Day 1 and 2 {Will}

visiting the Badlands

Waking up at 5 am is never fun. However, this time i knew it was going to be totally worth it. The trip itself to Pine Ridge was not bad at all. Very few delays and everything appeared fine. I thought I had an expectation of what the area would look like as we drove from Rapid City to Re-Members headquarters in Pine Ridge, however when we able to get out of the van to see the Badlands I was completely blown away. I had never seen something so empty, yet filled so much. When we got to our living quarters I was happy to longer need to be anywhere, yet disappointed that there was not a Powwow that evening. No matter how tired I was, I still wanted to have an experience that one can call once in a lifetime. After much reflection we made it to sleep.

My apologies for my brief day one summary and reaction, for I am writing this on Day 2. Day 2 has been one of the most memorable moments of my life. The stories and other words of wisdom provided to us by Dakota High Hawk in Wounded Knee was truly an experience that cannot be matched. The insight and reflection that he offered opened my mind. Then the walk through the Badlands National Park has been one of the most spectacular places I have ever visited. One of the staffer, David, told us to pick a part in one of the valleys of the mountains and just reflect in silence. There was not a single sound to here in those 15 minutes. Asides from the occasional wind gust or volunteer adjusting themselves on the rocky surface, I was finally able to get complete, and utter silence and an opportunity to reflect without any distractions.

Will M.