The Black Hills (Wind Cave National Park) P.S. Alec

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I'm sure my traveling companions have already apologized for the lack of entries, so I won't. We've just been having a bit too much fun with too few hotspots available. It falls upon me to discuss with you the Black Hills as a region, a religious idea, and a national forest, as well as its underground adornment, Wind Cave. I had previously read about the Black Hills of course; they are sacred to the Sioux tribe, the natives got screwed over, they're now vacationland for rich whities, etc. I was somewhat skeptical, as I am wont to be on occasion. However, the impact those lands had upon me was formidable. There really are certain areas of this world that humans can sense; they are not just turf to grind our hooves into, forests to burn for warmth, herds to sacrifice for food. I can tell you the reader with certainty (and I did not think I would ever be able to say this) that some parts of this earth are sacred. The land of the Black Hills is one of those areas. The walker upon sacred ground such as that receives, shall I say, certain feedback from the earth (please don't make fun of me). Steps become jolting impacts that one strives to lighten; every footfall seems to echo and reverberate through the land, creating ripples that stretch into the distance and obscurity. I found myself waiting for an answer, a response to my presence. Who would have thought that a two thousand pound bull buffalo would have such light footfalls, and that a two hundred and fifty pound human would jar and disturb the bones of the earth with every breath and cautious step? I have never experienced such a profound polar feeling, of simultaneous new found love for America, along with new found hate. We have to check out, so that's all I have time for. Perhaps a more informative post later on. Alec

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Photos

Prairie Dog
There were thousands of these, both in the Badlands and Wind Cave. Cute, but a real nuisance to the ranchers.

"Boxwork" formations
Wind Cave is home to most of the world's boxwork. There are no stalagmites or stalactites in this extensive cave system. The boxwork was formed by a unique process that only occurs in a few places.

Alec tries to walk softly
The Black Hills are a very spiritual place.

The Crazy Horse Monument
One family has been working on this enormous monument for over 50 years. If you look closely you can get a sense of scale from a bulldozer and some people on his outstretched arm.

Comments

[diane]

That's MY nephew!
Thanks so much for the update and you really make me want to go there and try to connect as you have. Yes, our "footsteps" have a profound effect, it's about time we started realizing this and dedicating ourselves to making a difference. Thank you, Alec.

[Mike]

great park
Really underrated landscape there. Wind Cave is a must do if in the area especially if you like wildlife: http://www.parkcamper.com/Wind-Cave-National-Park/Wind-Cave-wildlife.htm