In this post you’ll find our layout a bit flip-flopped with the poem from Kate coming at the beginning instead of at the end. Enjoy her words and the pictures below!
The Hidden Badlands
Brown and brittle
December prairie
rolls and undulates
right on through
the horizon.
With no warning
the earth collapses
into canyons
of striped rock
marbled with a dusting
of snow.
It seems a barren
wasteland,
a trap
waiting
to ensnare
an unassuming
passerby.
Do not be deceived.
Be still
and watch.
Finches flutter,
solitaires soar,
and chickadees chirp
their cheerful hellos.
A squirrel scampers
then leaps
onto a lush green branch
of pine.
Despite their name,
given by others,
they are a sustaining source
for generations of life.
Driving up to the Badlands, along a highway bordered by a flat, barren landscape, you would never know that… 
…this scenery was lying beyond the horizon, or better yet, beneath it. 
I wanted to climb up to the top for a picture. Kate reminded me, with the heavy wind and icy ground, not to mention the plummeting drop on either side of the peak, that that probably wasn’t a good idea. So, this is the farthest I got. 
Apart from the stunning scenery of the canyons, there was also plenty of wildlife roaming about like this Bighorn Sheep… 
…and buffalo… 
…which were massive! 
Across some vistas, the landscape looked Martian. 
Other times, it seemed as if each peak was an individual island scattered across a brown, lifeless ocean. 
And, unsurprisingly, the sunset did not disappoint!
Worn Out Shoes 
It is good to see you are “on the road again”. We enjoy the poems as well!!!
Dan&Karen
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Thanks! We are happy to be traveling again too!
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It is really nice to read your writing.
I restart school life in Melbourne, struggling with readings and assignments,but enjoy and excited.
Missing you
From the most lovely people in the whole world: theresaaaaaaaa!!!
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Hi, Theresa!!!! (The most lovely person in the whole world!!!!!!!!!)
It is SO GREAT to hear from you! We’re really happy you read our blog!
I hope you are doing well in Melbourne! Good look with your readings and assignments–hopefully you are able to have classes in person.
I miss you, too!
From the second most lovely person in the world: Kaaaaaattte!
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