Oh my, the words can not express the sheer beauty of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and I seriously doubt that pictures would do it justice. Once seeing this magnificent place, I truly understand why TR loved this area and why he made it his personal goal to protect it from unnatural change.

Driving the 36 mile loop through the Southern region of the park was such an awesome sight. At the start of the drive we were delayed by a herd of buffalo blocking the road...huge creatures, yet gentle in their glide. Turning the next curve was a herd of wild mustangs - I picked the one I wanted as if I was going to lasso it and ride it back to camp. The horses stood as if they were striking a pose for a magazine. Throughout the drive the wild buffaloes and horses gathered in small herds as if they were waiting to have their picture taken.

Although the temperature was hitting close to the upper 90's, there was a slight overcast so hiking the trails was an even greater experience. If I had to pick a favorite trail, I would say it was Buck Hill. Even though it was only a short hike up a moderately steep hill, it offered a 360 view of many canyons, valleys and buttes. While at the top, the winds roared at about 45-50 MPH. It was so invigorating it was hard to leave for another trail.

After a full day of hiking it was time to call it quits so we headed back to camp at Red Trail RV Campground in Medora. There, we were entertained by the owner and anyone else who wanted to sing Karaoke. Fortunately, a guest from the night before had made a tape of songs from the old west and left it as a gift. I found the songs brought a true sensation of how the West really was born.

The town of Medora host a little history in itself and has marketed the town with stores of that era - most were pricey. The Medora Musical is an outdoor theater which performs every night at 8:30PM throughout the summer ($35); and, before the show you can eat at the Steak Fondu located next door ($26)... which is entertainment by itself.

The Little Missouri River runs through TRNP and has changed very little over the years. It is still a beautifully winding river that hides the fact that it is muddy and shallow for the most part. So kayaking wasn't part of this adventure.

Keeping the vivid pictures of the wild life, painted canyons and buttes branded my mind, I knew it was time to depart for my next adventure in South Dakota.