It was Monday September 14th and I was waiting to catch a flight to Kansas City for a business trip.  Technically I was back at work, but my thoughts were still on the previous week’s Park-2-Park ride.  I reflected on the apprehension I felt when I stepped out of the cabin in St. Mary the past Monday morning and gazed toward the threatening skies to the south west.  The gusts of wind in the night were so strong that I felt the cabin move on at least one occasion.  At 8:00 a.m. the riders gathered for a ride meeting complete with a native prayer ceremony – we were in Blackfoot country.  Never having been much of a spiritual man I stood just comfortably outside of the circle of riders that was called by Betty Cooper, a Blackfoot elder woman.  Amanda Cooper sang a Blackfoot song for us.  The haunting beat of the drum and the power in her voice drew me closer into the circle.  I have no idea what the song meant, but somehow it struck me emotionally.  I could tell that whatever she was singing, it was coming from deep inside.

David Lewis is a returning rider on the Park-2-Park Montana ride. To read more about his experiences on this year's ride, follow the link.

Park-2-Park Montana Finishes Strong

The Fifth Year of Park-2-Park was a great success thanks to the work of riders, local programs, and the Park-2-Park logistics team. Links to media coverage from the ride can be found at the Park-2-Park Montana site. Professional photographer Paul Bussi was present for the entire week and has begun to upload photos from the ride at the Ideal Photography website.

The support from local CASA programs across Montana was fantastic with CASA educational talks and meals provided throughout the ride. Jerie Paulk, a CASA volunteer and adoptive parent, spoke to the riders in White Sulphur Springs. Her personal story and experiences working through the child welfare system were a highlight of the daily "CASA moments," as described by Executive Director Ellen Bush, on the ride.

The ride has raised $40,000 so far, but final numbers have not been reported yet. CASA continues to receive checks and donations after the ride.

Park-2-Park Montana riders take a break on their last
day of riding to pose beside the Yellowstone River.

Troy Charbonneau and Stacie Panell lead a group of Park-2-Park riders.

Check out the Fall 2009 Montana Advocate Newsletter
to find out more CASA news.