Photo Friday: the Backbone of the World


In my past life I taught high school literature, and one of my favorite books to teach was Fools Crow by James Welch.  Fools Crow follows the life of White Man's Dog, a Native American in Montana.  Set in the years just following the Civil War, the book poignantly tells of the trials and joys of the Blackfoot tribe as their world changed around them.  

I have spent a lot of time in the native lands of the Blackfoot tribe since my mother-in-law lives in northern Wyoming.  When we drive there -- which we always do -- I am struck by the starkness of the landscape.  It isn't empty.  It is simply expansive.  The world seems enormous, old, almost barren.  And I try to imagine what it must have been like to roam the mountains and plains on horseback and by foot... to cross the country in a covered wagon... to experience true wildness without GPS and cell phones and rescue helicopters and McDonald's...

Travel has truly, truly changed in a short time.  While we can elect to distance ourselves from technology and go camping or hiking for a few hours, a day, a week, or a month, we are still citizens of the 21st century.  And there are still wild places on this planet, but North America used to be one of the wildest -- and we have tamed her in short order.  

The Pikuni (Blackfeet) tribe called the Rocky Mountains "the Backbone of the World."  I took this photo in Wyoming.  The Pikuni moniker fits.  

DeliciousBaby.com is hosting Photo Friday, today.  Stop by and see other travel photos and stories from around the world.  Thanks, Debbie!

Blogapalooza: October 29


I love a good party, so let's have one!  

Just Go's First-Ever Blogapalooza

Theme:  What a Strange Trip It's Been
When:  October 29
Why:  because there are goodie bags!

How:  Post a comment in this thread telling me that you are  participating in Blogapalooza and I will add you to my party link list.  Then on October 29, put a photo of a pumpkin at the top of your post and tell us the story of your strangest or scariest trip ever.  

You'll be able to use the party link list to travel far and wide in the blogosphere -- and they will come to read about your strange trip, too.  

Oh!  And did I mention goodie bags?    
Yep.  There will be goodie bags.