Biking and Hiking

 Today we went to the Pokestone National Monument Park. I talked Dennis into riding bikes as the entrance was right outside the campground. The first stop was The Three Guardians. These rocks are not of native stone for this area and are so huge folklore says the Great Spirit put them here. They are considered sacred by the Native Americans and are used in ceremonies prior to quarrying their pipestone. 

Next the road took us to the visitors center. Here the vast amount of information presented was overwhelming and well done. They had artifacts, videos, and craft samples from local Native Americans. Rather than have me repeat all that was gleaned I have several pictures of the information. 

Included in the park was a trail that wound around the different hand dug quarries, an open prairie of different useful grasses and flowers as well as ancient stories and ceremonial points within the area. I loved the waterfall and the abundance of red quartzite (that holds the pipestone squished between its layers. The quartzite is one of the hardest mineral rocks (used often in construction) and the pipestone is one of the softest ( used for carving). The ceremonial pipe tips are carved from the pipestone and the tube of the pipe from willow or other tree branches. The ‘tobacco’ is made from local grasses depending on personal preference. It is not smoked for pleasure, this is for enhanced prayers. 

If there is one thing I learned is that what non natives perceive is not what is true. People make so many assumptions without understanding. Please enjoy the pictures  

Humor for the day was that although easy to ride into the park (the fun hill we raced down) only meant there would be a grueling hill to conquer in order to leave. I am proud to say we both made it panted and praying on my part but did not have to stop and walk. Maybe tomorrow we will ride into town. It is much flatter. 🤪👍