Monday, May 23, 2016

Living on the Little Missouri River

Chad asked me what I wanted for my birthday.

All I wanted was sunshine and warm weather.

He took me here.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, in the Northern Great Plains.

We pitched the teepee on the banks of the Little Missouri River where the Buffalo roam.

Where wild horses are protected.

Where all you hear upon waking is the sound of a million birds, tall grasses in the breeze, and buffalo breath.

It's true. I woke up early, poked my head out the canvas flap to see a handful of bison outside our tent. Puffs of fog blew from their nostrils as they mowed their way around the teepee.

The bison were particularly drawn to our teepee tent. It was like they remembered the dwelling, from long ago.

We would leave for the day to go exploring and as soon as we came back to camp in the evening, random campers would come greet us to tell of the buffalo that grazed, slept and rummaged around our site. "They licked your coffee cups!" one man from Ontario, exclaimed.

I loved being there.

The place is full of life.

I've tucked the fond memory of it all securely in my heart.

 

22 comments:

  1. This truly does sound like heaven. A place where the deer and bison and horse are safe to live out their lives as they should.
    I love that the bison were drawn to the teepee. You are so right...something deep in their memory was stirred, drawn to the dwelling. A comforting ghost from the past:-)
    Love the foals and the grass and the sunshine!
    Pretty sure that's just what you needed. So happy for you!
    Great memories:-)
    xx Sheree

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    1. I think the bison saw visions of their ancestors when they hung out at our camp!
      You should see how serene and calm the wild animals are there, Sheree. They look at you and I swear they give a little peaceful smirk...
      Heaven. Completely.

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  2. What a lovely, perfect birthday, Lynn. Your photos take me there - those bison by your tipi - and licking your coffee cups! And of course the horses - always balm for the soul. My brother works a few hours from there - someday I need to visit him and spend time with the bison and horses, too. XO

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    1. You should visit that park, Diana.
      I would say the rest of NDakota is not that scenic, though. You know, the place is full of oil rigs and stark white trailers...but, TRNP is a jewel!!!
      Oh, the wildlife. :))

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  3. What an absolutely perfect way to celebrate birthday...I can hardly believe that such places still exist...and...HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I don't think I knew your birth date. xoxo

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    1. Mona, that place is high on my list of the best places to visit.
      I like it waaaaaay better than Yellowstone!
      I had a sense of complete peace when I woke up there...
      And then I had to come back here. :(

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  4. Happy Birthday! What a gorgeous place to spend your day! I remember Theodore Roosevelt Park well....we used to go there when we were working out of Sidney, MT!
    Those are some amazing badlands. And your wildlife experience....the photos....incredible!
    xx

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    1. Oh, Julie! You've been there! So, you know what I'm talking about.
      I'm curious what you were doing in Sydney...you've sure lived in a lot of places...just like someone else I know... Hahaha
      Yeah, it was a trip I'd repeat again and again.

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  5. absolutely :: tucked deep into your heartpocket.

    [that crazy big ol' bison, rolling in the dirt....! and those horses!!!!]

    xO

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    1. Still reminiscing about that trip, Bernard!
      It is an amazing place. I don't want to forget.
      Bison!!!!

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  6. Happy birthday, I see you are still managing with your cast, it sounds like just the best way to celebrate your day.

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    1. Such a memorable birthday, Dagmar!
      Yes, the cast....and I just got a new one...a smaller one this time... Oh, it just NEVER ends. :(
      Thanks for stopping by.

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  7. What a wonderful way to spend your birthday. Amazing pictures x

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  8. Beautiful memories! I love the picture with the bison and horses together in the landscape! Sigh. I'm chuckling thinking of that black bison tongue tasting a bit of coffee - lol. Glad you had an amazing birthday Prairie Sis!

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    1. When I saw the land full of bison AND wild horses I about fell to my knees!
      It's God's country, no doubt.
      We drink our coffee with raw honey...I think that's what they liked!

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  9. Testing to see if I can comment here. Finally had an epiphany and found your blog on my own instead of having to get the link from your Flickr photos.
    Lynn, you have a great imaginative gift for expressing yourself in print, both words and photo.
    Happy Memorial Day and I hope Guitar Whitey feels the love and respect he deserves today.

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    1. Aw, thanks for the kind words and for visiting my space!
      You are one of my favorite peeps, Jerry.

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  10. Oh wow...look at those beautiful majestic bison...and that breathtaking river. True paradise...

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    1. You should see it!
      Next time you're back in the states... ;)

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