Shortly after driving out of Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, there was a rattlesnake coiled up in the middle of the road. We were warned of these in most of the parks we visited on this trip, but this was the only snake we saw. Thankfully it was from the safety of our car while we drove by!

Unknown plant

Family Ramblings, Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections–Driving Out West

Heading west always meant getting on an airplane and landing on the West Coast. Because of our determination to visit every National Park on our Monopoly board, we made plans to begin our adventures by driving to bordering states to explore those parks on our board which were closest. This seemed like the best opportunity to experience how this was going to go for our family. If it didn’t go great we could head home early since we drove. I had been as far west as Sioux Falls, South Dakota but that was as far as I had ever driven. I was excited to see the open prairies of the west but not certain were the west really started. Our first day brought us to Sioux Falls where we spent the morning getting breakfast and exploring. By late afternoon we made our way further west to Wall, South Dakota were we stopped for the day. A few days later we continued on to the Black Hills and then ventured into Wyoming. The vast openness was stunning watching the tall grasses sway in the breeze for hundreds of miles.

A Pronghorn near the side of the road

Once reaching the western side of South Dakota, we kept seeing attractions depicting the Old West. I always thought Wyoming would be the beginning of the west. The Prairies seem to begin around Wall, South Dakota though which start to transition from the Midwest to the West. While driving in Western South Dakota we saw critters not found in the Midwest such as Prairie Dogs and Pronghorn Deer. It was fun to see all of these pieces of the west and experience these low, rolling hills. Many people consider this a boring drive but I was just enthralled with the landscape. Almost mesmerized by it. The only thing that would have made it complete would have been to watch storms roll over the grasslands of the west.

The vast openness of the west

As we continued west, the scenery began to subtly change. The prairies continued on for miles and miles around us but off in the distance, hills began to pop up. A few hours later, which felt like less than an hour, larger hills became visible as we reached higher points on the road. It became clear we would soon be entering the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Another area I was excited to drive through. The day continued on as we drove through the prairie moving west. Eventually we entered Wyoming and soon after turned south. While we were still in the Prairie, larger hills  were getting closer. After a short time we entered Colorado, still in the western prairies with the Rockies definitely making their presence seen.

Entering the foothills of the Rocky Mountains

After driving for a little while in Colorado we once again turned west. The mountain foothills were now all around us and the excitement to begin climbing higher into the mountains increased. The drive continued to be beautiful watching the landscape slowly transition from the vast prairies to mountains just in front of us. Soon we began going up at a fast pace. We had definitely entered the Rocky Mountains. For the next hour and a half we climbed higher and higher with steep cliffs next to us, sharp corners to drive around, and raging rivers pouring down the Mountain all while the temperatures transitioned from summer to spring. It was all so breathtaking. Seeing this all for the first time from the windows of our car was incredible. Soon we reached Estes Park, our destination and as far west as we would travel on this adventure. What a great experience and amazing views during our entire trip.

Going up into the mountains

Adventure, Monopoly Traveler Reflections, New Experiences, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections–Altitude

It was my first time exploring in a mountain landscape. Driving up into the Rocky Mountains with my wife, two children, and my dad made for an incredible experience as we were in awe of the beauty everywhere we turned. It was early July so only the mountain peaks had snow while the pine forests were green and the tundra alive with flowers everywhere. The sun was shining with puffy white clouds floating across the blue sky. In Estes Park where we started it was a nice, warm summer day but as we ascended towards the peaks it became windy and cooler. Only a light jacket was needed still but a noticeable difference. On this, our first full day in Rocky Mountain National Park, we started in the valleys but worked our way up the mountain stopping occasionally to gaze at the grandeur of the sights surrounding us. By lunch time we had arrived at the top of this peak to the Alpine Meadows Visitors center. Strangely breathing had become more labored. Our pace of walking needed to be slowed or it felt like we had run a distance and were now short of breath.

The highest elevation we've experienced so far

We were now over 11,000 feet in altitude and had never experienced this before. Getting use to it a little it became more intriguing to continuing exploring with this shortness of breath. After looking around in the visitor center and enjoying the views from this location, we grabbed something to eat and then headed for the short climb to the summit at 12, 000 feet. I felt as though I was back in training camp for high school football as each step required more and more effort. On top of this, the clouds seemed to be building and there was a sign warning not to be up there when there’s a threat of lightning and thunderstorms. With more clouds now filling the sky we wanted to make our way up somewhat hurriedly and return to the visitor’s center before any storms arrived. What a great experience and view to share with my family! Who would ever think it would be the beginning of more mountain adventures?

Learning the rules of high altitude hiking

Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Rocky Moutain National Park, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections–Our First Encounter With a Bull Elk

It was the fourth National Park in our first week of our Monopoly Traveler Adventures. We had just entered Rocky Mountain National Park and had been there less then an hour before coming upon a huge traffic jam. What was this we wondered? Not having experienced one of these before we had no idea what to expect. Everyone was getting out of their cars after attempting to park them on the side of the road and walking towards a spot in the forest. Eventually we saw what had caused this sudden parking lot, it was a pair of Bull Elk laying down not far from the road. We decided to join in with the rest of the crowd, grabbing a spot recently vacated on the side of the road and walk to see these magnificent creatures.

Bull Elk wanting to be left alone

We couldn’t fully believe what we were seeing. Right next to the road with all of these people around are a pair of elks just resting as if all of this commotion was of no concern. This was the first time any of us had ever seen an elk and spent some time gazing as they would turn their heads swinging their huge, velvety anthers showing us just how large they were. What an introduction to this beautiful park! As if the mountainous landscape wasn’t enough of a reason to be here, now we had some great wildlife to add to the experience. Like many of those around us, I was snapping away with the camera unsure if we would have another opportunity to view another elk in this vast space.

The kids in the Rocky Mountains with a Bull Elk resting in the background

After photographing and watching these wild animals for awhile, I decided to have my two daughters stand with these elk in the background to highlight how close they actually were. Trying to stay the recommended distance away and making sure there was an easy escape should one of these elk stand up and threaten anyone, I continued taking pictures. Unfortunately others decided to approach the wildlife to see how close they could get and take a picture causing this pair of bulls to stand up and meander on through the forest.  This seemed so disrespectful and disappointing because now other visitors didn’t have the chance to see these wild animals. We returned to our vehicle to continue our journey exploring this amazing and beautiful park. By the end of our time in Rocky Mountain National Park, spotting elk would become a little more mundane and almost expected as we would continue to see these large deer in several areas along our adventure here.

The elk was disturbed enough it finally got up to move

Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Rocky Moutain National Park, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections–Grandpa Was Told to Keep His Leg Elevated

Just before our first Monopoly adventure, my father had surgery on his knee. A few weeks had passed but he was still healing and wanted to come along with my wife and two daughters to explore some of the American West. His doctor told him he needed to keep his knee elevated at times to help in the healing. What better way to keep it elevated than to explore the Rocky Mountains? Our journey had taken us through the Badlands of South Dakota on to Mt. Rushmore before ascending into Estes, Colorado which resides at over 7,500 feet in elevation. At times we went to heights of over 12,000 feet elevation. We kept wondering if that was enough elevation for his knee. I’m not sure the doctor would see the humor in such an adventure.

Hiking to Flattop

During our time of elevating my dad’s knee we hiked a number of trails to see mountains, wildlife, flowers in bloom, and waterfalls. He continued on with us much more than I ever expected, walking through the pain as though it wasn’t really there. Knowing who he is I’m confident there were some challenging moments, which he never let on to the rest of us for fear of holding us back. At the time he likely would have preferred a little less exploring to rest his knee but is happy he pushed through his soreness for all of the great experiences we shared during a 10 day road trip. I’m grateful to have had this time to share with him out exploring such an amazing landscape which we continue to talk about to this day, even though it happened over a decade ago. When the time comes for me to have work done on my knees I know exactly how I want to keep it elevated as it heals!

Taking in a Waterfall

Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Rocky Moutain National Park, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections–Falling in Love With Marmots

It was the first full day at Rocky Mountain National Park for my family including myself, wife, two daughters, and my dad in early July. Fireworks exploded high overhead the night before celebrating Independence Day, but this day was about exploring this vast, mountainous park. We had all day to wander through the mountains in search of picturesque landscapes, wildlife, and waterfalls. Since we had the full day, we decided to work our way up the mountain to reach the Alpine Visitor Center high atop these Rocky Mountains. On the way there are numerous overlooks each begging you to pull over and view the scenic landscape. Many of these succeeded in getting us to stop, rewarding with spectacular views of this wilderness. Eventually we began resisting the desire to stop at every opportunity, otherwise getting to the top may never happen on this day. Nearing the top we pulled into an alpine overlook. This was my first time seeing an alpine climate and was stunned at all of the beautiful plants in full bloom. What a remarkable environment! As we would soon discover, the miniature plants blooming in brilliant colors would not be the highlight of this overlook.

Overlook in Rocky Mountain National Park

While at the end of a short trail, created to view the mountains stretching on eternally, we began to hear an unusual sound. This sound was coming from somewhere close. What could be that close to all of these people meandering around this area? Finally we began to follow the noise and looked on the other side of a rock wall which had been built as a path for people enjoy this overlook. There was a creature running along side the wall darting in and out of rocks still laying near the wall. Finally capturing a good look at this rodent, it looked familiar to one of the signs we’d read earlier about some of the wildlife. It seemed to be a marmot. Watching it for awhile confirmed it to be a Yellow-Bellied Marmot. We had never imagined this would be a spot to come across such a thing. Wildlife typically is found away from a lot of activity. Not marmots apparently.

First sighting of a marmot

This little creature seemed to be going after minerals in the rocks, or possibly the concrete used to bind these rocks together forming a wall. We watched this critter for quite some time scurrying around the overlook, stopping occasionally in its quest for a meal. It became a major highlight of our adventure in the mountains. Now, whenever we’re in an alpine setting this becomes one of the animals we seek out to confirm we’re high up in a mountain. Since that first sighting we’ve returned to Rocky Mountain National Park to hike to some of the mountain tops enjoying the Marmots along the way. Only now we’ve discovered one of their companions in the alpine environment –  Pikas.  A smaller and friendly mammal of these rocky summits. Still, the marmot holds a special place in our memories and will continue to be a creature reminding us of the harsh environment we’ve entered.

Crawling around and through a rock scramble

Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Rocky Moutain National Park, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections–Playing in the Snow, But It’s July!

On our first Monopoly Traveling adventure, Rocky Mountain National Park was one of one of six National Parks we visited during a 10 day road trip. While there we were surrounded by beautiful landscapes everywhere we went including snow capped mountains. During one of our days in this large park with seemingly endless horizons, we drove up to the Alpine Visitor’s Center on the Old Fall River Road which is a narrow, winding gravel road that can only be driven up the mountain as it’s a one way road. While at the visitor center exploring, we walked near some large snow banks still melting in early July. We’re used to snow filled winters but rarely is there a snow bank to be found by Independence Day.  I grabbed one of the kids and threatened to throw her into the snow bank head first on this mid summer afternoon.

snowball fight

With her nervous laughter, I set her down but quickly grabbed a handful of snow and formed a snowball. Having a snowball fight with my kids at this time of year never, ever crossed my mind which is why it was something we had to do. Soon after I released the first one, my girls armed themselves with snowballs and returned fire. We continued this until our hands were cold from handling the melting snow without gloves. It was summer after all, why would we need gloves? Each of us having been pelted with snow, brushed ourselves off before continuing to explore the mountain tops nearby with smiles etched on our faces. It’s these moments that create memories making a trip like this even more special.

Returning fire

Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Rocky Moutain National Park, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections–Finding my Profile Picture

Rocky Mountain National Park was part of our first Monopoly Traveler adventure and the park I was most anticipating. I really couldn’t imagine such a vast landscape and all of the wildlife it contained. We had arrived on the Fourth of July and enjoyed fireworks from our hotel in Estes Park waiting until the next day to venture in to this beautiful place. Obtaining a park map along with a newspaper listing activities taking place we studied both of these to make a game plan for our few days here. At some point during the day my goal was to drive to the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest point that can be driven to in the park.

Looking out at the grand landscape of the Rocky Mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park

Meandering through the east side of RMNP, enjoying the magnificent views and wildlife, for much of the morning it was time to make our way up the mountains. There are numerous stopping points along the way with grand vistas to enjoy however it would take nearly all day it seemed to do so. We would stop every now and again when there was a new view we hadn’t seen before to get out of the car and breath in the glorious mountain air. Eventually we made our way higher and higher and decided on one more stop before going to the visitor center for lunch. There were many other people also enjoying the overlook and even a bus had stopped. The first thing we noticed was the chill in the air along with a cool summer breeze up in the mountains. Slipping on our jackets made for a more comfortable visit as we made our way over the path leading to the beautiful man made lookout. Just the simple motion of walking we could feel a slight shortness of breath. Lower oxygen levels where letting us know we were at a higher altitude and not accustom to such air.

More majestic landscapes from Rocky Mountain National Park

As I looked out from the end of the trail, the view almost seemed unreal. How could we be standing in this place seeing what almost seemed like a movie set? The miles and miles of mountain scenery was difficult to comprehend. It appeared just a short distance away but the lengthy roads and trails said otherwise. There were Elk off in the distance. Some were grazing while others laying in the warm summer sun. I decided to climb some of the rocks nearby. Standing there by myself I felt as though I was becoming a part of this incredible landscape. It still didn’t seem real to me but was more breathtaking than I could have imagined. Not wanting to leave this spot, I decided to descend back towards the trail so others may take my place and enjoy their own experience. Re-joining my family I realized I didn’t have the camera. My wife was carrying it and had captured a few pictures while I was up on the rocks.

Returning home I looked over our photos from the trip and saw a few of me. There aren’t a lot of pictures including me as I’m usually the one with the camera. Setting up a website and social media I needed a profile photo. It wasn’t difficult to choose one as the photos of me looking out over the Rocky Mountains quickly came to mind and chose the picture at the top of this article because I like the background and have such incredible memories attached with it. Every time I see my profile I smile making it extremely difficult to want to change it even after a decade. We’ve returned to Rocky Mountain National Park since this trip and it always holds a special place in my mind as being a favorite of mine.

The mountainous terrain just keeps going and going

Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections– Independence Day From the Black Hills to Estes Park

After taking part in Independence Day festivities at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3rd, the plan was to drive over 300 miles from Custer, South Dakota to Estes Park, Colorado in time to watch fireworks with the Rocky Mountains as a back drop. Before we could get underway though we needed to head back to Mount Rushmore to grab a few pictures we were unable to get the day before due to larger crowds. The main picture needed was the traditional family photo with the entrance sign for our scrapbook of Monopoly Travels. While in the area we decided to spend a few minutes driving by in a more relaxed matter to see this National Memorial in the daylight. The day before it was battle driving as the crowds converged on this place early in the morning. It was also nice to see things during daylight hours.

Entering Mt. Rushmore

While spending about a half hour driving through the area we where able to stop at the entrance sign where a mountain goat entered the area allowing us to watch as it watched us back for a nice wildlife experience at Mt. Rushmore. The day was much nicer and dryer compared to the day before with the sun shining on this early summer day. We were quickly learning how to find each persons spot around National Parks entrances signs taking less time to capture our picture.

Being visited by a mountain goat

During this short time we took a slow drive past the carved stone making up the Presidential monument viewing it from the highway before continuing on down to Keystone, South Dakota to turn around. On the way back there was a different view of Mt. Rushmore for one last time before leaving South Dakota. Passing behind it I kept looking back to see what the stone on the backside was like wondering how it was shaped before being carved. It definitely didn’t appear as I had imagined. I expected it to be a large piece of solid stone but these were smaller stone with many scars and cracks making it look broken up enough that carving would be quite difficult. It is most likely more solid than it appears in order to be carved and stand many decades of freezing winters and hot summers.

The back side of Mt. Rushmore

With Mount Rushmore now in the rear view mirror we were officially on our way to new territories. Along the way we drove passed Crazy Horse Monument still being carved. It’s a larger carving then I would expect given the size of the carvings we’ve recently left. In what felt like no time at all we were entering Wyoming. Stopping for a picture next to this state sign, it felt good to be on our way west and entering a state we’ve not been to yet. Heading towards the Rocky Mountains was the portion of this adventure I was most anticipating and looking forward to. Some time in the mountains experiencing what effects the altitude would have on us in picturesque landscapes was exciting.

Entering Wyoming for the first time

Shortly after getting into Wyoming we found a rest area with picnic tables for a stop to grill something to eat. Enjoying the warmth of summer while sharing stories of our time so far made for a fulfilling stop while gazing out over the prairies of Western United States during lunch. Once the grill was cool enough to pack back into the trunk of our car we settled in for a long drive south. Over the next couple of hours we watched the Prairies of Wyoming pass by, some passengers catching a nap along the way. Cheyenne, WY started to approach for our next opportunity to fill up with gas and allow each person to stretch their legs along with a restroom visit. The next stop would be Estes Park in Colorado.

A nearly full moon rising over the Rocky Mountains

A short time after entering Colorado we reached Loveland where we turned back west to begin our climb into the mountains. Meandering through Loveland we passed by people celebrating and claiming their spot to watch that nights fireworks reminding us that it was Independence Day. Continuing into the mountains the road began to climb higher and higher. At times a raging river followed this road adding to this mountain experience letting us see parts of the landscape we would experience in the coming days. It was all so beautiful going around every bend, climbing higher and higher. After continuously pressing the accelerator for the past half an hour we began to level out and entered Estes Park.

Making it to Estes Park near Rocky Mountain National Park

With beautiful mountains all around distracting my attention from the road we found our hotel and got checked in. Soon after dragging our belongings to our room I was back outside taking in the beautiful surroundings. It was nearing time to eat and pizza delivery was the choice for the evening. Now to relax from a day in the car and prepare for fireworks to mark the end of our journey on this Independence Day. Camping chairs were removed from the trunk of the car and set up in the hotel parking lot where we would eat dinner and enjoy exploding rockets set against a mountainous backdrop. The next day would mark our introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Celebrating Independenc Day in Estes Park Colorado

Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections-The First National Park, Badlands

Sunlight was spreading over South Dakota on this early summer morning. It was going to be a beautiful, although warm, day for exploring and I couldn’t wait to get going. I had heard about the Badlands from friends who’ve visited and their stories never really enticed me to want to visit but now I was just outside the entrance to this National Park and was very anxious to begin this journey. While the rest of the family were getting ready, as we waited for the breakfast lounge to open, I was out on the balcony of the hotel looking over pamphlets and brochures for the Badlands in an attempt to satisfy the restlessness continuing to grow inside. They described the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, and the Black Hills which would cover the next couple of adventures in the coming days.

Finally we were all in our car, a 2008 Ford Taurus painted a dark metallic blue purchased just weeks before. Minutes later we were at the entrance sign where I stopped to take it in. These sculptured mounds of clay with grass covered Buttes set aside by elected officials for all to explore. The car ahead of us had stopped to take their picture by this entrance sign and I decided that seemed like a great way to begin the journey. We all scrambled out of the packed car and took a place next to this wooden monument announcing Badlands National Park. We took  a few pictures commemorating the start of this beautiful place. Our Monopoly Adventures had officially begun!

Our first view of these sculptured mounds

Returning to the car, my excitement continued to flow through each limb with my heart pumping wildly. We stopped at the wooden booth right inside the park to pay our entrance fee and get a map before continuing on. Just a short drive we came upon a parking lot to explore an overlook so I quickly pulled into a spot and stopped the car. Once again we all exited the vehicle to get our first real glance at the beautiful landscape surrounding us and study the map we had just received. For what seemed liked an eternity, I stood in front of the Taurus and gazed out at the Badlands taking it in with my family. I would transition from examining these natural creations to watching my girls begin to look around at these fascinating mounds to seeing the appreciation of where we were in my dads face. There was a feeling that I couldn’t really describe from this moment until many years later. It was a spiritual experience. A very humbling moment filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be in this place with my family.

There was a trail leading out to a point on one of these mounds which I eventually followed with my two little girls joining me. At the end of this trail we felt immersed in this landscape surrounded by these eroded clay sculptures. Now we could begin to see the details of cracked mud with plants growing out of them every so often to break up each layer forming each hill. I feeling of satisfaction had begun to contain my excitement finally but my drive to see more was still strong. Back to the car to find another area we went.

Getting the first junior ranger badge and our first signature

Our map showed different highlights which would become our next adventures throughout the day along with the park newspaper detailing some of the ranger led programs of interest for us to join. It was looking through this newspaper that alerted us to a Junior Ranger program. We meandered to the visitor center to find out more about this program. Obtaining the Junior Ranger book, my wife saw what was required and got the girls working on these achievements. One of the requirements was for them to take part in a ranger program. One was beginning soon near the visitors center so we decided that would be our next task. They sat with several other kids listening to the ranger educating them on the process of digging up fossils. Each one was given a cupcake wrapper packed tightly with soil. Their goal was to carefully dig out the fossil inside using brushes, table knives, toothpicks, and water without damaging what was inside.

Once the program was over they had each earned a badge to proudly wear throughout the rest of the day. Before setting out on this journey I had decided I wanted to get a ranger to sign our Monopoly Board in each park as a symbol that we were there. This seemed like a good opportunity to get that taken care of. I went back to the car and grabbed the board along with a permanent, black marker and made it back to the ranger.  Somewhat hesitantly we asked if he would sign it over the Badlands spot to which he agreed. Taking a couple of pictures of this event, I placed the map in between the edges of the board to allow his signature to dry smudge free and returned it to the car.  Now it was back to climbing and exploring these beautiful clay mounds.

Resting on a Butte

Over the next several hours we explored before getting something to eat. Once lunch was over I was ready for a nap. There was a nearby parking area for a trail which I pulled into. A ranger program was scheduled for this area in a little while but in the meantime I scanned for a place to rest out of the sun. The parking area had a lot of people coming and going with no real good spot to relax. Off in the distance a little ways I spotted and nice flat butte out of the sunlight. I grabbed a camp chair from the trunk of our car and hauled it with me as I climbed up onto this little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of paved areas. Along the way I was a little nervous about coming across a rattlesnake. Thankfully there were none on this path and I made it to the top unharmed and unattacked.

Finding a nice location to unfold my chair I sat down and closed my eyes. After about 45 minutes or so of resting in piece, I packed my chair back up and returned to the car. Apparently others had been entertained by this activity and taken a few pictures as I rested on this butte. Laughing I returned the chair to the trunk and headed to where the ranger would be presenting soon. It must be a good trip if you can entertain other adventurers with your activities. Once the ranger talk was complete we began to head back towards the town of  Wall as the day was getting long. Even though we were all pretty exhausted from our day, I stopped occasionally along the way to explore nearby mounds. One of the most colorful was the Yellow Mounds with the evening sun shining on them.

Soon the sun was nearing the horizon and we were all tired and hungry, although not sure which one was stronger. There was a restaurant close to our hotel room so we stopped in to get some food before crashing into our beds for the night. The next day would be more travel as we headed to the Black Hills.

Climbing the Yellow Mounds