How I Spent My 81 Day Time Out – Part 1: South Dakota Badlands in Winter

[Scuba]

Last December 29th I laid my 50,000th post on DU - http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027482411 - noting, in part, that the primary battles that were dividing DU were an indicator of healthy debate. Little did I know that within two weeks I would rack up four new hides, leaving me out in the cold DU-wise. What to do? Time for a vacation!

So, as the coldest air of the winter moved into northeast Wisconsin, Crystal Dancer and I headed West. First stop: The South Dakota Badlands.

We left home at 5:00 a.m. with the temperature mark at minus 16F. Twelve hours later, we turned off I-90 and onto Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway (SD 240), a 31-mile loop through the National Park. We had just enough daylight left to get a feel for the place. The cold air was now east of us and we were enjoying balmy temps in the upper 30’s.

The next morning, we ate breakfast early and returned to the park. Temps were again in the 30’s and the fog was so dense we couldn’t see more than a few yards.



We went back into Wall, killed a couple hours and then tried it again. While there was still plenty of fog, it only made the scenery more magnificent. Additionally, hoar frost covered everything making the entire park into ice-art.





Nearly immediately, we spotted the first of many mule deer. This group was quite close to the road …


These bighorns were a bit farther away. Glad I had my binoculars …


The fog gave the badlands an eerie and magnificant look, beyond the incredible sights they normally provide …






By mid-day, the fog was clearing, blue skies were appearing and the stark contrasts of the badlands were enough to take my breath away.







We covered the Scenic Loop three times, stopping at the park office to acquire our lifetime National Park passes (a mere $10 for seniors), stopping to do some hiking and stopping many, many times to take photos. We had snowshoes along, but there wasn’t enough snow to need them.







By late afternoon, the fog was creeping back in, settling in the valleys. While we were stopped to take pictures some locals appeared with tripods and long lenses, saying they had never seen the badlands like this. A rare and treasured moment.







Stay tuned for Part 2: Wild Asses Licked My Car

[Denzil_DC]

1. I'm out of breath just looking at the pics. Thanks. n/t

[Scuba]

67. Thank you!

[MerryBlooms]

2. Spectacular!!

rec & kick

[Scuba]

68. Thank you!

[malaise]

3. Time well spent

Welcome back

[Scuba]

69. Thanks malaise!

[LuvLoogie]

4. I've been to the Badlands twice in my life. The next

time, I 'll take my daughters. Those are really great pictures. Thank you for sharing.

[Scuba]

70. You're so welcome!

[jtuck004]

5. Alerting.

If this is what your last hide got us, don't count on posting for too long. I mean, here you are, already talking about being licked by wild asses....

[Scuba]

71. Not me, my car!

[jtuck004]

134. Oh, yeah, that's better. I have to confess, the first time I read that I wondered if they had

moved the Republican debates to SD.

But then I realized it was Wild Asses, something useful, likeable, and intelligent. The opposite of the other ones.

You have an amazing eye for the composition of a photo, btw.

[StandingInLeftField]

6. Welcome back!

Fantastic photos - especially the last two. Rare and treasured indeed!

[Scuba]

72. Thank you!

[Mbrow]

7. Time well spent!

Thanks!

[Scuba]

73. You're so welcome!

[malthaussen]

8. You didn't miss anything.

Would have liked to go with you!

-- Mal

[Scuba]

74. Yes, you would have loved it!

[mountain grammy]

9. Glad you're back..

Great pictures, looking forward to the rest.

[Scuba]

75. Thank you!

[truebrit71]

10. The Badlands are truly something to behold....

Beautiful pictures!

[Scuba]

76. Thank you!

[SammyWinstonJack]

11. Spectacular! A must see.

[Scuba]

77. Thanks!

[fasttense]

12. Hey join the club, I got banned, then locked out all in one short week too.

And I had never even gotten a post hidden before.

You spent your time well. Too bad they don't ban me now. I got baby lambs coming on and should be out in the the sheep shed.

[Scuba]

78. Take some time off for your mental well being!

Baby lambs!!!

[21st Century Poet]

13. So what's the lesson here?

I suppose the lesson is that real life is better than the internet and hanging out on Democratic Underground fighting a Clinton/Sanders war is for losers.

Snigger, snigger.

Well played, dude/ma'm.

[Scuba]

79. Losers on DU? Seems unlikely.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

14. "Stay tuned for Part 2: Wild Asses Licked My Car"

I'll read that in the can.

[Scuba]

80. Perfect for throne reading.

[mac56]

15. I love the Badlands but never have seen them in winter.

Beautiful. Welcome back.

[Scuba]

81. Thank you!

[librechik]

16. BBBBrrrrrrrr-eautiful!

[Scuba]

82. Thank you!

[SoapBox]

17. Beautiful...

And, my jaw dropped to see you are back...excellent.

[Scuba]

83. Thank you!

[magical thyme]

18. welcome back and thank you! Spectacular!!!

Looking forward to your wild ass-licking!

[Scuba]

84. You're so welcome! Thank you!

[bhikkhu]

19. Best pictures I've ever seen of the area

Thanks for posting them!

[Scuba]

85. Wow, thank you!

[riderinthestorm]

20. Wonderful!!! Get off DU and go enjoy some real life!

Great idea and beautiful photos!!

[Scuba]

86. Thank you!

[blm]

21. Spectacular - time WELL spent, no doubt.

My gosh, these photos are gorgeous.

[Scuba]

87. Thank you!

[catbyte]

22. Absolutely stunning, Scuba. I've only been there in the summer when the temp approached 100F.

It's a whole different world in the winter. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Scuba]

88. You're so welcome!

[kjones]

23. Went there once during the summer...

it was like another planet. Really cool.

Bonus: The prairie dogs were cute at hell too!

[Scuba]

89. Thanks!

[JohnnyRingo]

24. Welcome back

Certainly your stellar contributions to the photography group were missed. I'm glad you're back.

[Scuba]

90. Thank you!

[valerief]

25. Glad to read the only things you killed were hours. Gorgeous pictures! nt

[Scuba]

91. Thank you!

[Staph]

26. I've driven that loop many times, but never in winter.

Your photos are lovely!



(But where are the pictures of the jackalopes from Wall? )

[Scuba]

92. Thank you!

Didn't see any jackalopes.

[Duval]

27. Gorgeous pictures.

Glad you're back Scuba.

[Scuba]

93. Thank you!

[FSogol]

28. Is "Part 2: Wild Asses Licked My Car" SFW?

Or is it a metaphor for the Democratic Primaries?

[Scuba]

94. For you to decide ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027693671

[sgmcenroe]

29. Glad you enjoyed my country

I live in Rapid City and visit the Badlands, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park and the rest of the Black Hills frequently with my camera. It provides endless photo opportunities. You had some great stuff. Welcome back anytime - remember Spearfish Canyon and nearby Devils Tower too.

[Jackilope]

54. East River SD

So in awe of the beauty on your side of the state. Don't visit there often enough.

Happy to see a positive and beautiful mention of South Dakota aside from some of our embarrassing politics.

[Scuba]

99. I'm now a big fan of SD. This was my first ever trip to your state. Lovely.

[Scuba]

95. Spearfish Canyon and Devils Tower are both on the agenda for May, on the way to Yellowstone ...

Here's my bit on Custer and Wind Cave ... http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027693671

[kdmorris]

30. That is absolutely breathtaking!

but looks incredibly cold! -from the wilds of Florida Suburbia

(and welcome back!)

[Scuba]

96. Thank you!

[zentrum]

31. Wow. Brilliant.

[Scuba]

97. Thank you!

[Little_Wing]

32. Aren't those Senior Passes the best?!

Whoever came up with that idea has my undying gratitude... that pass has provided so much beauty to my impoverished retirement.

Awesome photos, Scuba.

Your next installment reminds me Frank Zappa: Weasels Ripped My Flesh

[NBachers]

44. I highly endorse the Senior Passes- it doesn't just admit you, but your entire carload.

I've also flashed it at State facilities, and got a break there, too. It never hurts to ask.

I live not far from Muir Woods, and use my card there frequently to get myself and my party in for free.

And it's good for the rest of the long life I intend to live!

[Scuba]

98. Thanks. Yep, love my Senior Pass!!

[gademocrat7]

33. Stunning photos

Thank you for sharing and welcome back.

[Scuba]

100. Thank you!

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

34. Banished to the Badlands...

...well I hope you learned your lesson

Seriously, those are beautiful pics--makes me want to visit there.

Thanks for sharing

[Scuba]

101. You're so welcome!

[Divernan]

35. Thanks so much for sharing these glorious photos!

I've never seen photos of the badlands before. Quite breath-taking.

[Scuba]

102. Thank you!

[Eleanors38]

36. Nice pictures, Scuba.

[Scuba]

103. Thank you!

[awoke_in_2003]

37. Looks like fun

glad that you, and some others, are back. Hopefully the Admins will get this under control. Some people need their ability to alert removed

[Scuba]

104. Thanks. Glad to be back.

[Blue_In_AK]

38. Stunning photos!

Be sure to bring lots of memory cards when you come to Alaska this summer.

[Scuba]

105. Thanks! Especially meaningful coming from you!

[stage left]

39. Those pictures are Magnificent.

what a beautiful place.

[Scuba]

106. Thanks. Yes, it's stunning.

[thereismore]

40. Stunning! Thank you. nt

[Scuba]

107. You're so welcome!

[AllyCat]

41. Welcome back!!

Hopefully more will come back.

[Scuba]

108. Thank you!

[swilton]

42. Thank you Scuba!

There has to be another word for beautiful!

[Scuba]

109. Thank you!

[Iwillnevergiveup]

43. Scuba - ALL of these photos

are National Geographics worthy. Breath taking, really. Thanks for posting.

[Scuba]

110. Wow, thank you!

[A Little Weird]

45. Wonderful pics!

That place is definitely on my bucket list.

[Scuba]

111. Thank you!

[Dont call me Shirley]

46. Stunning pics. A beautiful trip.

[Scuba]

112. Thank you!

[Hortensis]

47. I had no idea winter was the time to visit the Badlands.

Of course having spent my entire adult life in California, southwestern deserts, and Florida ... Well, it is a wonderfully new idea. I've always wanted to live with where the winters are white after all.

Your pictures are magnificent. And welcome back.

BTW, August is a very profound time to visit Death Valley too -- when it is the most what makes it so remarkable. We never saw anyone else, but at least the Park Service doesn't actually shut down and leave for the summer as it used to.

[Scuba]

113. Thank you! Death Valley in August sounds like a hot, and fun, time!

[Hortensis]

132. Furnace hot, awesome, and somewhat frightening.

[Jefferson23]

48. Outstanding! Thanks Scuba, looking forward to part 2. K&R

[Scuba]

114. Thank you!

[emmadoggy]

49. I LOVE the Badlands!

But I've never seen them in winter. Your photos are breathtaking!! Thanks for sharing them!

[Scuba]

115. You're so welcome!

[Rex]

50. Wow! Wonderful pictures!

Glad to have you ALL back! Was kinda getting weird around here people suddenly vanishing.

[Scuba]

116. Thank you!

[KT2000]

51. Amazing!

love the photos and that is the only way I will see the Badlands.

[Scuba]

117. Thank you!

[leveymg]

52. Your life is a lot more scenic than mine. Welcome back!

Maybe I should try the detention room.

[Scuba]

118. Thank you!

[think]

53. Gorgeous pics Scuba! WB!!

[Scuba]

119. Thank you!

[peacebird]

55. We saw the Badlands in July of 2014. Gorgeous then, gorgeous in your photos too!

[Scuba]

120. Thank you!

[Silver_Witch]

56. Wow Beautiful

I have never read your posts (not that I recall) - however, maybe this is a better way to spend ones days rather than holed up with a computer. How beautiful.

[Scuba]

121. Thank you!

[Capt.Rocky300]

57. Spectacular photos......

and looking forward to seeing your posts again. Especially asses licking your car.

[Scuba]

122. Thank you!

[rhett o rick]

58. Welcome back. Great photos, thanks for posting. nm

[Scuba]

123. Thank you!

[JDPriestly]

59. Wow! Beautiful.

[Scuba]

124. Thank you!

[mckara]

60. Wow! The Magnificent American West!

Beautiful photos!

[Scuba]

125. Thank you!

[NuclearDem]

61. I have no words. Good Lord, that's some natural beauty!

I've now added BNP to my list. How strenuous were the trails?

[Scuba]

126. Thanks. The trails we used were all level terrain, some even had boardwalks. Great destination....

... for handicapped folks and others who aren't up to strenuous hikes. You can see lots and lots from your vehicle.

[NuclearDem]

133. Excellent. I'm planning on visiting Zion and the neighboring Utah parks

but I'll certainly be seriously scheduling Badlands now.

Glad you had such a great time up there!

[Liberal_in_LA]

62. Kick

[Scuba]

127. Thanks!

[oldandhappy]

63. Beautiful!!

Tempted to say Time Outs are great! I am eager for part II. Your photos are wonderful.

[Scuba]

128. Thank you so much!

[hopemountain]

64. the striations are magnificent!

thanks, scuba.

[Scuba]

129. You're so welcome!

[Skittles]

65. YOU WANT I SHOULD KICK YOUR LONG-ABSENT ASS, SCUBA?

YOU KNOW I WOULD DO THAT FOR YOU MY SWEET

[Scuba]

130. I got it kicked hiking at elevation in the Rockies, so I'm good, but thanks anyway.

[Helen Borg]

66. Looks like you did just fine without DU!

[Scuba]

131. Yep. Thanks for the reply.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

135. Wow, scuba! Breathtaking images. I've been in timeout myself and I used that time to create four...

...new websites selling products as an affiliate representative and three are already making money (and I expect the 4th to do so as well, but I still have to put together a marketing campaign to get it off the ground).

I spent my timeout tapping away at a keyboard in a loft office with no windows while you went out and experienced life. I'll make money from now on with those websites, but I'm not sure they'll ever match the value of the experience you had while taking these spectacular images along your timeout journey.

Well done!

[Scuba]

136. I never heard of anyone laying on their deathbead saying ...

... "I wish I'd spent more time at the office."

That said, I understand your plight. I retired eight years ago now and haven't missed work even once.

When my friend Jim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he and his wife immediately booked an Alaskan cruise. My advice: don't wait that long to reach for your dreams.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

137. "...don't wait that long to reach for your dreams." Amen to that! nt