Practice Run - Number 2

Our practice run number 2 took place at Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek, Iowa, which is located just 20 minutes from the Council Bluffs/Omaha metro area. We arrived around 10:30 in the morning, quite thankfully as the day proved to be sunny, hot, and humid.

We began our adventure on Fox Run Ridge, which is classified as an easy trail. The start of our trek included a barrage of butterflies, many of which hitched rides with us for several yards. Of course, this delighted the kids for quite some time. This trail intersects with others, all of which are classified as either moderate or difficult. Unfortunatley, Fox Run Ridge is a there-and-back trail, so we were required to bump up our efforts.

From Fox Run Ridge, we took Dozer Cut, classified as a moderate trail. There were many steep hills, both up hill and down hill. As an adult, this would definitely be a moderate trail. However, for a 7 year old and a 9 year old, it was much more difficult, although quite doable. From Dozer Cut, we found ourselves in Bluestem Meander, where trail markings became extinct and poison ivy overtook what appeared to be trail. Bluestem Meander did provide beautiful prairie scenery, and if it had not be in the upper 80's would have been a very enjoyable walk.

From Bluestem Meander, we finished our hike on Chute trail, listed as difficult. It was almost completely uphill, and a very steep angle. At this point our dog stopped and laid down on the trail, getting dirt all over her tongue. It was rough walking, but we finally could spot the observation tower, which meant the end was near. Amazingly, the two children who were convinced they were going to die, nearly ran to the top of the tour.

All and all, it was a grueling but enjoyable hike and a wonderful practice run for the heat and hills we will find in South Dakota.

Crazy Horse's Vision

As we prepare for our trip to South Dakota I want very desperately to focus on the "other side" of this state's history. As we all know, history is written by the victor, but I want my children to see the history of South Dakota from those that have been forgotten, or at least not as honored as they should be.

While Crazy Horse obviously has not been forgotten, with an enormouse statue of him being carved out of a mountain, how many children can say they know why he is important? Heck, I don't think I could even provide an answer. So we have begun to delve into his life story with the picture book by Joseph Bruchac and S.D. Nelson.

This book is absolutately stunning and the story is incredibly moving. Matthew did ask why Crazy Horse was colored blue, and sadly I didn't have an answer for him at the time. After reading the author notes at the end of the book (which I suggest you do before reading to the kids) I found out that this color represents a connection to the spirit world. This books weaves a wonderful tale of Crazy Horse's childhood and the vision he received which shaped the choices he made later in life.

Crazy Horse's Vision was a great way to begin introducing the kids to Native Americans and their traditions. However, it does not provide much information about the role Crazy Horse played in Lakota and South Dakota histories. I have yet to find any additional children's books on Crazy Horse (at least none with good recommendations), but the search is still on.