There is still trash in Crow, Back to Chief Plenty Coups State Park, and a boat ride

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Waking early I wandered outside for a sunrise walk in the neighborhood.  It struck me that there is still trash in Crow pretty much everywhere, especially along the roads but somehow it has taken on a different meaning.  Having had the honor of getting to know so many wonderful Crow natives this year, and being schooled in their culture and values, the challenges they have in their community have taken on a different meaning for me.

An early start had us headed to Pryor with a sleepy but on time crowd.  After 70 miles of gorgeous rolling hills and red cliffs, we arrived at the park to an enthusiastic greeting from the park staff.  I was once again struck by the peace and tranquility of the place.  The team got to work after a quick orientation.  Together with the local staff and volunteers, they stained the Chief's house and store in record time.  After a lovely picnic lunch in the park, the team finished up the staining(by the way, much easier this year, since so many years hadn't gone by) and clean up.

After some necessary retail activity in the park store, we headed out to find the "shortcut" to Ok E Be Marina and Yellowtail Dam.  We found Grapevine Road all right, but the shortcut turned out to be a rutted and bouncy red clay road that went on for about 12 miles.  With mostly good nature, and one missed turn, we eventually made it to the marina.  As we turned the final corner coming down the hill, we were stunned by the panorama below of the dam, the marina and the lake.  We were quickly fixed up with two pontoon boats, loaded up our dinner and headed off.  As soon as we left the marina, and entered the canyon, the breeze picked up, the sun was shining, and we were the only boats around.  The canyon walls seem sculpted into castles and faces.  We had our picnic on a dock about 45 minutes into the canyon, had a quick swim(delicious!), and headed back.  Suddenly the wind came up, there were white caps on the lake, the rain was coming in sideways.  Luckily we only had about 15 minutes left on our journey.  As we arrived back at the dock, we were greeted by a frantic boat house crew, worried about our safe return.

Back at Crow Head Start we found messages waiting from Les and Roger, checking in to make sure we  found "the shortcut", how was the boating?  were we ready for fishing in the morning?

Off to bed now, for a 5am awakening for fishing(can you believe I am going fishing?)

More tomorrow, which will be our last day, hard to believe,

Love to all
Barbara