Bob was invited to join Zach and five of his friends for a weekend of camping and backpacking the the Badlands of South Dakota. My sole involvement was to provide clean sheets and breakfast for the group as they made an overnight stop here on Thursday night enroute to S.D.
From Bob's report, the weekend was a success. Daytime weather was sunny and somewhat pleasant...nights were in the low 20's and chilly...especially since he slept on the ground with no tent. They enjoyed some beautiful sunsets...
Age-wise, Bob has twice the years of the others, but holds his own for stamina. They walked a
total of 19 miles over rough terrain, carrying large, heavy packs.
In fact Bob's pack was just a bit heavier than he realized. Zach finds it very funny to try and secretly slip stuff into other people's packs and Bob discovered he had carried a plastic light saber...complete with heavy D-size batteries.
Zach also carried a little extra weight...his stunt kite. No worries about power lines or trees!
This time of year the park was pretty much deserted, but they did have a big horn sheep wander by. (It almost looks photoshopped, doesn't it!)
And you can always count on seeing some buffalo...
Backpacking has never been something I would do. Camping I might consider, but not under the primitive conditions that this trip involved. So...although It meant spending a long, quiet weekend by myself, I love that our boys still enjoy having their dad be a part of their adventures!
(Thanks to Jen S. for the photos!)
Your egg bake, muffins and hospitality were a bigger part of this trip than I think you realize. Thanks again!
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