Whittled by a half million years of wind and rain, the haunting claystone hills and buttes of Badlands National Park rise above the surrounding sea of grasslands.
A glimpse at the vice-regal residence reveals a certain Byronic romanticism.It is battlemented, with sham turrets, massive chimney-stacks, and a good deal of carved stone.
Even the most seasoned firefighters say it doesn't make sense how a house like this can be standing, the bushes are green, and yet, just a few steps away, everything next door gone.
In between two powerful tides from Normandy and Brittney stands the Gothic style Benedictine Abby named after and dedicated to the Arch Angel Saint Michael.