D9 - 05/07/24 BISON CHIPS

It was a cold one today. High of only 48*. Outside it had gone down to 41* last night with the interior of the Airstream having gone down to just 56* this morning. Not bad for no heat on during the night. 

Last night was our first night turning on the onboard heater. And it would not stay lite. It was tested before departure but since then Tim added a new regulator so that could be the issue. Plan B … Buddy Heater. Tim wanted to trouble shoot the Airstream heater today but it was windy, cold and raining. He will try again tomorrow. AND our city water inlet is leaking. But it’s only an issue when connected to water. No hook-ups here so it’s not concern now. I’ve ordered a new part that we will pick-up in Montana later in the week. 

The weather also would not allow for any hikes today. So instead we took a beautiful drive in the rain on the Scenic Loop Drive. I’m not sure what I expected here but obviously it wasn’t what I had imagined. 

I so get why President Theodore Roosevelt fell in love with this area. And because of this he created and established so much! The US Forest Service, 1906 Antiquities Act, 18 National Monuments, five National Parks, 150 National Forests and dozens of federal reserves. This park was established in 1947 to honor him. 

Along the scenic drive we saw bison, feral horses, lots of prairie dogs, more bison, turkeys, bison calves, prong horn antelopes and mule deer. Before returning to the Airstream we headed to the Visitors Center to learn more about this rugged beauty. It’s also known as Badlands here too. Rugged terrain that is so captivating. There are even coal seams visible. Personal items belonging to President Theodore Roosevelt are on display in the museum section at the Visitors Center. And a cabin used by Roosevelt before he became President is located there as well. It was well worth the stop to absorb all the historical information about this national park. 

The master of diversion was at it again. This evening while walking Jett in the open meadow she did her business and while I was picking that up she grabbed a nearby dried up bison chip. Did anyone hear me yell at her? As far as I can guess she didn’t eat any. It’s everywhere!