The Badlands at dusk

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“In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous”. – Aristotle

There are few things in life as spectacular as a sunset. Sunset tends to be my favorite time of day, as the light casts shadows and rays of brilliant, ever-changing colors across the horizon. It is hard to decide whether I prefer watching the sunset over water or land. Each has it own set of attributes and wonder.

The last day of our summer vacation to South Dakota was rewarded with a magical sunset over the Badlands. The utter, surreal beauty of this vast land of jagged buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires seemed to come to life as the sun set. Although it only lasted a short while, it was by far the highlight of our week-long trip.

We left our hotel shortly after dinner and drove into the deserted Badlands National Park. Most of the day tourists had come and gone and we had the entire place to ourselves. It had cooled down to a delightful temperature, much more conducive to hiking than during the hot, shadeless afternoon scorch of July heat. Our only obstacle was time. We only would have an hour to hike until it was completely dark.

The views were astounding and the rock formations became even more colorful as the sun dipped further below the horizon. The deep maroon-hued rings of sediment became even more dramatic with sunset. During the daytime, you can hardly see them but at night the rocks looked like candy cane stripes.

It was so incredibly peaceful that evening. The only sound you could hear was the constant buzz of the mosquitos which believe it or not came out in masses at night.

As we set off along a short trail, I couldn’t resist stopping to take the dramatic scenery all in. Camera in hand, I snapped away marveling at the magical sight before my eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it before in all my travels. The Badlands felt like they went on forever, and what was even more amazing is that they were below me, not above.

 

“Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it”. – Roald Dahl

As we walked in silence, we noticed a lone big horn sheep off in the distance. It was the first one we had seen in the park. I think he was enjoying the glorious sunset too.

If you turned away from the sunset and looked back at the rocks, they were almost colorless. Even this landscape was unusual and surprising. It kind of reminded me of being someplace in the desert.

Unfortunately time was not in our hands. I would have loved to have hiked more but it was getting dark fast. It was time to head back to the hotel. Before we left I took two final shots of the beautiful Badlands. It is a place I will never forget.

It continues to amaze me what an incredible planet we have.  The world is worth preserving and protecting for future generations. It is too special to not do everything we can to save our planet.

34 thoughts on “The Badlands at dusk”

  1. M E Cheshier – Montana – With over 40 years’ experience in living green from recycling to sustainable education. We are proud to offer current the best “green” tips & products around to secure the environment and live green. Plus current health briefs & recipes. Dedicated to providing quality information on solutions to the earth’s dilemma for sustainable living, our company is in hopes of making a difference in the world.
    M E Cheshier on said:

    Wow! Spectacular!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! it was a gorgeous sight to see!

      Reply ↓
      • M E Cheshier – Montana – With over 40 years’ experience in living green from recycling to sustainable education. We are proud to offer current the best “green” tips & products around to secure the environment and live green. Plus current health briefs & recipes. Dedicated to providing quality information on solutions to the earth’s dilemma for sustainable living, our company is in hopes of making a difference in the world.
        M E Cheshier on said:

        You are welcome! Yes, the Badlands are very beautiful.

  2. M E Cheshier – Montana – With over 40 years’ experience in living green from recycling to sustainable education. We are proud to offer current the best “green” tips & products around to secure the environment and live green. Plus current health briefs & recipes. Dedicated to providing quality information on solutions to the earth’s dilemma for sustainable living, our company is in hopes of making a difference in the world.
    M E Cheshier on said:

    Reblogged this on Travels with Mary and commented:
    So beautiful!

    Reply ↓
  3. mukul chand – new delhi – 51 year old entrepreneur who has traveled extensively around the world for work and pleasure , is based in New Delhi, India. A passionate traveler born with a love for flora and fauna, is an active naturalist and amateur photographer. Here he shares his unique insight into Incredible India revealing its mysterious and exotic treasures. Writing from his heart he shares his experiences as he crisscrosses this vast and amazing land.
    mukul chand on said:

    Great Pics

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓
      • mukul chand – new delhi – 51 year old entrepreneur who has traveled extensively around the world for work and pleasure , is based in New Delhi, India. A passionate traveler born with a love for flora and fauna, is an active naturalist and amateur photographer. Here he shares his unique insight into Incredible India revealing its mysterious and exotic treasures. Writing from his heart he shares his experiences as he crisscrosses this vast and amazing land.
        mukul chand on said:

        welcome

  4. Sas – Cardiff, UK – I'm vegan. I love to travel. I challenge myself to visit at least one new place and try at least one new activity every year. When I'm not writing, I like to ski, rock climb, keep fit and bodyboard.
    Sas on said:

    Great photos Nicole. The mere fact that someone named a place Badlands makes me want to visit it, and now that I’ve seen your photos I definitely have to go there!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I bet this is a place you would love Sas. Have you been to Yellowstone? I am sensing a next big trip to the US!

      Reply ↓
      • Sas – Cardiff, UK – I'm vegan. I love to travel. I challenge myself to visit at least one new place and try at least one new activity every year. When I'm not writing, I like to ski, rock climb, keep fit and bodyboard.
        Sas on said:

        No I’ve never been to Yellowstone. My next trip to the US is going to have to be big, there are so many places I’ve said I’ll visit I’ll be hopping around all over the country! 🙂

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes, and you are always welcome to come to Minnesota too! It is beautiful and I’d love to show you around! 🙂

      • Sas – Cardiff, UK – I'm vegan. I love to travel. I challenge myself to visit at least one new place and try at least one new activity every year. When I'm not writing, I like to ski, rock climb, keep fit and bodyboard.
        Sas on said:

        Thanks Nicole, Minnesota is definitely on my list 🙂

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy! I bet you would love it.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! It is a special place. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  7. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    You got some fabulous shots Nicole, of stunning country. It must have been a wonderful hike.
    Alison
    PS I think maybe that goat is a big horn sheep 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Alison! You are right. It is a big horn sheep. My embarrassment! I’ve got a terrible head cold and wasn’t thinking straight. I knew I wrote it wrong… Lol. Thanks for catching it! 🙂

      Reply ↓
      • Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
        Alison and Don on said:

        Eh, we all make mistakes now and then lol.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes! I am finally feeling better too after two long weeks of a cold! Thank goodness!

  9. restlessjo – Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, that’s me. The one constant, however, is my restless nature. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world. I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m seeking new horizons. Of course I have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying to share my experiences and to make new friends who shared my passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I still find myself writing about my travels. I’ve become addicted. I’d love to share them, and to make more friends. So, it has to be a blog- right? Or do I mean- write?
    restlessjo on said:

    So very different from mine, Nicole, and yet the same 🙂 🙂 Absolutely glorious! A wonderful festive season to you and the family. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jo! you too!!!

      Reply ↓

  10. I love your photos and how you captured the light in layers! Beautiful. Nature never ceases to amaze me. It is such a fabulous way to ‘recharge’ and feel re energized after city life and or stress. I really enjoyed your writing as well!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

      Reply ↓

  11. Love the line horn sheep and the landscapes. Beautifully captured especially the way the light is I layers on the hills. Enjoyed reading you. How do I sign up for your blog?

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! You can sign up on the left hand side of the blog, there is a link to sign up to receive posts via email. Thanks!

      Reply ↓
  12. I. J. Khanewala – Nowhere-in-particular – I travel on work. When that gets too tiring then I relax by travelling for holidays. The holidays are pretty hectic, so I need to unwind by getting back home. But that means work.
    I. J. Khanewala on said:

    What spectacular photos! You chose a good time for the shoot. I keep looking at them and sighing. Wish I was there.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

      Reply ↓

  13. Pingback: The Best of 2015: Looking back over a wonderful year | Thirdeyemom

  14. Barbara Radisavljevic – United States – I have been reading since the age of three, and still use books to relax or learn something new. I sold books in a store and online and on the road for a total of 30 years, and now I enjoy recommending my favorites to others.
    Barbara Radisalvjeivc on said:

    My mom was raised in this part o the country, but she never told me how beautiful it is. Thank you for showing it to me. I want to see it in person.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes, it is quite beautiful. I hope you can see it for yourself. A lovely part of the country.

      Reply ↓

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