Devil's Tower

We headed northwest to Devils Tower

in Wyoming.

There is a Prairie Dog town
as you climb the hill to the monument.

We think Prairie Dogs are charming.

Devils Tower is sacred ground.
Native Americans hold their sun dance here.

Some people choose to climb others stand in awe.
I am a seeker.
I stand in awe.

We read the myths of Devils Tower.
 The rising and setting of the Pleiades over the Tower signaled when to plant and harvest. The Pleiades informed all the ancient cultures.

It is another awesome landmark.

The geology of this region is gorgeous.

We stopped for a picnic.

We discussed the difference between a National Monument
and  a National Park. It seems to be about land use.

I picked up a few things for my
scrapbook.

The historic stickers are nice.
I have been collecting National Park quarters.
I wonder if National Monuments will be
part of the program?

Mammoth Site

I dearly love the Mammoth.

Coming to this active dig site was a dream come true.

Walking around the dig made me want to get down on my knees and get to work.

There are so many bones in this sink hole that active digging is done only in July.
The rest of the year is spent processing all the bones.

The interpretive center was just as fascinating as the dig.

I am still thinking about Mammoth bone houses.

The Mammoth Hunters, the Clovis Tradition Paleo-Indians, are my favorite ancient ones. I am drawn to their story.

Wild Horse Sanctuary

We had read about the Wild Horse Sanctuary in South Dakota.

Seeing the Horses left me speechless.

We arrived early in the morning after a night of thundershowers.
The Horses were coming up the hill following their horse trail.
I stood in tears as they came by the fence.
With thousands of acres to roam they chose this spot at this time.
I was honored to see them up close.

It was a magical moment.

My little dashboard Horsey was very pleased.

We drove down the muddy, rocky road to the headquarters of the
sanctuary. Finding fossils on display was an added treat.

The fossil record of the Horse is one of the most complete records
we have of any species.

I am studying their fossil record.

So very interesting.

The story of this sanctuary
reminds me how good people can be.
The Horses are safe here.

When we drove back up the hill to  the blacktop
our tires were filled with mud
and our hearts were filled with love
for the Wild Horses.