Badlands cont.

Awoke to a pleasant sunrise over Sage Basin.  Some acquaintances I made boiled some water and we talked travel whilst packing for our next day of adventure, respectively. Victoria and Swain are from Ireland and Scotland, taking a three-year hiatus to travel: the Americas, New Zealand, Australia, and South-east Asia. Ultra-inspiring to see two individuals, successful in their own rites, coming together to create such an incredible experience. Cheers.  I made my way back to the hiking trails to soak in some scenery and finagle a little with the living circumstance.  Unpacking the Land Cruiser and attempting to repack in a more organized manner has become somewhat of a ritual.  Everything begins to settle into its place, making the experience that much more. While carving up the walking stick (photos of my Gandalf Staff soon.) I met a new family on their way from Quebec to San Diego to begin again, we talked a little chemistry/biochemistry and soaked in the sites.  Shortly thereafter, Melissa came down the hiking trail and asked me where I was taking the long board strapped to the racks. We hiked off the beaten path for a little and met up later in the day for a sunset. She was on a short road trip from Southern Minnesota to the Badlands and Black Hills then back.  Consistent company and substantial conversation was a nice cap to the Badlands visit.  Looking very much forward to seeing what direction life takes her.