Custer State Park is where we will set up camp tonight. Rumor has it that this is the place to see wildlife!
Around the first bend...
And the second...
Coming back to the campsite after class...loved my classroom today.
Upon awakening, we set the intention to seek out Custer's resident herd of buffalo. All four of us have been anticipating this for some time. It was amazing to meet one up close, but we want to see them in bulk.
To Native Americans, the bison is a symbol of abundance. The presence of these animals in great numbers insured food through their meat, clothing and warmth through their hides and tools through their bones. The strength and unity of these great animals was admired and respected. Winding through Custer, cameras poised, we were ready. Each time we crept around a narrow curve in the road, our expectations rose, then immediately fell as we encountered yet another field of prairie dogs.
Or donkeys in the road.
Just when we were about to give up and turn around, we saw a couple of tell-tale stopped cars up ahead. Hundreds of buffalo were before us.
Bulls, and mamas and babies. They appear so suddenly, and with no warning. Silent.
They look as though they'd be loud and clumsy, but they're so peaceful.
Gives me the urge to smoke a pipe (pipestone, of course) and let the smoke carry my prayers for abundance, strength and unity to the heavens.
It's too soon to tell, but Custer State Park may be one of my favorite places of the trip.
Checking out Mt. Rushmore next.
I finally had a chance to look at your posts! I love reading about the trip. Sounds like a very special, fun experience! And you even thought of me at the Mississippi ;)
ReplyDeleteI've had lots of email feedback, but this is my first official comment and it's very exciting! Thanks!
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