Okay, okay, okay. I know I hyped up Wall Drug for the past week, and I know I probably shouldn’t have because it’s very kitschy and dangerous place to be if you have a wallet. And I know I barely mentioned the Badlands, even though that’s what we were actually really excited about. But it all came to fruition today and I don’t think I’m jumping to conclusions when I say that today was one of (if not the) best days of the ride so far. I mean, how could it not be?

We left our stayover this morning with our eyes peeled for the first signs of rock formations and buttes. We got a few glimpses of what was to come, and then our first rest stop was at the Badlands trading post (read: touristy convenience store with prairie dogs next door). A few of us went to see the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site a mile away, but it was closed! Then, to save money, we shuttled into the national park group by group instead of riding in. At mile 23 we had our snack break at a scenic overlook, and the view was breathtaking..!

Over a third of our 57 mile ride was through the Badlands, and it was easily the most scenic ride we’ve had so far (I feel like that comes as no surprise.) Our lunch break was at another overlook, and though it was super bright and hot, the view was worth the climbs. It’s nice to have a shorter day because we can stop and take photos or explore a bit without worrying about getting to the stayover too late.

Once we got to Wall, about 9 miles out of the park, we headed to the one and only Wall Drug!! We got free ice water, 5 cent coffee, great donuts, photos, and souvenirs! After we fulfilled our touristy desires we filled our stomachs (thank you to our hosts!) and then took the van back out to the park to hike and watch the sunset. It was really magnificent to watch the sun disappear over the ragged edges of the canyons, buttes, and hoodoos in the summer evening air— I wish I could give y'all the same feeling through the screen!

It’s awe inspiring to be standing atop a canyon and looking over what seems to be the rest of the world; nature as far as the eye can see and the endless sky as its companion. Today marks the halfway point, and for many reasons including that, it feels pivotal. We’ve come so far and yet life stretches further. Onwards!

— Marielle