Saturday, July 1, 2015
I slept incredibly well after having settled things in as much as possible. My air mattress made it through the night without deflating, an auspicious sign. Early morning(after coffee and oatmeal) I found myself hiking up the ridge to the site of a large wooden cross. Magnificent view of the valley below with lots of prairie dogs to keep me company. The sky was blue as I headed for the airport to pick up my team.
The first group arrived early, so instead of waiting at the airport I serendipitously found a roadside park a few minutes away, picked up lunch and we had a spontaneous welcome picnic while we waited for Keith, our last arrival. This afforded time for to learn a bit about them: 7 youth(one substitution and one cancellation) with two chaperones. They are from the Mohegan tribe in Connecticut. This tribe of 2000 is working hard on youth and young adult programming, and as a first this year sponsored this trip. They were specifically looking for an opportunity to work with another native tribe. Exhausted they all were, having left Boston very early in the morning. Keith arrived, no hassles with the rental of the second van , and we were off.
Arriving at the museum in Hardin, Diana greeted me with a bear hug and a 45 minute discussion with (very tired) team. The museum is really quite lovely. The historic buildings on the site have been lovingly renovated and cared for. The church in particular was spectacular. The old farmhouse with its antique furniture looks just the way my family's farmhouse in the Catskills looks and feels.
A quick grocery stop and we arrived in Crow Agency where the team got themselves settled. Reinflated air mattresses, figured out the lay of the land. Just as I was thinking of starting dinner, Roger arrived and said "oh, we turned off the stove, we'll get it going on Monday". In my most conciliatory team leader manner, I pointed out that we needed the stove and oven for tonight, please? An hour later we were in business: the first night spaghetti dinner a big success. He did find the air conditioners, but said he would put them in on Monday!
An after evening stroll through Crow Agency highlighted the many contrasts of this land: beautiful landscapes, wide open skies, horses and cattle ranging free , up against homes that are dilapidated, trash on the side of the roads, and grass growing high in the yard.
Tomorrow brings orientation, a trip to the Custer battlefield, and a much anticipated trip to see the Buffalo with Roger,
Miss you all, with love from Crow,
Barbara
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