March 21, 2012
What fabulous driving weather I had
today! It was 60 degress by the time I reached Sturgis, sunny all
the way. Got off of I-90 in Wall to drive the Badlands loop on my
way to the visitor's center to check in. Made just a couple brief
stops since I needed to get in before the center closed to get the
keys to my apartment. Can't wait to take my time exploring.
Unpacked the car (amazing how much stuff I was able to cram into my
little Civic), fixed a snack, then took a short walk to do a tiny
little plein air sketch at sunset. Definitely need more plein air
practice, it's too easy for me to slip into my slow, detailed studio
habits. Had to keep wiping things out with the brush in order to
finish before the light was gone. And this is just 4x6.” After
that I met some of the other people living in the housing area.
Astronomers, photographers, and a paleontologist. Something else I
think I've failed to mention here is that there is a group of high
school students from NYC visiting for a week; they arrived today as
well. Their teacher, a poet, was an artist-in-residence here a few
years ago. They have a whole week of activities planned out, and
I'll join them for some. Tomorrow will be a 7am departure to tour
the reservation, visit Sheep Mountain Table in the south unit, and
tour a local high school.
(While I can get internet, I have to sit outside my apartment to pick it up, and even then it might not always work. I'm writing an entry every night, but might have to wait to post them until morning. Apologies for the delay!)