july_18

St. Catherine's Youth Pilgrimage
July 13 - 21, 2001

Wednesday July 18

The first correction for the day is that there were four ladies who joined us on the mountain last night. We wanted you to know that since we left you with the impression that it was just the guys who camped out. It was a beautiful night with nary a cloud in the sky as we bedded down. Being at 7000 feet and little or no pollution provides for a dramatic view of the sky. As the night progressed we watched the Milky Way make its way across the sky. A few of us, very few, got up at 5:00 AM in order to watch the sun rise and then went back to sleep until we needed to leave the mountain at 6:15 AM in order to fix breakfast. We’re not sure we had any visions among us, but there is little doubt that we all felt close to our God.

One of the things we are learning about pilgrimage is that plans change on a daily basis. As result of our sweat lodge
experiences last night we were all beat as we made our way to breakfast this morning. What faced us was a 7 mile hike to
Harney’s Peak the highest peak in the Black Hills. It was decided that we just weren’t ready for the trip and that by the time we arrived at the top there would be more than one casualty, physically and emotionally.

The day was spent in some less intense activities. We hiked to the Sun Dance Grounds and discussed the traditional Sun Dance and its meaning with in the Native American’s spirituality. We spend a few hours swimming at the Deerfield Reservoir where we nearly lost the dock but because of heroism on the part of the two adult male chaperons we were able to get the dock reunited with the shore.

This evening we went into Hill City for dinner where we set 10 teenagers loose in a defenseless town. We were okay with it
because we found a quiet restaurant in town where we had a great meal and adult conversation and not one time did someone say – “but it isn’t fair.”

Our debriefing tonight clearly shows that we are at the heart of the pilgrimage. Through incidents, hurt feelings, laughter and tears we are learning what it means travel together and trying our best to connect these learnings with life as an adult. We are making progress. Keep us in your prayers.

Our pilgrims among the beautiful wildflowers. They are at their peak this week.
The same wildflowers but see how the adults of the week bring out their color and beauty. The Rev. Linda Kramer joins us on our trip the Sun Dance grounds. Our sweat lodge from last night. It’s continued to dominate our conversation and reflections today.

Grady, the dog, has been our mascot this week. Here Grady and Preston take a break on our way to the Sun Dance
grounds. The ceremonial grounds of the Sun Dance. We had so many questions about this profound ceremony.
The sky is so blue and the wildflowers so beautiful. It was a wonderful morning.

Our pilgrims among the beautiful wildflowers. They are at their peak this week.	The same wildflowers but see how the adults of the week bring out their color and beauty. The Rev. Linda Kramer joins us on our trip the Sun Dance grounds.	Our sweat lodge from last night. It’s continued to dominate our conversation and reflections today.
Grady, the dog, has been our mascot this week. Here Grady and Preston take a break on our way to the Sun Dance grounds.	The ceremonial grounds of the Sun Dance. We had so many questions about this profound ceremony.	The sky is so blue and the wildflowers so beautiful. It was a wonderful morning.