I recall crossing the Missouri River. The landscape began to change. No longer was the ground flat and heavily farmed. Rolling hills began to pop up and soon, rugged rocks could be seen in the distance. I was getting closer to something different — something that I never experienced before in my life.
Taking the advice of friends, I chose to drive I-90 instead of I-80 cross country. While planning my route, I was thrilled to find that Badlands National Park was along the way. For the longest time, I’ve been intrigued by the rugged beauty of this place. Without question, this park was going to be one of my tangents on my way out to Yellowstone.
Upon paying the entrance fee, I was greeted by the attendant — “Welcome to the Badlands.” In my mind, she said these words in the same tone that you would expect a military officer say to a new recruit. Only leading to the suspense of what I was going to experience, my energy, contained since Sioux Falls, was ready to explode!
I had to see what this place was all about. I quickly pulled into the first vista and got out of the car. Without a care, I forgot my jacket and hat; I wanted to waste no time. The cold wind blew but my heart warmed as I looked out over those ancient rocks. This was everything and more. I was truly impressed!
After a little interpretation at the visitor center, I set out to get a better feel of this place by way of a little walkabout. I started with a well marked trail and enjoyed what it had to offer. However, I needed more. I decided on a trail into the wilderness area. I knew that I didn’t have much time but I was going to make the most of it!
I chose a trail through Saddle Pass, a treacherous route of early explorers and trappers. Luckily, I wasn’t planning on taking a team of horses or hundreds of pounds of supplies with me. My day pack with an afternoon’s worth of water was plenty as I became reacquainted with hiking elevation.
I don’t know what got in me but once at the top of the pass, I had to keep going. To the left, I looked and saw a relatively easy way up to the top of a peak. Once there, I enjoyed my accomplishment. However, the one to the right was much taller and more challenging. I climbed down and started again. My heart was pumping and my mind was thoughtful of my steps. I was going to the top!
I sit atop of of the tallest of peaks and challenge my fear of heights. I push my anxiety. I feel the fear but instead of cowering, I am high. I look at the land around me and wonder where I was all of those years. If I regret anything these days, I should have done this sooner.
This afternoon, I sit with the hawk and other acrobatic birds. I have no wagon train to move through these mountains, only me. The wind blows cold and the sky is overcast. My heart is warm because I am here.
I would have sat there forever and aged with the rocks. The rocks, however, erode and I continue to grow. This was not a place for me to stay — only visit. Yellowstone waited and I was eager to see her.
A world unfamiliar until now
