Badlands Arrival
March 21, 2012
What fabulous driving weather I had today! It was 60 degress by the time I reached Sturgis, sunny all the way. Got off of I-90 in Wall to drive the Badlands loop on my way to the visitor's center to check in. Made just a couple brief stops since I needed to get in before the center closed to get the keys to my apartment. Can't wait to take my time exploring. Unpacked the car (amazing how much stuff I was able to cram into my little Civic), fixed a snack, then took a short walk to do a tiny little plein air sketch at sunset. Definitely need more plein air practice, it's too easy for me to slip into my slow, detailed studio habits. Had to keep wiping things out with the brush in order to finish before the light was gone. And this is just 4x6.” After that I met some of the other people living in the housing area. Astronomers, photographers, and a paleontologist. Something else I think I've failed to mention here is that there is a group of high school students from NYC visiting for a week; they arrived today as well. Their teacher, a poet, was an artist-in-residence here a few years ago. They have a whole week of activities planned out, and I'll join them for some. Tomorrow will be a 7am departure to tour the reservation, visit Sheep Mountain Table in the south unit, and tour a local high school.
(While I can get internet, I have to sit outside my apartment to pick it up, and even then it might not always work. I'm writing an entry every night, but might have to wait to post them until morning. Apologies for the delay!)