But what about the Badlands?

That's why we came after all. But this whole Black Hills area has been so spectacular it's been hard to leave.

Today Icky lead us on a 7 mile hike called Crow Peak. Toughest one yet -1,500 vertical feet and steep narrow paths but stunning views at the end. This took a while though and since we didn't finish until about 3 pm, we decided to go over to Devil's Tower today instead of in the morning as planned.

Wyoming is pretty cool also - at least the area around Sundance, WY. (Polly had to tell us that the film festival is in Sundance UTAH - thanks Polly). Beautiful farms and many for sale.

Devil's Tower was our 2nd biggest surprise after Rushmore. Quite dramatic and peaceful - not crowded at all. America's first National Monument, it just rises straight up out of the plains.

We hiked around the base and could see a half dozen or more climbers on the shear sides of the monument. Also there were dozens of vultures / eagles / hawks flying around at the top leading us to conclude that the whole thing must be a really tall bird bath.

There are a few more pictures - click here.

So tomorrow we will finally visit the Badlands, first in North Dakota, then South Dakota. We're driving 4 hours north to Theodore Roosevelt National Park for two days before heading south to Badlands National Park. Posts may be missing or sketcky for a a day or two.