Day Five - The Badlands

Trip Start Jul 18, 2008
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Trip End Jul 29, 2008


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Flag of United States  , South Dakota,
Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The drive to the badlands was longer than anticipated and surprisingly rather flat and farm/ranch country.  We finally left the cornfields but entered into the hay fields - hundreds of miles of hay...a-maze-ing.  The badlands were eerie but beautiful.  We had two scheduled hikes - the Notch and Saddle Pass.  The Notch was a mile and a half but included some great climbing and adventure.  This was the most dangerous climbing we had done as a family and I was a bit nervous (ok, quite a bit).  The ground was covered in gravel and it made everything slippery.  We all took a fall or two.  The badlands are not really beautiful per se but beautiful in a haunted way.  You walk through wondering what they have seen.  Anyway, when we are getting near to the end of the trail we weren't sure where we were supposed to turn around and then we came upon the valley...stunningly beautiful...the valley was as far as you could see and green and just spectacular!  After the water break the boys get out their slingshots and have some fun Notch Trailhead
Notch Trailhead
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Off to our next trail, a steep 1/4 mile one way (although Evan would argue that it was more than a 1/4).  This was very steep and dangerous (slippery gravel).  At some points you used both hands and feet to get up.  This is also Trevor's favorite kind of adventure...he was off!  The end of the trail found you at the top of a very high cliff.  Once Trevor reached the top (I'm breathless with anxiety since I am still at the base, did I mention it was steep!) I hear a yell...his brand new hat has flown from his head in a gust of wind!  Initiate Rescue Mission: Trevor's Hat.  James and Trevor discuss their options and head down.  An hour or so later we have the hat in hand and it was a great adventure.
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