We arrived in the Badlands of South Dakota on Friday afternoon.  On our way to our campgrounds we had to stop to let a herd of cattle cross the road.  Cowgirls and cowboys still round up the cattle for market.  You may be looking at your next burger!
  

The forces of nature at work in the Badlands for 120 million years, have resulted in a stunning topography that transcends mere photos. 

 

Deposits from the inland sea, volcanic eruption, decaying plant and animal life, and sediments washing down from the Black Hills have been eroded by rain, rivers, glacial meltwater, plant roots, and wind.  The red striations indicate periods of heavy vegetation; the yellow areas resulted from the breakdown of shale by the roots of a tropical jungle during a very wet period 67 million years ago.

 

Decay, eruption, and sediment can also erode our lives--unless you're as lucky as I (Jim) am to find someone stupid enough to stay married to you for so long.  Happy 40th, crazy woman!