On Saturday morning, Nancy shouldered her pack and continued her journey on the Centennial Trail. My new plan for the rest of my time in South Dakota included meeting her and her hiking buddy, Lynne, on Monday morning for the final push to the northern terminus - the summit at Bear Butte State Park.
Again, what’s in a name?
The Lakota call this sacred mountain Mato Paha (Bear Mountain). Many Native Americans see Bear Butte as a place where the creator has chosen to communicate with them through visions and prayer. (Like many sites, there are sacred prayers cloths along the paths.) The geological term “butte” is an isolated hill with steep sides and a small, relatively flat top. So the white English settlers’ name that we all know is Bear Butte.
I hurried to get to the park ahead of our rendezvous time, but Nancy and Lynne had started walking at o’dark-thirty and entered the parking lot at the same time I did. They regaled me with stories of rain, mud, an early dawn patrol on maneuvers as the trail passed by Fort Meade, and cows that didn’t want to give the right-of-way. Those two hiked more than 50 miles in 2.5 days! An affirmation that we each made the right decisions for ourselves.
Being aware of the weather forecast is essential – you don’t want to be on Bear Butte when thunderstorms and high winds come rushing across the plains. Being mindful of intense summer heat is also important. For a Centennial Trail thru-hiker, planning for a morning summit is the wisest choice.
The Summit Trail curves around the east/north side of the mountain and then switchbacks steeply to the top on a narrow path of loose rock. I knew going down would be challenging, but the blue sky and puffy clouds and long views lifted my heart up.
Trail hugging the mountain
Sentinel tree
We cruised triumphantly back to Rapid City, stopping for sodas and snacks, and dropped Lynne at her hotel. I had booked an Airbnb for the next two nights, so Nancy and I cleaned up and walked downtown for beer and food. We took the scenic route back and met some interesting fellows.
Do you know what Rapid City’s most popular attraction is? Presidential statues on every corner, created by different sculptors, each life sized and depicting some aspect of his life/service to our country. (Read all about them here and here.)
I'm so grateful for these adventures with my friend!
“If we can somehow keep alive a spark
of adventure, then any expedition becomes
more than a journey through wild country.
It becomes a shining challenge
and an adventure of the spirit.”
~The Lonely Land by Sigurd F. Olsen
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