After breakfast, I took a bike ride in the surrounding area. I’m not sure what to say about altitude training right now; we’re at 1400 feet and I was definitely panting. Plus wtf I’ve been biking pretty consistently for some months now. Does climbing ever get easier?

A view of the mighty Missouri River from the ride.

Serious pink rock garden potential for government purposes only.

Chief Izzy laid out the Sun Dance tradition. Excluding the more important spiritual aspect, it is 4 days of sweats and dancing in the sun while on a no water and no food fast. In a word, intense. By finding connection with Spirit, one is able to pass the physical trial and, through the experience, find truth. We were lucky to be able to take a field trip to the site. The energy and anticipation were palpable.

The cottonwood tree from last year’s Sun Dance. It will be part of this year’s too and go out in a blaze of glory.

The number 4 comes up often: 4 horses; 4 days of dancing; and, the rite of passage is 4 Sun Dances. This is, no surprise, an important spiritual number.

Janet, Chief Izzy’s partner, has been super helpful, thoughtful and supportive of us being able to take in what we can in our limited time here.

Thank you both for being such great hosts and sharing your wisdom.

Mme Awesome and I redid this morning’s ride with a twist: we both jumped into the lake for a swim. What a wonder it is being in the water at sunset and with no frostbite issues.

Here we are!!! Notice the already long shadows.