We are making our way farther west than the both of us have ever traveled before. As we roll through the vastly beautiful and ever changing landscape we are in awe of the sights that grip our eyes. While standing in the Badlands, I heard a couple remark on the uniqueness of the rock formations and tall spires.
"Imagine, not knowing anything of the Badlands and walking into this area. Imagine the thoughts and bewilderment of people having never seen anything like this and being entranced by the sight they see."
I think the majority of us who visit this place have that same feeling. Whether or not we know about or having only seen pictures in a textbook or magazine, we are still overcome by the beauty of this land. The stillness, the creatures, the slow erosion, are all captivating. The stories embedded in the layers of color and oneness that many of us feel with the land beneath our feet move our minds and resonate in our souls. As we travel through the dry, rolling plains of cattle, approaching the mountain range known as the Rockies, our souls are moved. How long will the white capped tips of the Gallatin and Bitterrroot mountain ranges be with us? Will the Evergreen forests recover to their original splendor. How uncomfortable I feel knowing that the human race is so out of touch with the realities of our treatment of the beauty bestowed upon us. From sea to shining sea, our nation gives us a kaleidoscope of landscapes and environments that should cradle our souls and humble us.
I hope everyone of us gets that feeling inside and is moved to change the way we treat this planet and our fellow travelers.
We are enjoying the brief stay here in Montana and look forward to next awe inspiring landscape that moves us into Washington State. Treat her better people, as she will only entertain us with her beauty for so long before she becomes weary of our disregard of her hospitality and our apathetic treatment of her bounty.
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