Many different philosophical and spiritual teachers discuss the notion of pre-paving, be it through deeds, thoughts, affirmations, visualization, or praying. Today, Liz and I appreciated the pre-paving of our adventure through experience from just the past few days.
The switch from Daylight Savings Time has really affected our travels in that it has gotten dark before 5pm. Having to be navigated, situated, and camped before sunset has proven difficult. Luckily, the moon is almost full right now and the pre-paving already happened.
We have heard great things about Badlands and were eager to get there. But, today began with yet another wind advisory, cautioning light and “high-profile” (aka RViejo) vehicles against traveling in the 20-30 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph. The advisory was from 8am to 4pm, prime travel time, across the entire region from Custer State Park where we were staying to Badlands. We debated all morning whether to attempt the drive and ultimately decided at noon to give it a shot. This was not our first wind advisory nor our first drive in heavy winds. Thank you pre-paving.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABrQkea1Iys
We traveled slowly, took a 2-hour break to do laundry and for Liz to have a really good burger at a truck stop in Hermosa, and arrived at the ghost town of Scenic at 4:15pm.
The purveyor of the sole open business confirmed that the 15 miles to our intended camp site on Sage Creek Road was indeed all dirt and gravel.
Luckily, we had tackled just a road on the way to Devil’s Tower 2 days prior. Pre-paving at work. Undeterred, we set out on our course.
As we weaved our way across moon, rocks, grassland, and farms, the moon rose majestically over the horizon. The sun set beautifully, as the guides we read claimed it would.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMC4aitde1E
We then encountered the bison, which the purveyor also spoke about. Had we not run across all the bison in Yellowstone, these sunset encounters would have almost certainly sent us back. However, this time we took the beasts’ presence in stride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyBLfhOSDt4
They were a welcome and enjoyable addition. Pre-paving again.
Their excrement was another story. Rubi found it particularly important to investigate.
Tonight’s camping is free, but is boondocking in the backcountry. We even got to sign the register!
The bathrooms are clean and pleasant, but beyond those vault toilets we’re on our own. Water and heat are for us to provide. Luckily, boondocking is becoming old hat. We may even be getting good at it. 🙂
The evening has not been without novelty. After being in bear country, we were happy to feed Rubi outside the van. Just after bringing her in from the cold, we heard a coyote braying a bit too close to our door. Since the door was not shut properly, we quickly addressed the issue, sending a haunting slam through the valley. We haven’t heard from him or her again. Here’s to a peaceful night’s sleep and an enjoyable tomorrow.