Cascade Fall-ies

On Saturday I worked all day accomplishing Activities of Daily Living.

So, Sunday I reckoned to be a day of, well- leisure. When I talked to JhonDuane on Saturday evening, I lobbied hard for anything that would get me-

"Out of Dodge"! He being one to mull things over before speaking, offered that he would sleep on it. So did I.

Sunday dawned blazingly hot. As I lay in bed listening to the radio, SD-NPR affirmed that the temperature would be in the triple digits. I sat outside, sipping my coffee... for exactly 60 seconds... it was too damned HOT!

I was sure that JhonDuane would bow out in favor of staying cool- who could blame anyone with that forecast! But, when the phone rang, it was Jhon, saying that he had invited DJ and Austin to go to Cascade Falls for the day- and, could I meet them there? "Well, yes- of course!" I say. "Those two boys will be hungry, though- so I'll bring hot dogs!"  And- so it was. 

We all arrived at the same time- 2 PM. It was grindingly hot in the parking lot, and so- without further ado, we wasted no time traversing the stairs downward, and straight into the Cascade Falls.

I have mentioned Cascade Falls in previous blog entries. It is a lovely place to visit at any time of year. The water is a gorgeous deep blue-green, and it's sweet scent is a pleasure to experience.

Before I moved to the middle of the country, I had experienced swimming in the ocean, of course, and small town ponds. But this is far more enervating to all the senses.

It's a natural jacuzzi, sensuously sliding across skin in an almost decadent manner. Except for a few spots where the  current is strong, (requiring one to barnacle one's self to a rock!) one might almost be lulled to sleep with the gurgling sound of the water, gentle wind and surrounding birds' song.

JhonDuane has happy memories of swimming at the falls on hot summer days as a young boy. Once I had plunged in, I was quite happy to experience the falls up close and personal as well!

As it's name suggests, the falls "cascade downward, with pools of varying sizes-from ankle deep to well-over the head, so it makes the spot perfect for everyone from very small people to the end of the spectrum.

The water is refreshingly cool, but not nearly the numbing cold of the Atlantic that I endured at my family's cottage of Bethmere on the coast of Massachusetts.

DJ and Austin wasted no time plunging in...

yes- that is a picture of a SPLASH! (Austin)

...they swam and-

...got out...

...jumped in again...

...swam around some more- and...

...got out again...

... and so on... !

I was more leisurely...

much, much more leisurely!

... as was Jhon...

which was good- as it gave us the time to poke around, and take some photos!

Buffalo Berries...on the other side of the river- as was clearly pointed out to me!

When I figure out what these flowers are, I'll label them.

For now, just call 'em beautiful!

...you know what this is!

...meanwhile, the "water"-melon was cooled to just the right temperature!

...so, we left the guys to their own devices, and we migrated back up the hill to start the fire. It is amazing how a little time in the water can cause your eyes to want to close!

However, we managed to get an enormous amount of hot dogs cooked. We ate, and napped, ate a little more... napped again (well- I did, anyway).

Finally, the guys' "stomach-alarm" must have gone off- and they arrived in time for dinner...

...and to talk over the afternoon.

Finally, we headed back to Hot Springs, for some ice cream, and a few last precious moments to savor the day- before heading home...

by the light of "lochran ai nam bochd" (Lamp of the Poor).

...and the day became memory.

Addendum: Variegated Devil's Backbone, Japanese Poinsettia, Slipper Spurge, Redbird Cactus, Christmas Candle, Snow-On-the_Mountain
As happens in life, experiences are not linear. In fact they are multidimensional- as in interaction... that is- it is not over as long as the dialog is still continuing. 

I encountered an exquisite little plant just to the right of where you see the 'guys eating. A small little thing, yet it caught my attention with it's bold desire to 'announce with authority, its existence.

I have been hunting its name ever since. Funnily enough, I discovered it's name tonight... and- its name- is mine (sort of)!

* "form small white cups, known as cyathia,"

Do you suppose the strange and beautiful little flower recognized that we were sisters and spoke to me?

Euphorbia marginata
Snow-On-The-Mountain
EuphorbiaceaeEuphorbia marginata, or Snow-On-The-Mountain, is an erect annual native from Minnesota to Colorado and Texas. The light green leaves are ovate to oblong, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long. With broad variegated margins, the plants are conspicuous in the landscape, usually between 2-4 feet in height with a single stem. The latex is corrosive to the skin and may cause severe burns or dermatitis. As with all members of the Euphorbiaceae, plant parts should be handled with care, especially when sap is showing.

Blooming Time: Plants flower in early fall; the flowers (actually inflorescences and their showy bracts)form small white cups, known as cyathia, at the top and center of the plant. White and green bracts provide the coloring.

Native American Plants: An Ethnobotanical Dictionary, by Daniel E. Moerman; copyright 2009 by Daniel E. Moerman, All Rights Reserved;
Euphoria marginata, Snow on the Mountain, Lakota Antiheurmatic (External) Infusion of crushed leaves used as a liniment for swellings. Gynecological Aid Infusion of plant used by mothers without milk. (116:45)

July 4th: Part Two- It's All Downhill from Here

Part Two
Sunday morning was dark, dreary and Rapid City was thoroughly drenched in rain. Great for the flowers, not so good for an outside holiday like the 4th of July.

When the weather forecast predicted rain for the day, I canceled my plans to watch fireworks. I thought to perhaps just quietly read for the day. Then the phone rang...

Though the previous day had been filled with some lovely scenes, it was also draining. JhonDuane apparently felt the same. So we agreed to meet in Hot Springs, and through the Black Hills for the day, letting the winds take us wherever. I packed whatever I could get my hands on for picnic items, and headed South on 79.

The whole way down it rained. I thought to myself, well, if worst comes to worst, we can picnic in the car anyway! By the time I pulled into Hot Springs the rain was intermittent. By the time Jhon arrived, the rain had stopped, and there were patches of blue in the sky... and then, we headed North.

We drove through Wind Cave National Park with the thought of taking a tour...WRONG! The cars were overflowing the parking lot- and the rest prowled around like sharks looking for prey.

And so we continued on, and came across a large herd of buffalo.

Though it was a warm rain, some of the buffalo calves didn't look too happy with it all!
































Luckily, comfort isn't far away!













A magnificent bull crossed our path, talking to his ladies...



We left him to his interests...





As we drove on the sun came out, and blue skies made for a brilliant late afternoon.























The little car waited patiently while we got out to take some photos.



































I got a shot of the flax flowers...







... and someone got a shot of me!



















Which was reciprocated!















Touche!

















It was so remote in this part of the park, I couldn't help but feel this is exactly as it must have looked to the Lakota People, pre-contact.





























A few residents obligingly posed...




















The beauty of the road lured us further and further along...












































... and eventually into the achingly beautiful area of Buffalo Gap. It was through here that the buffalo wandered after they had emerged from Wind Cave, the Lakota People following...

So we began our drive back to Hot Springs, to the little roadside park, to grill some chicken, and enjoy the small picnic delicacies we had brought...













But first- one last stop-

our little friend serenaded us as we paused to view the breathless scene of blood-red earth!




The sun set over a long and leisurely meal, with plenty of good conversation. 

Then, at dusk- we meandered slowly back to the car, and drove reluctantly back to town... just in time, as it turned out- to join the crowd- young children and old ones alike- for the Grande Finale! 

Fireworks over Hot Springs- what a treat!

... not bad for a dark and dreary day!

July 4th: Part One- It's All Downhill from Here

Part One
When I was growing up in Boxford, Massachusetts, Dad had a buddy named Bud Littlefield. He was a wonderful actor- (as in stage), and- at that time, he was a building contractor of great artistry. He knew how to design a house in correct proportion, design correct to the style and period, with the correct scale. He knew how to put the little finishing touches on a place that educated eyes knew to value.

He helped me construct a major addition to my first house in West Newbury, Massachusetts- a small 1790's gem "in the rough". He would come at the crack of dawn on Mondays and explain to me what needed to be done. He kept a watchful eye on me for the first few minutes, then left me to do it. It was a pretty powerful gift he gave me- the trust that I could "get 'er done", back in the day when a "girl" didn't do that sort of guy stuff.

All the photos that went with that building project are now- "up in smoke." All I have are the memories. Yet- his kindness and trust that I could do the job will always be with me.

Bud used to like to come to my parents' house for morning coffee. In those days in Boxford, there was no such thing as a locked door. He would simply walk in the kitchen- often covered with plaster dust, mud (cement) or other evidence of "the job" he was working. My Mom would pour him coffee, and he would then talk in a knowledgeable way for- at least an hour- on whatever was the topic of the moment. At this time of year he would squint, look out the window and- in a sorrowful voice remark,

"Ay-yuh-sigh... Was drivin' past the pond on Gawhgetown road s'mah-nin'. Swump maples ah tuhnin'... ayuh! s'afteh the 4wth- 'xpect it's all downhill from he-yuh!"

Now Bud could speak the King's English with the best, but- he'd spent a deal of time in Maine, and could copp a "Bert & I" accent better than anyone else I ever met!

This past weekend, with no such thoughts, I looked forward to a luxurious 3-day 4th, with sugarplum ideas dancing in my brain, for a holiday that I naively thought to put in motion. What does the song say? "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans..."




So it was that- on Saturday, I found myself traveling- first South to Pine Ridge, and then on to Scottsbluff, NE.

On the way I picked up Nancy and 'Lizzie, and off we went to Pine Ridge. We arrived in time for lunch, and JhonDuane graciously fed us. Soon after we were back on the road. I was grateful that Jhon offered to drive, as it freed me up to appreciate the land before me that I had never seen.

It was a gloriously sunny day- in the high 80's, and a perfect "weather breeder" as they say in New England. As we sped South, Jhon pointed out a system that was forming- and remarked it had every potential for the spawn of severe weather. To my eyes- it was as beautiful as anything I have ever seen!

We marveled at it's continued expansion as we continued on our way. I was reminded how the sky out here is often written into books and movies as a major character. I do see why.

Once we arrived in Scottsbluff, we put our attention to our journey's purpose. While there, a tornado did in fact touch down, thankfully, not close to the hospital- though the sky looked strange indeed.

We started back North. The day had significantly changed, but nonetheless beautiful! As the storm advanced on its tyrannous path, we followed in respectful distance. The photos tell the story:













































The Old Rugged Cross.








Back in South Dakota, in Pine Ridge.



































That Warrior's territory.






Another fiery South Dakota sunset.

















The end of a long, long day.