I can't believe how much time had passed since I returned from my South Dakota trip. As soon as I got back to the office work just took over. However busy I was, though, I always found myself bringing up a memory from the experience.
The Sacred Landscape workshop was a weeklong trek that started in Sturgis and ended in the Badlands. This workshop, organized by photographer Doug Beasley, focused on the immersion process that a photographer goes through when photographing subjects and locations. There were suggested locations, but the group pretty much disbanded and to roam and photograph anything and just meet at specified rendezvous points.
Sturgis – Day 1. We all met at the local Days Inn, ate lunch, and then proceeded to our first location: Bear Butte. We were greeted at the educational center by a native Lakota who gave us the historical background and significance of the
mountain. She even performed a purification ritual (burning sweet grass) for us. Knowing more about the mountain made me realize that it was the equivalent of a church. Native Americans came here to pray, and like in Catholic churches where you can burn a candle for a prayer offering, you will see strips of cloth hanging on tree branches. It was windy and the light was rather dim at first, but suddenly changed to a magnificent late afternoon soft light (patience pays) and we were all gaga over the fortunate event.
Spearfish – On the way to the spearfish canyon lodge, we spotted this old truck and took a few snaps. We stopped whenever we thought there might be something to photograph. Once at the lodge and after dinner, I went out for a smoke and found a spot in the terrace beside the lodge. An old woman went out to light up as well. Initially I just tried to give her privacy and just walked about the terrace. On my return walk, I felt that she was waiting for me and so when she finally did approach me we exchanged greetings and she started to talk about her disappointing evening. Every time I’d try to respond in conversation she would float in and out of different stories in her life, oftentimes being apologetic for doing so. I certainly didn’t mind and let her know. I honestly felt good to have been there for her. It seemed like she had been carrying all these thoughts and stories in her head and found it best to share it with a complete stranger. After our second cigarette, her daughter appeared behind us. “So there you are…I’ve been looking all over for you….” She laughed and said goodbye…her daughter came up to me and thanked me for keeping her company.
Mickelson trail, Mystic, and Hill City – our objective was to take the scenic route to Custer. The park along Mickelson trail was completely empty and we stopped to
take pictures of forest landscapes both near and far. It was a beautiful sight. The trip towards Mystic took an unexpected turn and we found ourselves lost in an endless dirt road. Our GPS lead us to a closed road the first time….and next lead us to a road that became narrower and narrower until it pretty much became obvious we had to drive through the woods (definitely not a good idea)….eventually we backtracked and our GPS was finally able to steer us back to civilization (paved roads) J. We stopped at Hill City for a snack and checked out the local museum where they had gems and prehistoric bones on display. Just a few miles from our rendezvous point, we were greeted by a full moon…and of course we had to stop for a while to say hello…..and click.
Custer – The Custer State Park Game Lodge is a historic place that had been a
retreat for a couple of former presidents (from one of the first ten….I think). The following day we drove through the park and ran into donkeys and buffalo (at close range).
Hot Springs – The funny part about stopping at Hot Springs is the log cabin we spent the night. I think the place may have been historic, but probably just not maintained as such (or not kept historic)…nevertheless, we had a nice evening cookout (burgers, hotdogs, salad, wine).
Pine Ridge and Wounded Knee – Pine Ridge is, as the locals say, pronounced as if it were one word. At the Wounded Knee memorial is a large marker
that talked about the massacre that took place in this sacred land. I knew so little of Native American history. I was saddened to read about this one. I never knew chemical warfare dated back this far with the small pox-infected blankets. And the memorial where the massacred people were buried was just a small area in the cemetary bordered by chicken wire. There wasn't even a sign and people casually entered (perhaps not knowing what they were stepping on). I couldn't even enter the gate.
Kyle – The Lakota Prairie Lodge seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. A few of us,
after checking in, drove around and discovered this old church in the middle of some crop fields. We stayed there ‘till sunset, sharing stories, walking, feeling the wind, listening to prairie dogs chatting and cows mooing in the distance…it was a really peaceful experience. If there was ever a time to clear your head of whatever was bugging you, this was it.
The Badlands – our first stop was at Sheep Mountain. By this time, driving dirt roads had become a real pleasure (and it was great our rental was a Subaru Outback).
Circle View Guest Ranch – this was our last stop and after dinner we were able to talk to the local rancher. It was interesting to listen to the rancher’s family history and how it all began in the early days of the new world, migration, and how it has survived through generations.
The following day we took one last trip as a group to this spot for agate hunters. The sky was magnificent. After one last group discussion, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. It was sad to say goodbye….the week felt like an eternity, and yet, was too short.
