October 26th, Day 17
An ocean of clouds rolled overhead as I slept snugly under my covers. Surprisingly warmer than the previous nights, I did not mind this roadside suite. It was peaceful, and uncluttered with extras.
Work utility lights flashed their yellow glow into the light fog of the early morning, and I woke up to see someone’s inquisitive eyes fixed on me.
Sitting upright, with a head full of wildly messy hair, I innocently waved at the old native man.
“Are you alright?” He asked.
“Yup! Just heading up to the camps!” I replied.
“Do you need a ride?”
“No thanks. I made it all the way here from Denver, so I might as well go this last stretch.” I briefly paused, “Thanks for the offer though! I really appreciate it!”
“So you’re good? You don’t need anything?” he asked.
“I’m great!” I smiled back at him.
“Alright,” he replied in with a subtle hesitation. “Be careful. It’s hard to see people out in this fog.”
“Noted.” I replied. “Have a great day!”
“You too” he said, as he drove off in to the distance.
It was pretty foggy. …Which made my blankets kind of soggy, but I rolled them up and packed them away nonetheless. This was it! Today was the day!
I filmed a quick video, and poured my effervescence into it. Looking directly into the camera with heavy bags under my eyes, I excitedly introduced myself, and recapped the previous day’s events. I went over my decision to sleep on the side of the road, instead of arrive at camp in the dark, and then ended my last vlog with a thunderous cheer!
“I love you all! …Love you! We’re almost there!!!! Yayy!!”
It was easy to see that I was genuinely happy. It was by no means an easy road to ride, but I felt great to be on it, traveling in a good way.
I took a foggy photo shot with my studly set up, and then dove further into the inescapable cloud. With all the haze, I couldn’t see more than a hundred yards ahead of me, yet the grass did seem greener. Besides that, I could only see asphalt and the grey sky.
It wasn’t until I reached North Dakota that I started seeing more than the occasional cow in the distance. Scattered across the hillside, smooth, white boulders stood. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but these stones seemed like they could be “Standing Rocks.” I shrugged off the possibility, and continued on.
About a thousand hay bales later, I reached the outskirts of Fort Yates. I passed a couple homes and dusty driveways as if nothing was out of place, then off to my right I saw a bulldozer. Beside it, sat a stack of light blue pipeline segments, ready to be installed. Immediately, my mood shifted and concern fell upon my face.
Was that is? Was I staring at the snake again?
When I stopped by Sitting Bull College to refill my water, I learned it was not.
“Oh, that’s a water pipeline they’re putting in. I wouldn’t try to stop that!” said the women at the front desk.
Relieved, I continued into downtown Fort Yates. Surrounded by the Missouri River, this little town had everything I needed; which, granted, was an easy ticket to fill, all I needed were snacks.
After devouring lunch, and chatting with a couple locals, I set back into motion, to conquer the last couple miles. I knew I was getting close when I started seeing signs like, “Oil and Water don’t mix.”
Then, in the distance, I saw a checkpoint set up. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, or BIA, had vehicles on either side of the street, and a large trailer off to the side. I recorded a quick video before I rode down the hill, to pass through the blockade.
When I stopped to talk to the two officers, one informed me, “You missed it. They stopped the pipeline. You can go home now.”
A little shocked, and a little more suspicious, I waited.
“Ha, just kidding!” He responded. “Where ya coming in from?”
“Denver” I replied.
“No shit! That’s awesome!” he said. “Do you have any drugs, alcohol, or firearms on you?”
“No sir.” I replied.
“Then you are free to go. Be safe.” He said as he waved me forward.
Now I knew I was getting close. No more than a mile down the road, a sign reading “Sacred Stone Camp” cropped up, and told me to turn right.
The butterflies in my belly seemed to lighten my load, and I started to notice that all the cars that were passing me, came from different states. Ahead of me, I watched half the cars take a left, while the rest kept barreling forward. I was sure we were all heading to the same spot, but didn’t know which way I should go. It didn’t seem too important either way, so I kept straight.
Finally getting a full view of the Missouri River, I felt both comfort and awe rise up within me. The Mystic Missouri River was right here in front of me; this is what I had come to protect. My heart raced as I swept passed the river, and with excitement in every stride, I pressed in for one last push.
Half an hour passed by, and I started to wonder if I should have taken that left turn. Then, I saw it. A white sign, lined in turquoise and red, read, “Sacred Stone Camp” and pointed to the right. Beside it, another sign read, “NO Alcohol, firearms, D.A.P.L.”
I crossed the cattle gate, and pushed a couple hundred more yards forward. As I waited in line at the security gate, a young man with a walkie-talkie approached me.
“Where ya coming in from?” he asked.
“Denver” I replied.
“Epic!” he said as he went for a high five. “Do you have any alcohol, drugs, or firearms on you?”
“No sir.” I responded.
“Welcome!” He waved me forward, and just like that, my journey was complete. Yet my adventure was far from over.
Previous Chapters Include-
Introduction- Igniting the Fire at Unify
Day 1- Indigenous People's Day
Day 2 - Musical Mantras
Day 3 - Bottling My Prayers
Day 4 - Glorious Heights
Day 5 - Inner TurmOil
Day 6 - Massive Strides
Day 7 - Sunset Stallions
Day 8 - Wind River
Day 9 - Storms and Thorns
Day 10 - The Green Gospel
Day 11 - Prayers for Pine Ridge
Day 12 - The Cattle Choir
Day 13 - Deadly Highways
Day 14 - Hanging in there...
Day 15 - Ceremonial Exchange
Day 16 - Riding Through The Rez
Learn more, and access all available chapters at-
http://www.righteousendeavors.com
Heya! I had been thinking of posting about my Standing Rock experience, which resulted in me searching for the tag 'standingrock', which resulted in me finding your blog. A super fantastic read so far! I actually remember your face around the sacred fire at Sacred Stone in November, playing songs on your guitar. Wonderful to see a semi-familiar face here. You have a new 'follower'. I just started posting about a week ago, you can find my intro here. See ya around!
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