Valley of the Cathedral Spires

 Let Us Pray...

 We have had wonderful weather all year this year. With much rainfall this Spring and Summer, the wildflowers have been abundant, and the prairie hills were verdant graceful waves, with sleek, grazing bands of horses, cattle, buffalo, antelope, and others of the hooved Nations.

Autumn in the Black Hills has been exceptionally beautiful this year, as well. Perhaps however, it merely seems the more so– with the knowledge that the brilliant beauty of South Dakota would soon dissolve into sweeping sheets of whites, greys and umber, and deep blue shadow.

In those last few precious moments, when all of Nature seems to hold Her breath at the height of glorious crescendo– I go to the 'Hills as often as I can, visiting the sacred Hinhan Kaga Paha, where it is my pleasure to worship...

A Journey to the Center of All That Is

On Sunday Jhon and I decided to go climb Epahaska (Harney Peak). Since Jhon had other responsibilities earlier in the day, we agreed to meet at Sylvan Lake.

I arrived first. It was beautiful and sunny, so I took a few photos of Sylvan Lake.

There were many people here, grilling food, canoing, fishing, swimming and walking around the short path that girdles the lake. It was so beautiful and warm, I found an empty picnic table and dozed in the sun.

As I gazed at the sky, an Osprey lazily circled the water in search of a fishy feast. The colors are just turning here. Persistent breezes stirred all around into dazzling shimmery foliage.

A few clouds appeared in the sky- here and there people started to break camp. But when Jhon arrived at 3:30, we started up the path.

This is one of my favorite hikes in the Black Hills. At every season there's something new to see, and I was excited to go.

A short way down the path the sky clouded over and it began to rain. I wasn't too worried as it was a light rain, although it was cooling down.

Later, the sun came out and a brilliant rainbow spanned the massive mountain. I thought it a good sign- perhaps the skies would clear to a brilliant sunset.

Instead, the skies opened up in a more serious manner. Jhon and I quietly donned what meager supply of protective wear we'd brought, and continued up the path.

The rain was steady and cool. I wished now that I had brought the wool sweater I had briefly considered, then rejected. After all- it was in the high 70's then!

The Bee Balm (Monarda, Bergamot, aka. Horse mint) liked the damp weather anyway!

Soon the air turned much colder- this was no summer shower, but a serious front moving over the Black Hills. Still, Jhon kept moving forward- and I was glad to follow!

Finally we reached the top! The last few hundred steps were the most punishing of all... until we turned the corner and saw the tower- and knew we'd made it!

The weather at the top was very serious. These pictures don't in any way do justice to the powerful forces we experienced.

We were really soaked, the air was turning seriously cold, the wind was gale-force, and I was sobered at its ferocity! With wind-chill to be considered, we agreed not to linger. We paused for a few moments of thanks, then began the return trip.

The way down was long and arduous. On top of very tired muscles, the dark descended prematurely as clouds thickened. The path was slippery and cruelly demanding to already exhausted limbs. While Jhon was stoic as always, I must say that I was not! My bones HURT!
Though I knew the way pretty well in daylight, in darkness all looked unfamiliar and disorienting.

I'm not ashamed to say I whispered a few prayers along the way. Luckily, we reached the sign at the beginning of the trail before the light finally died for good. Still, what should have been a three minute walk back to the car was far longer. I was grateful for the beautiful white quartz and mica that graced the path, reflecting what there was of night-skylight.

It was wonderful to see the parking lot lights, and there- my old car patiently waiting, with its very efficient heater! An hour later- it was hot baths and Margaritas.

What was left of the evening was given to quiet conversation, and I- in reflection of the wonder of Nature, the powerful forces that live on that mountain, the fragile nature of humans, & sincere thanks for a good end to a very rewarding & enlightening day!