October is always an uncertain time of the year in Lakota territory. Last year at this time, JhonDuane and I drove through the Blizzard of 2013 in my trusty little Toyota, from Rapid City to Denver, so Jhon could officiate at the wedding of his son, Will's friend, Chris Peters. We were on the road for over 13 hours. Truthfully, we risked our lives on this journey. We are lucky to have arrived in Colorado without incident.
Once we finally got there, though, the greetings were warm, the weekend was wonderful, and the groom's and bride's families were grateful and welcoming. Coming back, however, everywhere we looked were indications of a holocaust, and a grim reminder of what might have been our fate...
This year, the weather has smiled on Lakota territory, and the weather- though it has offered cold and briefly snowy conditions- have also offered wonder-filled halcyon days.
I have taken every opportunity available to enjoy these gorgeous, golden days, to revel in the beauty of this amazing land I call home.
Last weekend I journeyed to Kaga Paha Sapa (shamefully re-named, Harney Peak). This time, I took a detour to the heart of "The Nest of the Wakinyan"- the Sacred Winged (roughly translated).
How to describe it? I cannot. I will simply post the photos:
The day was beautifully sunny and warm. I was over-dressed in my Levis!
Fall Rose leaves
Rose Hips
Bearberry, used for urinary tract infections, and used in a mixture called Kinnikinnik, which is smoked by American Indians.
It is amazing to me the tenacity of plants to grow where literally there is no soil, and- to all appearances, only rock from which they spring!
Wild currants
Campanula, or Blue Bells.
Late-season Aster
Don't know what this tiny little flower is, but it is so lovely!
Fall strawberry runners
We have had an abundance of rain in the Black Hills this year, and the water is flowing everywhere!
In wandering off the path I discovered some interesting rock shelters.
Something slept under this rock shelter, and swept the ground smooth!
Hmmm... this was a big fellow!
The igneous rock formation known as The Needles in guide books, is more commonly known as the Nest of the Wakinyan- the Sacred Winged ones by the Lakota.
Nearing the Nest...
Once we finally got there, though, the greetings were warm, the weekend was wonderful, and the groom's and bride's families were grateful and welcoming. Coming back, however, everywhere we looked were indications of a holocaust, and a grim reminder of what might have been our fate...
This year, the weather has smiled on Lakota territory, and the weather- though it has offered cold and briefly snowy conditions- have also offered wonder-filled halcyon days.
I have taken every opportunity available to enjoy these gorgeous, golden days, to revel in the beauty of this amazing land I call home.
Last weekend I journeyed to Kaga Paha Sapa (shamefully re-named, Harney Peak). This time, I took a detour to the heart of "The Nest of the Wakinyan"- the Sacred Winged (roughly translated).
How to describe it? I cannot. I will simply post the photos:
The day was beautifully sunny and warm. I was over-dressed in my Levis!
It is amazing to me the tenacity of plants to grow where literally there is no soil, and- to all appearances, only rock from which they spring!
Late-season Aster
Fall strawberry runners
The igneous rock formation known as The Needles in guide books, is more commonly known as the Nest of the Wakinyan- the Sacred Winged ones by the Lakota.
Nearing the Nest...
In the Eye of the Needle
A rock...
between a rock
and a hard place!
Shadow Woman
was my constant
companion!
It was a great opportunity to wear
some beautiful new earrings–
a gift from Jhon ...
& a new
Jhon Goes in Center Creation!
Truly, beauty surrounds us!
