Sunset in the Badlands

 

Over the past year and a half, I have discovered many beautiful places in this country, and camped in sites that provided gorgeous vistas, but few compare to this place: the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, which is immediately outside the Badlands National Park (and managed by the US Forest Service). I boondocked here in the Escape for a single evening last month, and was utterly captivated by the vastness of the landscape and its quietude. The camping spots were primitive, and there were about 20 campers along the ridge over a few miles, but it still felt like my own personal park. (The gentleman sitting on the right of the trailer in this shot was strumming on a guitar, which provided a lovely small interlude as the sun set.)

I would have spent days up on this ridge, but I had to move on (and it was due for days of rain, which wouldn’t have been as fun). I also wish Susan had been with me—there is magic in this place—but we’ve talked about it, and we’ll get back there together.

This is a five-frame panorama shot with my iPhone and stitched together in Lightroom. Click on it to see it bigger.

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2 thoughts on “Sunset in the Badlands”

  1. Wandered over here from the Elements Village Suburbs. Lots of great memories of the online friendships made during the time of Elements Village. This is part of my home state of SD…I live in East River and only see this scene when I vacation. Beautifully rendered here. Still taking photos even though the past few years have been filled with the heartbreak of a 89 yr old mother with Alzheimers. I use LR so am heading over to read your thoughts on that. Best to you. Karen

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