In the order of the rhythm of Nature, Winter is a season for solitude, reflection on the past, contemplation on the future, and a time for staying home by the fire.This month I have done more than my fair share of all of this- especially the quiet reflection- on fire- and how quickly and completely it can destroy the past.
The house in which I raised my two children, where I raised my 4-footed children as well, was destroyed by fire this month. I don't think I will ever get out of my mind the horror of that image- in living color- (thank you (?) YouTube), nor the smell of smoke from my nose- even though I was over 2,000 miles away. Thankfully no people were hurt, although, sadly- 4-footed lives were lost.
Lost as well was the tangible evidence of centuries of saving... ancestral souvenirs, that, yes- Rosses, Boydens, Poblenz', Thompkins, Crosses, Mackenzies, DeCarterets, and all those relatives, as far back as memory can go- proved that they once lived, loved and passed on to the future the very best they could give to their children.
So now my children will go forward, as David Ross and Catherine Ross, and even Old Irad- the "Horse Thief" did, when they started their lives in the New World-with what they could make with their own two hands, the clothes they had on their backs. Maybe a cleansing every 7 generations is a good thing. (I'll let you know when I feel "cleansed".)
Since this event, I have undergone a sort of mourning period. It was time to reflect on all that I had left behind for my children- and was now lost. The weather seemed determined to enforce this process. It stormed considerably, making it impossible for my usual coping strategy of heading to the hills- to heal in the surroundings of the natural world.
However, the sun eventually does return, and with it a warm and Spring-like day. This weekend provided one such day, and like a little kid I grabbed it! I met up with Jhon in Hot Springs- on the Southern-most edge of the Black Hills, and we headed to a most beloved spot- the Cascade Springs.
This is a very special wakan spot- resplendent at all times of the year with the best of Nature's blessings.
This Fall we gathered an enormous amount of grapes- enough to supply many people with deliciously pungent jelly. There were still grapes aplenty after our day of gathering to feed the many wild turkeys that watched us suspiciously from a judicious distance.
These waters bubble to the surface at all times of the year, warmed by volcanic action far beneath the surface. Even in the Winter the water has no ice and is tepid to the touch. It was tempting to think of a dip, but--no! ;^)However many small fishes who occupy the spring were more than glad to continue their enjoyment of it!
Because of this lovely warmth, the springs and waters which surge forth from it are edged in emerald at all times of year.
As a result, all manner of life are drawn to it for drink, food and healing of the spirit. It was for this purpose that I came to the spring.
The waters which splash down and away from the spring have already been on a long, long journey. They have traveled far underground- through the Black Hills. In doing so, and over the eons of time- they have carved out from the bowels of the earth- places such as Wind Cave, Jewel Cave and many other caves as well.
After their emergence, the waters rush on westward and create the radiant Cascade Falls- a favorite swimming spot during the hot South Dakota sultry summer days.
It was to this spot we traveled next...
These falls happen in a spot much more open and prairie-like, although they are only a few miles West of the Springs. Here the river has cut a deep gouge into the earth, making a micro-climate of abundant vegetation along its edges. This attracts much wildlife. We startled several indignant ducks into the air upon our arrival. After the considerable snow and rain this winter, the run-off has made the river a force to be respected as it rushes past us and slides down the rocky steps.
Truly a lovely spot in which to pause, reflect, refresh and heal the spirit...
good for some photos as well!
After our busy afternoon we were hungry, so we capped the day with a meal at the All Star Grill in Hot Springs. There they offer delicious home-style meals- like chicken-fried steak, served by friendly people who make you feel like special guests!
Lingering long over the meal looking at photos, finally it was time to head on home. What better way than a big ol' Prairie moon lighting the way home... whispering possibilities of a happier tomorrow!
