Alex Bovee

We knew Day 2 was going to be just as crazy as Day 1 in terms of how far we needed to drive.  So, we decided to head out early and put as many miles past us as possible in the hopes of making it to Yellowstone before end of day.  We had briefly looked at a map and noticed the Badlands national park was on our way.  We passed it around noon and decided to stop and check it out.

The Badlands actually ended up being quite amazing.  I’m not exactly sure how a rock formation like this is created, but it reminded me of the underwater caverns in Mexico called cenotes.  The rocks looked bizarrely carved up as if water had taken away a mold that previously rested around it.  I wish we could have spent more time there, but we were pressed for time and needed to make it to Rushmore quickly so we could get to Wyoming by nightfall.  So, our stop consisted of little more than looking at a few of the awesome formations followed by some token touristy pictures.

We continued on I-80, and after a short time, landed at the exit for Mt. Rushmore.  To be perfectly honest, I was not entirely sure of what to expect from our stop there.  I had heard from several people that it was very disappointing and “smaller” than what’s to be expected.  I was actually pleasantly surprised.  The drive to the mountain took us through a small town and eventually around a bend where we came about Mt Rushmore head-on.  Parking was easy, which immediately put me in a great mood.  The walk to the monument was not necessarily life altering but it certainly wasn’t disappointing.  The whole area is grandly presented with lots of flags and a nice walk to base the mountain.

We left Mt. Rushmore after about 30 minutes (I’m not sure you need much more time than that).  From there we headed west through Thunder Basin National Grassland and then through Bighorn National Forest.  I had talked to a few people and consequently heard that the Bighorn National Forest was absolutely amazing.  It did in fact blow me away.  The entire drive was full of great canyons, amazing mountains, and beautiful trees and landscapes.  If we had the time, I would have loved to stay, explore, and spend a few nights there camping.

Ultimately we were able to make it to Cody - the hometown of Buffalo Bill.  Apparently there is also a rodeo every night there during the summer (which we missed).