We have long admired Theodore Roosevelt. He was a man of wide ranging interests, enormous energy, and an intellect not seen in the White House since Thomas Jefferson. He loved the outdoors, and pursued all kinds of adventure. But perhaps the most unusual and least known phase of his life was the few years he spent in the Badlands of North Dakota becoming a cowboy. In late 1883 he suffered twin tragedies , both his mother and wife died on the same day. Roosevelt, then 24, was devastated and decided he must leave his home in New York City and go West- somewhere remote and difficult. He ended up in a tiny cabin in Medora, North Dakota. Medora is now the home of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a Park dedicated to the memory of the President's time in the Badlands.
Behind us is a good shot of the Badlands. This area was a large plain a few million years ago that has been eroded by rivers and water. What you now see are Buttes, squared off sedimentary rock formations. This is picture was taken from the highest part of the Bully Pulpit Golf Course- quite a striking course to play. What is striking is how green it is in the spring; quite a contrast to what we saw in late September 7 years ago!
Here is a shot from one of the trails in the Park. While it is not Yellowstone, we did see six bison, three elk and a prong horned sheep!
Tomorrow we will start across North Dakota and Minnesota, heading north to eventually cross into Canada above Duluth.
Glad you finally made it to God's country -- even though it is called the Bad Lands. Cathy and I have thoroughly enjoyed your trip commentary -- particularly this one. Your North Dakota Friend, Bart