Cathedral Spires and the Pine Ridge Reservation

Our hike today was along Cathedral Spires. These stately stones were visible from Sylvan Lake and it was great to walk along the trails. It is certainly one of the most beautiful spots in the area. The clouds are fascinating artwork that completes the stone images. We detected some haze, which we were told were from  fires in Nebraska near Chablus. At the top of the spires, we rested and spend time in silence.

The day started out with doing some errands like getting a much needed haircut. I feel respectable again. I usually go to Walters in Rockport, Massachusetts. The man is amazing for he is still working at age 93. He can still see well.

We collected a German Jesuit from the bus station as he wants to visit the Pine Ridge Indian reservation. Our host in Rapid City is the pastor of the Roman Catholic Church called Isaac Jocgues, a French missionary who served largely in Canada and a little in upstate New York. The name was chosen because he served among the native population. The pastor has an African Grey parrot called Sophie and she is quite well-trained.

We toured a large art gallery in Rapid City. It contains artwork from many locals and natives and most of the scenes relate to the regional landscape or native culture. The artwork is inspiring. We did not get to see it all because it is a vast collection. Across the street are the municipal buildings that includes a plaza where a festival was being held. Outdoor sculptures frame the square and it makes for a nice gathering center for the community. Life is Rapid City has enough cultural features to keep oneself occupied throughout the year.

On the way to the Pine Ridge Reservation, we saw an orange cloud. At checkpoint, the police warned us of the fires and suggested detour routes. We were in fact detoured because the clouds became much thicker and the orange plumes drew higher. The German said that it looks like the entrance to Hell. It was quite fascinating. We knew it was a prairie fire that began 50 miles south in Chablus, Nebraska and the winds from Isaac were carrying it forward. It is was a forest fire, it would have been devastating, but the road gravel and dirt roads helped stop the prairie grass from being too destructive. When we passed by the next morning and saw the charred lands, we were amazed that the width was at least three miles. Many homes were spared. Fortunately, the land can regenerate after several rains.

Later in the day, we hiked along Wind Caves. We chose the Garden of Eden tour, which has the most pristine collection of boxwood diagrams known. These cave are enormous and only five percent of the tunnels are explored. It is quite a fascinating set of turns. The geological formations are unique to the area and the cave is essentially dry. At one point, the tour guide turned off the lights (with proper notice) and the pitch darkness made it impossible to see one's own hand being waved in front of one's face. The temperatures of the caves are always 53 degrees Fahrenheit (11 Celsius.) Fresh air is always passing through and getting sucked out of the caves.

When we exited the cave, we went to the natural entrance where wind swept out of the caves. Upon leaving there, we looked at a timber rattlesnake that crawled over rocks until it finally found a place where it could comfortably sun itself.

Later on the ride back to the Reservation, we saw free range donkeys, more buffalo, mule and white-tail deer, and pronghorn antelope. The moon rising over the Badlands was terrific. I wish I had a tripod to get a clearer view of the full moon.

The Jesuits at the reservation are quite nice and hospitable. It is always good to have brothers and scholastics in the community. They add a dimension of care to the place. I've enjoyed their camaraderie and their hospitality. This morning, I preached at the Sunday service in Oglala. I was happy to see so many people at Mass. It is Labor Day weekend and many are away for the weekend. However, because of the fires and the beginning of the school year, some stayed at home. Today is a bit of rest. It is the Sabbath.