Exploring nature from up high Published Sept. 8, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs BADLANDS, N.D. -- The nights were cold and the hiking trails were long, yet nothing would stop them from setting eyes on the extraordinary viewpoints the Little Missouri Badlands had to offer. Whether it was a wild American Bison roaming the wild or an untamed horse looking for fresh grass to eat, they never hesitated to whip out their cameras and retain a glimpse of one of America's greatest sceneries. A group of Airmen here enjoyed their extended Labor Day weekend by taking part in an adventurous and exciting outdoor excursion at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, N.D., Sept. 3. "I wanted to get out of Minot and see other places. I had planned on going back to Medora," said Senior Airman Nathaniel L. Dykstra, 5th Communications Squadron land mobile radio technician and hiking buff. Oddly enough, Airman Dykstra stumbled upon the campgrounds last summer after taking a detour. "What drew me back to hike at the park were the mountain trails," Airman Dykstra said. "These trails are rare for North Dakota, plus the extra time gave me a good chance to go out and explore." "The scenery there is a bit different from this part of the state," he said. "It's not as flat." Airman Dykstra said they prepared for their camping trip by bringing with them tents, food, water, sleeping bags and some extra cash to spend on souvenirs. Relishing the views from the grand heights of Buck Hill to the River Bend Overlook, Airman Dykstra explained how he and his buddies enjoyed the sightseeing and hiking opportunities the area has to offer. "I really enjoyed taking pictures of Wind Canyon and climbing down into it," said Airman Dykstra. "We also visited the western style stores in Medora, we took lots of pictures and we saw a lot of bison." "Medora makes you feel like you are in the wild West," Airman Dykstra added. Concurringly, Airman 1st Class Justin T. Lowery, 5th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment specialist, said he also noticed the unique western touch throughout Medora's weathered buildings. "The town has an old time feel to it," Airman Lowery said. "It has nice western style shops and the people there are very friendly." Airman Lowery was also one of several Airmen who joined the camping trip. "My favorite moment in the trip was hiking around a nature trail that had historical points and stops with information about the specific area you'd be hiking through," Airman Lowery said. Airman Lowery is a Tennessee native and said this hiking trip reminded him of being back at home. "In Tennessee there are lots of trails to go hiking in and I used to go up in the mountains on the weekends with my buddies all the time," Airman Lowery said. "The trip was awesome," he continued. "I really like the way the hills were shaped and all the animals we were able to see. I just liked the wilderness in general." The park offers various outdoor activities for its visitors including: backcountry camping, bicycling, horseback riding, fishing, wildlife viewing and canoeing. Unfortunately, the Airmen did not have time to do it all, nevertheless they said they really enjoyed themselves. With the winter days fast approaching, it never hurts to take advantage of the opportunities one has to go out and enjoy the sights North Dakota has to offer. For this group of Airmen, enjoying a fun filled get-together not only brought back memories but served as an adventurous way to relax and enjoy the company of good friends.