After a two-week break for travel, it was good to be on the trails again. We wanted to start with something pretty simple today and chose the trail at Badger Hole - the cabin of former South Dakota poet laureate Charles Badger Clark. It was indeed pretty simple and also pretty disappointing from our perspective.
This trail is much more about history than hiking. The beginning ascent provided a slight challenge, but it was short-lived. As you can see below, the entire hike took all of 16 minutes. The one to two hour time suggested by our guide book and the sign at the trailhead most certainly included time to stop and read the six information panels along the route. Needless to say, Pamela and I do not hike for history lessons, we hike for the scenery. In that regard, this trail was a bust. The only vegetation to speak of was some scraggly ponderosas, and even the summit didn't provide a desirable view.
For those of you who may be more interested in Badger Clark than us - and to humor the volunteer stationed there - we did take photos of the cabin and outdoor information panels. Maybe some of you can enjoy this trip more than we did.
*We did not have Pamela's phone with its GPS capabilities with us today. Our stats, other than total time, are estimates based on information provided in our guide book and at the trailhead.
Total Distance: .7 miles (approx.)
Max. Elevation: 5,085 feet (approx.)
Total Time: 16 minutes
Moving Time: 14 minutes (approx.)
Thankfully, the trails in Custer State Park are well-marked with these blue diamonds so there's little fear of a Willow Creek repeat.
A few items around the cabin hint at Clark's appreciation for music.
How many of these brands do you have in your home? Band-Aid; Listerine: Vick's; Polident?
Maybe you have some Schilling spices or Calumet baking powder. Everyone should have Baker's cocoa!
I'm sure this one is familiar to everyone.
I don't know who he danced with...
...but he must have done it often to need this many pairs of boots!
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