Cedar Pass Campground, Interior, South Dakota
The remainder of chapter 30 and through chapter 31, teaches us about the deteriorating relationship between Jacob and Laban. I’m going to paraphrase what’s going on, and include a few verses. After Joseph is born, Jacob decides it’s time to leave Laban’s service. Jacob wants to return to his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, and to the land God has promised him through His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and now Jacob. “Give me my wives and children, for whom I have served you, and I will be on my way. You know how much work I’ve done for you.” (Gen 30:26) But Laban has prospered greatly under Jacob’s flock management and for purely selfish reasons, doesn’t want Jacob to leave. “I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you. Name your wages, and I will pay them.” (Gen 30:27-28) The act of divination is not godly. In fact, it is very much ungodly. The definition being ‘the attempt to discover hidden knowledge through mechanical means, the interpretation of omens, or the aid of supernatural powers.’ And it was – and still is – strictly forbidden to God’s people. It shows a reliance on evil forces, and therefore not a reliance on our sovereign God. How often do we seek other means of answers, rather than going to God? How often do we rely on books, or speakers, or friends, or angel worship, or our own wits and faulty decision-making; rather than turning to God for our answers and direction? Why is it so easy to turn to these things, rather than turning to God? In Jacob’s response, we see him point out that it’s God’s doing. “The little you had before I came has increased greatly, and the LORD has blessed you wherever I have been.” (Gen 30:30)
It’s the last day of August as I put this together. We moved to a new location after Badlands, and we have very little WiFi, so doing anything is difficult. We can’t even make phone calls unless we stand outside beside the Jeep. Good grief! Anyway, I say this to tell you that since it takes forever and a day to upload pictures, it’s very slow going, but it’s going. 😊
We got out early once again to keep from being turned into French fries, or puddles melted into the earth.
We’re off to see the Wizard. No. Wait. That’s not it. . . .
We’re off to check out the final portion of the Castle Trail. We began at 7:45am. For the majority of our three-hour hike, it was very quiet. The only sounds were our booted feet slapping the hard-packed earth, the wind howling in our ears, and the rare “Hi” or “Good morning” from a very limited few passing hikers.
Until about 9:30am . . . .
INCOMING!!!!
The incessant helicopter tours began. They flew over the trail about every fifteen minutes. We could’ve done without that. Although, with the wind blowing so fiercely most of the time, it muffled the sound of the churning blades somewhat.
This was our favorite portion of the Castle Trail. Nice we saved the best for last! 😊
There were actually some bumps and dips this time instead of the usual flat ground. And the views were completely (relatively speaking) different from the other two areas.
Enjoy! Just keep in mind, the pictures don’t come anywhere near to capturing the experience of actually being here. ‘Here’ meaning any of the wondrous places God has graciously permitted us to visit!
Gives it better perspective doesn’t it? : )
He was picking at a little piece to see how fragile it was,
and that big chunk fell off at his feet! Smashed to smithereens!
The terrain always seems to give us the feel of being on an otherworldly movie set.
Can’t even begin to imagine what Heaven holds for us!
No problem, because there’s no traffic here. : )
but have never had one sit long enough – or close enough – for a picture until today.
They seem to be a type of chipmunk.
Well, they do have a ‘back country’ sign in sheet at the entrance to the trail.
Maybe you can primitive camp anywhere you want?
Probably very nice when us hikers aren’t around. And very dark at night!
In the buffalo grass at the base of the rocky hill, is where the bighorn sheep were resting the other day.
Our trail ended at the top of Saddle Pass, and both of us climbed to the top of that high point this time. I was a little unsteady with the drop offs and the high 15-20mph winds. But I did it! Found a nice little place at the top that fit my derriere just perfectly, and remained motionless, except to turn my head occasionally. We’d hiked about 2 ½ miles and climbed all the way up there with the intent of eating some grapes and trail mix, and enjoying the view, so when another couple showed up, we didn’t move out. Hey, at least I moved my feet enough so they could come up and take some pictures. They were from Michigan, and had spent the summer out in Washington and were making their way back to school. We gave them tips on what to see in a day here. But we didn’t offer them any food – we hadn’t gotten it out yet. See! We were decent hosts to our little spot. 😊
It’s another sort of odd perspective picture.
The peak behind him is our final destination. Looks so small and close!
Too scary for me to try to take pictures!
At least I felt secure here and could enjoy the view.
As long as I didn’t turn my head too much. : )
We’re still at the top, but I was kinda hunkered down for the pictures.
Blaine was snickering at me, which wasn’t very nice. : )
Eventually, I got up the nerve to get up and leave. Took a deep breath and resolved not to look at anything but the ground below my feet. And I made it back down just fine.
There were many more of them.
When he didn’t, he ran the risk of losing his hat to the wind. : )
Well, almost anyway.
Then we went in search of the heart-shaped rock on a pillar we’d seen from the side of the road a few times. We found it, found a place to park and got up close for pictures.
I’d thought to draw a heart and put our initials in it, but it didn’t work out. : (
It seems every time we travel this road, the Bighorn bucks are out. Such majestic-looking creatures!
And that’s our day today. The temperatures soared again this afternoon, and we stayed in, swaying to the rocking coach as the wind tried to push us over (or at least it seemed that way), and watched as the tents planted around us clung valiantly to their stakes.
Oh! I almost forgot! We went out tonight about 8:30pm to check out the Night show at the amphitheater. There was a guy there (staff or volunteer, we don’t know) with two telescopes set up. We got to look at Jupiter and Saturn! Soooo cool!! They also ran a video with pictures from all the National Parks, which was very inspiring, and fun as we noted the ones we’ve visited.
