Cliff dwellings in New Mexico or Arizona? No, this is a closeup of an outcropping of North Dakota gumbo clay. It has been eroded by wind and water for countless years. Places like this are commong in the badlands of  North Dakota where we ranch. This formation located near Camels Hump Lake in western North Dakota, serves to house and shelter swallows  that come to the area during the summer.
Taken Feb. 1,2009

January 3,2009

Empty coal train headed back west from North Dakota into Montana. Taken just east of Wibaux, MT near the MT/ND state line. If this train were headed the other way it would  have 4 or more engines helping with the load of coal due to an incline.

The coal produced in MT, WY,ND is an important energy source endangered by possible government policies. This could greatly harm the economies of the states and the communites that depend on coal and energy production from it.