What a day! I concluded if God made man in his image, he must have made South Dakota in the image of Eden. Words like ‘awe’ are used so frequently now that to say I have been in awe of my surroundings seems trivial. You have to experience it to believe it exists.
We saw our first antelope herds, prairie dogs, a coyote, quail, and buffalo. The buffalo appeared beneath the spires in the Badlands as far-away black stumps. But the binoculars brought them in close and we were happy.
Then, about dusk, we encountered hundreds of them. Alone on a dirt road trying to get back to I-240, we were surrounded by bulls protecting their cows. One impressively large and woolly one faced us – threateningly. We tried to back up and others leapt into the road behind. I had tried to snap a picture using a flash.
Not good!
I missed the part of self protection in the driver’s ed classes that gave instructions on what to do if charged by bison.
My husband spun the tires on the gravel and they jumped out of the way. Whew! I was about to panic.
Suffice it to say, this has been a glorious day and a gift from a higher power than man.
I’ve included a few pictures, though the buffalo herd one is a little dark. Not using flash in a herd again.
My husband got to visit his first ever Cabella’s, although we have ordered from them for years!
Overlook of Missouri River From Ridge in South Dakota
1880 Town
Breathtaking Field of Sunflowers
White Prairie Dog
Renee in Badlands
Sunset in Badlands
Herd of Buffalo at Dusk
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Writingfeemail's Blog 
Now wasn’t that clever of them to get that white prairie dog to stand there as a greeter? I’m glad you escaped the bison. Wild animals, Renee, not your nice friendly horse. Even vaster sunflower fields than we saw in France. (Hey, you really should save up for the lavender ladies’ photo tour of Provence.)
Yes Lee, I can only imagine the aroma of all those lavender fields! Your pictures definitely inspire me to want to tag along next time. As for the escape from the bison, it was a little nerve rattling. Yikes!
Hi, there!
Found your blog through your comment over at Emjay’s. It caught my eye when you mentioned that you have a home in Virginia. I’m in southeast VA, (also have property in the Outer Banks)and we most definitely felt that earthquake yesterday!
Enjoy the rest of your vacation; I’m going to check out more of your posts!
Hello,
We may be kindred spirits, enjoying life in both VA and NC. Have you braced for Irene at your Outer Banks property?
Renee meet Dianna, Dianna meet Renee. Two of my most favorite peeps!
cool Buffalo experience! 🙂 MJ
We’re undecided as to what to do. Our place is in Kitty Hawk – between the bypass and the Sound. No fear of flooding. And we have hurricane shutters for the windows, but have never used them…?? Hubby says he’ll make a decision today. Where’s your OBX property?
Thanks, MJ!!