I got up early to catch the sunrise at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in South Dakota on 13 October during a road trip to visit family. I had spent the previous night tent camping in the park where temperatures dropped down into the 20’s (about minus 3 degrees C). I was warm enough in my little tent, though its outer surface was covered with frost when I first woke up.
It was dark when I started to drive slowly along the roads in the national park, but gradually the rising sun began to illuminate the spectacular landscape with its warm light. Here a couple of images that I was able to capture with my iPhone 11, which did a good job in somewhat difficult lighting conditions.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I loved Theodore Roosevelt National Park and I think you’ve captured the beauty of that landscape. I like the soft, warm colour palette.
Thanks, Laura. I had a wonderful two days at the park (which I first visited in 2022). I feared it might be crowded during the long weekend, but there were not a lot of other folks there, relatively speaking.
Beautiful photos!
Thank you for taking the time to share your photos with us. Truly God’s country! Have a great visit.
Thank you, Mike! I’ve only been there once. You’ve captured the sunrise beautifully. Camping? My other love! What a wonderful trip!
Some folks think that it is crazy to drive cross-country to visit my son and his family, but long road trips are enjoyable for me. I try to intersperse intensive periods of driving with relaxing interludes, like camping at the national park.
I’m crazy that way too, Mike. I understand. My oldest son was stationed in Idaho 6 years (then Alaska for 4 and Texas the last 2). My youngest son was stationed in Montana for 3, WA state for 3, and back to Missouri the last 2. In 2018, my pup and I (I kept my camper at the campground I was working) traveled about 9,000 miles and were gone for 2 months. It was so liberating heading west and visiting so many parks. I took my time. For the first time since my diagnosis, I’m leaving Saturday morning for Abilene to see my oldest. From there we (his family and I) will take the camper to Big Bend National Park. We want to camp together before he moves back to Alaska in January. Long road trips have always been my love. Windshield time gives me time with our Creator and peace exploring our great country. I’ve had lectures of love all evening as I prepare (and from my oncologist!). I’m happy for your time on the road and with family!
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. I definitely can relate to them. In this case, my trip highlight is spending time with my eight month old granddaughter. There are several cycles each day of sleeping, feeding, and playing and I am trying to help as much as I can to offer a little relief to the parents. Two years ago when I visited I spent the days visiting National Parks and taking photos–on this trip I am spending almost all of my time inside with the family enjoying the simplest of pleasures.
You’re welcome! That’s my favorite part of the trips too. Time with the family. Congratulations on your granddaughter. How precious! The best highlight!
Beautiful (chilly) morning scenes!
Beautiful! And congratulations on your granddaughter! How wonderful!
Thanks so much, Susan.