Across the Plains

We say farewell to the hills and valleys of the west, and head out across the plains of the midwest. Our last view of the varied geology of the west is the Badlands, where I guide Mackenzie down a gravel road for about 15 miles. We're rewarded at the end with a herd of grazing bison. It's tempting to wander out and get closer to them, but we're told that they don't take kindly to humans up close and personal, so we stay close to the car.
In order to leave the Badlands, we have to face down a band of territorial prairie dogs reluctant to yield the road. We stand our ground, and manage to get through without bloodshed. We're off to Wall Drug for refreshments.