July 30

July 30
On ward we go. Did not leave Sheridan as early as we wanted to because Gene decided to put the spare tire on the 5th wheel to replace another worn tire so we did not get out till 11am. I saw Devils Tower National Monument on the map and it was not to far out of the way so we headed off I 90 and took Route 24 up to the monument. What a beautiful drive. We really enjoyed watching the vegetation & geology of the area change.
Devils Tower was the first national monument created under the Antiquities Act of 1906 buy President Theodore Roosevelt. His action made Wyoming the home of our first national park … Yellowstone in 1872… and our first national monument.
Over twenty American Indian tribes have a cultural connection with the Tower. They have lived in the area at some point in their history and it is revered as a sacred place to them. The towers name is the white mans incorrect translation. The Indian word for the tower should have been translated into “Bear Lodge”. Some of the Plains Indian tribes have objected to the name Devils Tower, considering it offensive to site they regard as sacred. A monument name change would require legislation and congressional action. It has been done before, but at this time no such action has been taken. With permission climbing is aloud. There is a voluntary climbing closure in June out of respect for the American Indian beliefs. This affront to the Plains Indians really bothers me. I got to change the subject.
Geologically the tower is an igneous intrusion, but geologist have three different theories of how it came to be.
Prairie dogs live in their “town” near the monument entrance. They are fun to watch.The drive to South Dakota on the back road was great. We went through towns (?) with the population of 5 or 50. I guess its all in the family.
Another great day in a adventure. We have gone 9754 miles.