I'm going to have to admit, I am learning about the wild flowers throughout the Black Hills, and yes I'm getting a head start. Before we have signs of life breaking through the snow covered ground of the Black Hills and with any luck, I'll have studied the most common wildflowers of Southwestern South Dakota. 

A good start is to begin this journey with the first bloomers, and follow them in order to their appearance throughout the season. I've seen this delicate beauty, but never understood how highly regarded it is. The Pasqueflower, or Prairie Crocus. This is the state flower of South Dakota. It was the first flower settlers would see in spring, with many songs associated with it. 

The Pasqueflower can be white and yellow, purple and yellow, lavender, maroon, and white with a few other variations in between. Low to the ground like the crocus I recognize as a child, if not careful you can easily step on these first signs of life. I can only imagine how wonderful it was to see, bringing with it the warming of the sun and a promise of more pleasant weather ahead. The pasqueflower is delicate, with 5-8 petals and can be found on the limestone glades or meadows of the Black Hills. These areas are wet in the spring and dry during the summer due to the underlying rock, and are an important part of the geological uplift of the Black Hills. 

According to Mother Earth Living, in an article by Betsy Strauch, the Pasque in pasqueflower refers to to Easter or Passover, and the juices that come out of the stem are naturally green, at one time used to color Easter eggs. This plant, this tiny early blooming flower has been used in arthritis, and the tea given to an expecting mother which in turn slows hear heartbeat and aids the birth. On the other hand the same tea can be given to a mother whose birth is induced. 

This little Easter Plant of South Dakota is downright fascinating. Toxins within the plant that were used to heal different ailments. One such treatment is prepared and applied to an irritation on the skin, resulting in blistering and thus aids in the healing process. Nerdy but WOW!

Seriously, I could and probably have gone down a rabbit hole with this topic, and I'll spare you. If you're out in South Dakota near the limestone glades (Prairies) keep an eye out. Even the smallest of them are intricate and play big roles in the life of Indigenous Peoples. I'll be using the seasons to study, but my primary source is Plants of the Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains. One of my very favorite places in downtown Rapid City is Prairie Edge, where you can pick it up in person or order online. The book is broad in subject matter, which is why I chose wildflowers and ordered them by seasons. 

Each moment of time throughout the Black Hills brings forth another surprise, a different color, a new smell or sound. This season I hope to open another whole new world. The Plants and Wildlife of South Dakota are simply amazing. 

Next season beginning in May, we offer our Tour of the Southern Black Hills, with a special option to take the Wildflower Tour. It adds maybe an hour or two, but if you like to learn about plants like I do its worth every penny. 

It's been one great year at My XO Adventures! With that said, next year is going to be even better. Ashley Kelican has been hired as an Adventure Guide for the upcoming season in the Black Hills. Over 100 candidates applied, and Ashley really stood out due to her dedication, curiosity, knowledge, skills, personality and desire to explore as much of the Black Hills and Badlands as possible.

Ashley grew up in Colorado and now resides in Deadwood, SD. She earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 2016. After graduation, she commissioned as a Captain in the United States Air Force. While in the service she earned her certification in Veterinary Acupuncture and now owns a small holistic veterinary practice servicing the amazing communities of the Black Hills.
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Currently Ashley is expanding her studies and earning an Outdoor Education degree from Black Hills State University. In her free time she enjoys brewing beer, adventuring with her three dogs, and exploring all the wonders and wildlife of Western South Dakota.

It’s my last day of the year to visit Custer State Park. I’m on my own and decided to take Iron Mountain Road to pay a visit to the old ghost town of Spokane, South Dakota. I came here after reading a book called the Spokane Kid, a story about a boy becoming a man as he learned the ways of the Black Hills. Living in Keystone, he initially helped out on several campgrounds before becoming a guide in the Black Hills.
 
It’s a story I can relate to. There’s so much to learn here, and so much to respect. His Black Hills Adventures take him around the entire mountain range with his father. It took them days, running across old timer miners, camping along the shores of Center Lake, Sylvan Lake and throughout what is now Custer State Park.
 
Back at this time there were quite a few little towns through Custer, which no longer exist because of the formation of the park. These lands were purchased, added to the park and flattened to let nature take over. The story speaks of the town of Spokane, which like most mountain towns was mined for gold, but they soon found the area was much richer in silver, mica and zinc.
 
I pulled over to Spokane Creek Campground, parked the car and followed the little sign that said “Ghost Town” on it. The colors of the forest were still golds and browns, with the Ponderosa Pine bursting with green needles. Spokane Creek ran along the trail, making it a little wet and muddy, but I was on a mission.
 
Soon I begin to find evidence of miners at work. Mostly consisting of rusted sheets of metal, cans, bottles and the like. The best park along the way are tailings. Tailings are the small to medium size rocks taken from the ground and piled up nearby. I can see quartz, mica, feldspar and granite. The ground appears to be littered with the jewels of the Black Hills.
 
Still searching for the old town of Spokane, I wandered on not seeing a trace of buildings until I come across a cut in the forest where electrical lines run. Here I see the foundation of a building. Whenever you’re in the Black Hills, it’s important to stop, look and listen. I imagine what it was like in 1893, when the story was written.
 
As I look around, I see large gaps between the older trees with younger growth in between. These are the trails and roads that used to exist and a road leads to more buildings. I follow it, and come across a home, with an outbuilding, classic cars and all kinds of mining artifacts. There are mining depressions in the ground dotted everywhere. Storage tanks are built into the ground holding who knows what.
 
I’m in the past, walking through areas that first indigenous people occupied and more recently settlers from the east. It’s incredibly beautiful. I feel a sadness come over me as I realize my time here is coming to a close, albeit temporarily.
 
Facts about Spokane South Dakota:

• Spokane Ghost Town was founded in 1890
• A vein of quartz is what peaked the miners interest
• Less gold was found than mica, silver and graphite.
• Several significant structures still stand on the site
• The hike to Spokane South Dakota is moderate.
• Parking can be found at the Spokane Creek Campground.
• You can also park off of Forest Service Road 330
• Spokane’s coordinates are N43.840657, W103.376041

 
This makes for a great trail hike before entering the Eastern Side of Custer State Park. Pick up the book “Spokane Kid” at the Iron Mountain Road gift shop at Spokane Creek Campground. Maybe soon, I’ll be leading hikes through the hills and telling tall tales of the Black Hills National Forest.
 
Visitors have been coming to this area as tourists for a variety of reasons since the late 1800’s. It wasn’t all about mining back then, just mostly. Here’s a map of  Custer State Park. The roads through the park such as the Wildlife Loop Road, Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road can get you turned around, so I suggest hiring a guide for a Black Hills Tour.  
 
I hope to see you starting in April of 2022 for another season in the Sacred Black Hills of South Dakota!

Most people think mistakenly that you can’t travel to Cuba as an American Citizen. That’s bananas. You can travel to Cuba from the US so long as you follow the rules. For some time now, missionaries, educators, photographers, medical professionals and journalists have been visiting the island, but you too can go. 

I truly believe that the thought of travel to Cuba being banned originates from two sources. One is the U.S. Embargo on Cuba. The other is propaganda from our media outlets. For far to long we’ve positioned ourselves as an enemy of the Cuban government, a powerful neighbor to the north that punishes, contains, strong arms and twists the truth. To be fair, Cuba does plenty of its own manipulation but that’s what governments do. We know that. Part of my job is to take people to Cuba to experience the culture of the Cuban people. It’s wonderful when you look closely. 

I’m not saying I’d like to be a full-time resident of Cuba, but I know some Americans who do just that. They get hooked, and unless you visit you won’t know what I’m talking about. Imagine, you’re in what was the richest city in the hemisphere. All trade went through Cuba and much of that was gold from South and Central America. Havana was an excellent defended port, and one to restock before taking the journey across the Atlantic to Europe. Money poured into Havana, and all you have to do is look around to see. Yes, you’ll see crumbling buildings with faded and flaking paint, but that’s the makeup of one of the most amazing places in the world. 

In the morning vendors sell their fresh fruits, bakery items and other clever treats. Children play marbles. Someone is smoking a cigar watching the city come alive. The sun shines through the many park trees throughout the city. Monuments come to life. The Capitol Building towers mightily and shines after its recent restoration. Three wheeled bikes and coco cars await to take passengers to their destination. Cars from the 1950’s are everywhere. Not rare sightings, but everywhere. Each in its own condition with some fully restored and others it’s a wonder their holding together. Some of the soviet era cars dot the streets like the infamously terrible “Lada”, that was copied from the French Groupe Renault. 

Drivers of the nicer cars have had this resource handed won to them from their parents, or outright bought it after saving for a long time. Much pride is taken in these cars, and the drivers are happy to take guests all over town. There are beautiful avenues mixed with streets of gordian knot electrical wires. Colorful clothes hang from the balcony drying in the bright sun. 

Songs boasting from the squares come from ladies selling delicious roasted Spanish peanuts. They’re more than happy to come sing a song and give you some tropical flirt to get you to buy, and you should. Fortune tellers smoking cigars the size of a paper towel roll is there to read your cards. Cuba is primarily a culture with a mix of Christianity, Santeria and Atheism. Without an open mind this can feel uncomfortable, but it’s part of what makes Cuba so unique. 

Step inside the many galleries of Cuba. The Artist Community is growing every day, and despite the protests and crackdowns they’ll continue to produce some of the finest art in the world. A representation of their dreams, thoughts and the life they know. 

You’ll also see memorials and museums honoring not only the recent revolutionary heroes, but those of the past. Jose Marti, Theodore Roosevelt, the Rough Riders and those adventurers of long ago. Paladars, or privately owned restaurants can be large establishments, or the living room of an entrepreneur are ready to serve you. Tables with checkerboards and those playing are common in the city. Havana is robust, and vibrant. Music is part of its heartbeat and can be heard in a variety of locations. 

I’m asked how to get in Cuba quite often. Almost like a clandestine operation. You can travel to Cuba in 2022. It requires a plane ticket, accommodations through My XO Adventures, private transportation, a Cuban Visa, insurance and cash. These are the requirements to travel to Cuba. Which airlines are flying to Cuba? Currently only Southwest Airlines offers a rather robust schedule of one flight per day out of Tampa. Finally, you’ll need cash to travel to Cuba. Is Cuba expensive to visit? Not really, but it all depends if you fall into the tourist traps. Expect to pay high prices for dinner and a show, but if you’re budgeting there are plenty of places to stay and eat that fit each budget. 

The face of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara have recently been made popular in the US, but for too long they were painted as the enemy. Not because they did anything worse than the U.S. did, but because they did what they wanted. The U.S. doesn’t generally like that, and points fingers while the same kind of things are happening back at home. 

It’s not very complicated. The U.S. used Cuba to its benefit, the people of Cuba got the shaft and a revolution started. The Soviets took advantage and, in the end, played Cuba like a pawn. It’s all very sad, and we have a wonderful opportunity to make a new friend, mend relationships and thrive together. Maybe someday this will happen, but it’ll take brave politicians to do the right thing so don’t hold your breath.

In the meantime, enjoy Cuba for where it is now. You’ll never see another place like it and you can travel there. My XO Adventures is expanding its presence in Cuba in the hopes of lifting people up and providing a greater understanding of an amazing people. 

Cuba is expected to be over 90% vaccinated by November 15the 2022. How did this happen when the U.S. has been desperately trying to reach the same level for months? Many in the U.S. don’t realize the resiliency of the Cuban people.  
 
What most people don’t know is that Cuba’s State-owned biotech sector has been developing successful vaccines since the 1980’s. The vaccines developed so far are for polio, rubella, whooping cough, measles, meningitis and hepatitis. All of these vaccines have been distributed and successfully used in countries all over the world. All this in opposition from the U.S.
 
I’ve been to Cuba a number of times, and after a while you start to understand the bigger picture. Propaganda has been rampant on both sides. The largest and most horrific humanitarian poison is administered by the U.S. Government through the embargo. Make no mistake about the it, this is a political tool being used by both Democrats and Republicans.
 
The embargo exists in large part because of the purple State of Florida. The Florida Cuban population represents almost 30% if the Latino vote. The total Cuban population in the state is 1,528,000. It’s a greater population than Maine, Montana, Rhode Island, Delaware, South Dakota, North Dakota, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming. That’s powerful to say the least.
 
It’s no wonder why politicians around election time pander to the Cuban American vote. Many Cuban Americans today are brought up in a household where someone was affected by the Revolution. Stories passed down are absorbed as if gospel, and their thoughts reflect in their vote. There are some ugly stories, but there’s a bigger picture here. Unfortunately, the people of Cuba are the pawns in this game. They are the ones that suffer, not the government.
 
Recent unrest in Cuba was a result of food, medical and a plethora of supply problems. The Cubans cried out with pain during the pandemic, and at a time we were able to help, but didn’t. Instead, the U.S. government turned a blind eye, and President Biden with his promises of opening relations with Cuba, lied. No surprise there, as most if not all presidents do.
 
Obama had it right. Relax the sanctions, ease travel, create business opportunities, visit Cuba. The political affiliation plays no role here, it’s the intent and attempt. Cuba began to thrive, and the lives of everyday Cubans improved, then came Trump. Restricting cruise ships from docking in Havana and tightening sanctions. In his last gasp, he directs Mike Pompeo to designate Cuba a State Sponsor of Terrorism. My God. Why? To gain the Cuban American vote and win Florida. It’s that simple folks.
 
Biden gets elected and promises to reverse the Trump Administration policies. The protests in Cuba change his mind, and instead tightens them and imposes more sanctions. Again, the Florida vote. Don’t forget that the understandable protests are occurring during an important mid-term that could shape the Senate and the House. Good for you Biden. The embargo and policies towards Cuba are the reason for the protests, and you come out looking like the hero. It’s villainous and just about everyone in Congress is guilty. It’s better to do the right thing and lose. You aren’t supposed to be there with a goal of retaining power, despite what Mitch McConnell says.  
 
Want change in Cuba? End the embargo. Rid the Cuban government of the American “boogie man”. They’d no longer have the embargo to blame and would have to work harder to improve the lives of Cubans. Not only that, a Cuban middle class would be born, businesses would thrive, jobs would be created on both sides, and investments made.
 
The U.S. Government has been using the method of might and punishment as a way to get what it wants. Cuba is still standing. We can be friends and work together. Because we’re not, China, Russia, Venezuela, North Korea and the like are filling that gap. Is that what we want
 
I’ll continue to visit Cuba because I love it. It’s the best place in the Caribbean, and programs like Havana Heartbeat will engage, support and encourage the Cuban People.

In 2016, when President Obama began to pave the way for travel to Cuba from the US and Cuba there was excitement in the air for all those who have a passion for travel. Maybe not everyone, but a LOT of people. I was one of them. At first we had to take a cruise from Jamaica to sail around Cuba, stopping at some interesting places along the way. 

The program was actually quite good, but I didn't know at the time that I'd be creating my own adventures to the island a short time later. The first time visiting the island, everything felt like a new experience, or a different world 

Here we are later, and a pandemic has taken place. Who would have thought? Tours for Cuba are on the books, almost filled and the excitement is building. Once again, it's going to be new. It's going to be different. One thing that stood out from the very beginning in 2016 was that Cubans are resilient and resourceful. While I know there will be hiccups and mistakes made during the opening, the Cuban people will figure it out. 

It's a time for hope. Private enterprise has been on the rise significantly since 2016, and the current government is moving to encourage more of it. To be perfectly honest, they don't have much of a choice. Tourism and private ownership generates quite a bit of revenue for the island. 

Like here in the U.S., when government overreaches it has negative consequences. The people are better at business than the government. On my first visit, a typical offering of a sandwich was a bun, ham and ketchup. Yep, this is what the government thought was a Cuban sandwich. I should disclose that a Cuban Sandwich is not Cuban at all. Contrary to those Cubans in Miami, it's the Cuban immigrants to the Tampa Bay region of Ybor City that invented the treat. It was made for the cigar factory workers, who were of all nationalities. The Cuban bread represented Cuba, the ham Spain, the salami Italian, the pickles German. Nothing that could spoil was added because it would do so quickly in the Tampa heat, but I digress. 

It saddens me to say that a good portion of U.S. Citizens are misinformed about Cuba, it's current status and how it came to be a socialist country. I think politics and government are overrated, and in the case of both the Cubans and the Americans the real power lies with the people, so long as they are awake. 

Cuba is full of outstanding architecture, artists, food, culture, history and a very different way of living life. The Cuban culture is worth exploring. It's not difficult getting to Cuba. You will feel safe there. You won't get arrested. Like anywhere, follow the rules and etiquette. I go over all these things before leaving to the exotic island of huge mangos, big green avocados, succulent pork, excellent rum, and yes, cigars. Come explore with me on Havana Heartbeat in January, February and November of 2022. 

The White House has finally released some guidance as it relates to foreign nationals entering into the country. It also reaffirmed the current requirements for U.S. Citizens re-entering the U.S. from travel abroad. It's about time, and barely. The Southern U.S. is entering it's tourism season, and people in the U.S. have been wanting clarity for some time. We have enough to go on, but the situation is definitely going to evolve. 

For foreign nationals, the U.S. is relaxing restrictions according to Reuters. This is for vaccinated visitors only.  It's late in getting started, but may be enough to save the southern season, or overwhelm it altogether. Time will tell. Thirty three countries are on the list as open to air travelers. It's about time. We should have been leading instead of following in these circumstances. 

For U.S. Citizens that are vaccinated, now is the moment to take a photo of your vaccination card, and keep it in a safe place. Airlines are now required to obtain documentation of vaccination before boarding the aircraft to a foreign destination that requires it. This is bound to make anti-vaxers angry. 

There still are many countries that only require a test before entering, but that's likely to change. Americans traveling from international destinations who are not vaccinated face a tougher time. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION: Americans who are NOT vaccinated will have to provide proof of a negative test either from an antigen or PCR test administered within 1 day of travel. 

This is designed to make it difficult for the unvaccinated. The angst created when you must received the results of a test in a foreign country as proof to enter the U.S. would have me sweating bullets. Not only this, but those same people will be required to provide proff of purchasing a viral test after returning.

Americans who ARE vaccinated  will still be required to provide either a PCR or Antigen negative test result within 3 days of departure. I've done this on our Costa Rica Exotica trips, and will be doing it again on the upcoming Havana Heartbeat Series.  As a matter of business, we'll no longer be accepting reservations for those traveling abroad that are not vaccinated. It's too risky. The CDC has recommended guidance for both the vaccinated and unvaccinated. 

Times are changing, and travel is opening albeit slowly. For those of you that want to travel internationally without a vaccine, your window is closing as the developing world begins to vaccinate it's people. 

Love, Compassion, Tolerance and Forgiveness to Myself and all Others.
 
It was June of 2020, and the height of the pandemic. The road had led me to the Black Hills. Like all other places, I had no idea what to expect or experience, but here I was. I knew I was being led, but the furthest I could see was the one step ahead I was being asked to take. “Everything is going to be ok.” The words came to me often throughout my journey. It first started in North Carolina and continued for the year and a half journey with no home, other than the kindness of people, the comfort of my tent, and the endless beauty of nature. This was my home, and a good one.
 
My first season in the Black Hills was working as a guide for a local tour company. I was used to being thrown to the wolves. It was a skill I learned many times before, but in this case in came with respect and responsibility. It was up to me to go above and beyond what the tourists came here to see. The monuments, museums and wild west stories abound, but the Hills were calling. So much history, both joy and pain reside here in the rocks. No place on earth is like it, and I find the learning side both fascinating and a bit of a rabbit hole.
 
One day I was asked to conduct a tour for a couple, and to take them to a place called Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary. I had been in the Northern Black Hills to show off Spearfish Canyon with its towering limestone cliffs, waterfalls and multitudes of colors. Where is this Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary, and how was I to be a guide at a place I knew nothing of, or even why it’s there?
 
I figured I would just have to use social skills to make it through, so down the dirt road we went. Without a description, just a GPS location guiding me to the parking lot that marks the beginning of the journey. A wooden door with cast iron adornments greets you here. A message above the door reads “Love, Compassion, Tolerance and Forgiveness to Myself and all Others. This was a good start, but the love was about to become apparent as soon as the gate opened, and we stepped through.
 
One of the best tools a guide has is his or her eyes, so I immediately looked around searching for things to talk about. Walking sticks, umbrellas and a door with books behind it greeted us. The book was “The Turkey Shack”, by Dave Snyder. At the time, I thought this book was probably unrelated to what I was about to experience and not worth taking a look at. Instead, we were greeted with the handprints of men, women and children in a concrete plaque. One that would be important entering and exiting. The invocation was next, and then a place you could read about the sanctuary, it’s purpose and recommendations of how to proceed.
 
This was going to be a quiet journey, and I part from the guests for a time so that we can go through this in our own way. It was a beautiful day. I remember the leaves from the Quaking Aspens fluttering as they do, making a beautiful rustling sound helping to ground myself on what was otherwise a shaky ground for a tour guide.
 
Along the way, the bronze plaques were places to reflect. Benches with metal boxes containing notepads to write thoughts were dotted through the landscape. Who built this I thought? The meadow between the Aspens and the Ponderosa higher up on the hill lit up with color, and I could see the meandering creek running through it all, with a stand of trees directly in the center of the meadow. So many times along the path I stopped, read and was brought to tears by the words I read, but beyond that the special area this land inhabited. To this day, I’ve never had a stronger connection to the Black Hills than in this very spot.
 
What was it about this place? How perfect it was. Why was I being shaken to the core? How did this day turn from being a historian, entertainer, driver, personality, geologist etc. to simply shutting my mouth and connecting to nature? It was rejuvenating and healing at the same time, but still, I couldn’t explain why. Was this a Holy place of some kind? I suppose all places are in one way or another, but I’d like to return here again.  
 
So I did, but not with tours. I returned by myself and another with an unexpected friend. Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary changed from green to gold during this time, with the last visit in 2020 being in September. The colors were outstanding. The yellow Aspen contrasted with the Ponderosa Pine, like islands in the massive green landscape. Each visit was special, and I returned with an inward reflection I never saw before.
 
The next year I return. Conducting tours on my own, I feel a bit like the Spokane Kid of Keystone. The Northern Black Hills are my favorite place to be, yet it’s the least popular for visitors to choose. During the summer I brought a few curious people here, who enjoyed every moment. I have no words, but from what my eyes have seen. I let the viewer experience it in their own way because I believe we are all brought here for our own reasons. Now that I’m at the end of another season, I’d like to first express my gratitude for the success I’ve experienced in the Black Hills, the kind people, and for Gods remarkable creation in Southwestern South Dakota.
 
I decided to call this place home, and in July of 2021 I signed a lease on a small apartment in an old home that is just perfect. I invited my family, and my mother came to see someplace she’d never been and only heard stories. It was October 4th, 2021 and I decided to show her the Northern Black Hills to catch the leaf change and share Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary with her for the first time.
 
I’m 43 now, and I don’t think she realized but my intentions were to make the most out of her time here. Not by cramming in a busy schedule but rather to be present, and to make memories. I want some mother/son time and I couldn’t think of a better place. I was excited.
 
Cows crossed the road; deer made their presence known and in my mother’s signature way she noticed it all.  She could find beauty in just about anything, but it wasn’t difficult out here. We were surrounded. We entered the gate together, and my healing was already beginning. I knew what I was about to see but wasn’t quite sure how it was going to affect me, or her for that matter.
Like parent/child relationships there are epically painful and tragic moments mixed with happiness and love. This was my story at least, and I hoped to bring some healing where it was still raw and build on the love we have for one another. It was emotional for us both. I can’t speak for my mother, but her repeating this was her favorite place she’s ever seen, and it was magical.
 
It was indeed that, and I was glad to hear her express those feelings. I knew all along she would, as I’m more like my mother than I admit. We spent over two hours observing, reading, resting and sharing. We explored so many places, with Harmony Hill being the highlight. To sit, listen to the chimes and overlook this incredible vista of the meadow and bright yellow leaves below. You may not know it, but this is a place you come to be a part of, not so much a visitor. It is a part of you, and you it. After following the trail, we come full circle to the gate.
 
Our pace slows, a reflection that neither of us really want to go. We could be content here for the entire day if we wanted, but there was much more to see. I take a look at those books one year after seeing them the first time and buy one. It’s called “The Turkey Shack”, and there is a small metal and wood shack on one side of the property that stands. I imagine it bewilders those who see it the first time without reading the book.
 
I dropped in the recommended donation and took the book home. It became her book during the visit here. She read it each night for a short while before bed, and in the morning with a cup of coffee on the front porch, with the autumn breeze blowing by. She’s like this. It’s chilly outside. She brings a blanket, a book and a hot coffee. She must wonder how long she can stay out and enjoy everything. I let her have the time and work on my tours of the Black Hills as she does what she pleases.
 
Nine days later she finishes the book and tells me how wonderful it is. The writing gave her the answers to questions she had about the meadow. It opened her eyes and seemed to be at just the right time. Now she contemplates relocating here and well, we’ll see. Back safe in Florida now, she has the stories of the Black Hills, both Northern and Southern to tell her friends.
 
We now both have new memories, which is exactly what I wanted. Everything came together to create an invaluable moment. It’s my turn to read the book, and I’ve done so. It is a great book, and one of immense pain, growth and forgiveness. It’s a contribution of a lifetime experience that can be added to your own personal journey. I’m still not sure if it’s best to read before or after your visit. Whatever you believe, you’ll know that stories happened here, perhaps moments of great magnitude. Grandmothers, warriors, children, spirits and I’m sure God not only left an impression but continue to reside. As if greeters, guides and healers coming together for all those that enter.
 
It’s not a place to fear, it’s a place to love. It’s not a place to come for understanding of it all, but rather that there are many things yet not understood. It’s a place of being, and it’s right here in my new home. Thank you to the Snyder family for creating this special place, and for keeping it open to the public to enjoy. Thank you for the memories made and yet to come.

I had to clear my head today, and nature is the best place for me to find the answers. Bear Butte is a place of vision quests and one that I’ve not hiked, so off I go.
 
Some good music along the way is necessary, to slow my brain down from its constant fluttering of thoughts, to-do’s and plans for the future. I settle on some Native American flute by Darren Thompson, a local artist. After about 40 miles of driving outside Rapid City I arrive in Sturgis and follow Google Maps, which takes me to the wrong place. Lesson number one. I turn off the GPS and figure it out by circling the mountain and finding the unassuming road to the parking lot.
 
My gear goes into my backpack, and I’m ready for another Black Hills Adventure.  I read the posted signs at the base of the trailhead before making my way up. No photos of the prayer cloths hung from trees, silence is best, respect the wildlife and the sanctity of the area. I got this.
 
I hear the grass crackle, stop, get my eyes and ears tuned in, then she moved again. It’s the first animal, a beautiful female pheasant under a small pine in the golden grass. Revealing herself to me, she slowly moved ahead creating distance and putting the pine between her and I. Patiently I stand, watching her careful movements and just taking in the moment.
 
As I climb higher, I hear the sound of a bird calling. I’m hoping it’s the Magpie, my favorite bird of the Dakotas. She won the race for all two-legged creatures by cleverness, not physical prowess.
 
Teasing me, I stop, listen and hear nothing. I move forward and the calls come out, mixed with the sound of my boot soles as they touch the gravel. The contact makes just enough noise to keep her exact location from me.
 
Finally, it flies out of one pine to another, presumably flirting with his lover bird. The wings opened and he glided at an angle beneficial to my eyes with an iridescent blue.
 
It was the Magpie, and now he’s gliding back and forth between Ponderosa pines. Thank you, Magpie.
 
I continue my hike. This time the rock becoming my focal point, I reach a place where I can catch my breath and look around. Bright green lichen adorns the rocks, themselves like gypsum in their own linear crystal shapes. This mountain looks older than the spires, less worn but more cracked. Steps of Superman’s home accompany each protrusion.
 
The trail is adorned with strips of cloth tied to branches, each the color of the directions. Red for North, white for South, yellow for East and black for West.
 
Feeling both reverent and spooky at the same time, I try not to stare at the patters and shapes they form. It’s as if God were present, tending to the prayers and hopes of all his children. I walk carefully, mindful of my footsteps and body movements through the tighter areas of vegetation.
 
I hear the distant sound of poor-quality music, reminding me of the single speaker radio I once had in my youth. In an Instant, the Zen-like feeling and bright glowing Chakras flickered and blew out like a delicate microfilament of carbon inside a light bulb. Humans, sometimes they’re just unavoidable. They pass, and so does the moment. I’m taken back into the sacred. 
 
Scars on the mountain are reminders of a large fire that burned here in 2018. Bear Butte lost almost all its trees. The trail takes you through this long-gone inferno and reveals the healing power of nature.
 
The mountain is regenerating. Each type of forest is its own story and position in the cycle. Surviving the flames, I come to a stand of Ponderosa. It’s then I hear the comforting sound of wind being split by the dark green sturdy needles.
 
A Hairy Woodpecker begins his hunt. The location is close and easy to spot. He pecks away at the dead limbs daring the burrowing bugs to the surface. 
 
The prayer cloths are everywhere now. I wonder about the feelings each one represents. Hope, fear, needs, sorrow, wishes and dreams, they’re all present and vibrating. The evening before I had a terrible dream, making the situation even more intense. Don’t binge “YOU” on Netflix, it’s not right.
 
I’m descending, the pathway full of mistakes to be made. Keeping my head down and trying not to kick rocks I slowly forge ahead. A familiar “S” shape lays across the path. Green and yellow, the snake makes its way up the hillside through broken grasses, small branches and rocks. A typical reaction at this point would be to scream and run, but I know everything I see is a message from my higher power. I stand still and watch as the Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer crosses the intersection.
 
Days ago, snow fell heavily in this area, leaving 2 feet on top of the mixed grasses. Laying down now, the pale green stems lead to golden tips. A sign of the cycle and a movement towards the winter season.
 
I’m down the mountain and thinking again. It was a great experience and just right. Right time, place and setting.
 
Bear Butte is a sacred place to the Lakota, Cheyenne and other tribes. It’s clearly a special place that should be respected and preserved. It’s best to be silent here, with no enhancement or distraction. Being in a quiet place is needed now more than ever. Think how nice it would be if everyone practiced silence.
 
I felt if I visited without expectation and an open mind, I’d find what I was looking for, and I did.