The spirit of Sacajawea lives on in the Shoshone and Arapaho Reservation. You can about feel it.

They've got to ride forever on that plains up in the sky on horses snortin' fire, as they ride on hear their cry ... Ghost Riders in the Sky.

We're standing at the foot of the grave for Lawrence Large in a cemetery on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Memories on this grave tell us a good deal about his spirit. Images of horses and riders are burned on the cross; a wreath of barbed wire hangs on the cross; and the mounded, red-clay grave is covered with boots, a plaque, a cross, and other symbols, all surrounded by solar lights and rocks.

This Native American cemetery was a must-see during our trip across the West.

Who would think that in this remote location we would meet a long line of cars in a long-funeral procession? What a surprise!

We had no idea what was going on. We were on the Shoshone and Arapaho Reservation, and we almost felt like intruders in a very private moment.

More and more cars were lining up in the dirt parking lot in front of the white pipe fence, and mourners walked through the cemetery carrying folding chairs. They knew where they were going.

We pulled up to the cemetery about noon Thursday, June 12 (2014). 
Here is a news item from the Casper, Wyoming, newspaper. You won't read an obituary like this in our local newspaper.
FORT WASHAKIE, Wyoming – Shannon Maria Hurtado died in her home in Fort Washakie on Saturday, June 7, 2014. Visitation has been arranged for June 11 beginning at 5 p.m. at the family home, 28 Crooked Creek Lane. It will continue over night, same location. The Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2014, in the Rocky Mountain Hall. Burial will follow in the Sacajawea Cemetery. 

As the funeral procession finally ended and a riderless horse was led back from the far side of the cemetery, we heard the faint sounds of Native American chants and singing.

Although we were more than a little curious about what was going on, we were respectful in this land of the Ancients.

Where do these powdery paths go as they meander through tall, dry grass? What has Megan found?

Shannon Maria Hurtado's obituary said burial was in Sacajawea Cemetery, and Megan has found the grave of the famous young Native American who guided Lewis and Clark to the Pacific.

Here's her grave, the tall stone marker surrounded by modest white crosses, snow covered mountains in the background and a statue (back right) honoring her.

A memorial to one of her children is to the right; the headstone of another child is to the left; and behind that headstone is grave of a grandchild. She is greatly revered by not only Native Americans but all Americans.

Here's an example of the details on some of the crosses. Farrin "Frog" Lee Surrell has a stone marker in the background and lots of little frog figurines on his mounded red clay grave.

Some crosses are white with black letters, some are more detailed. Megan's pointing to the colorful cross for Maude St. Clair Jorgenson. Someone spent a lot of time painting on that cross.

Here's the cross for Rodney Jorgenson. A couple of broken unsmoked cigarettes are on the grave, along with  a cow and an elk figurines, a horn and a cherub holding a bird.

This must be the older portion of the cemetery. No flowers, most of the markers aren't readable, and only a few paths through the burial plots. Can you imagine the impact when American Flags are billowing atop each flagpole?

Most of the cemetery was highly decorated, this jet only accentuates the color of the sky, the mountains and all of the crosses, headstones, flowers and other feelings.

Each grave was noticeably mounded; many had little fences and stones outlining the grave; bright, plastic flowers were everywhere; and lots of figurines and symbols to help identify the person's inner spirit.

Walking through this cemetery was an amazing experience. We marveled at how descendants treasured their ancestors, even in death. And they still honor them ... in the 21st Century.

If you ever find yourself on this reservation, you must follow this dirt road to the cemetery. Just stand back and marvel at this scene and all the spirits that live on in these hardy folks.

Way out west they have a name for rain and wind and fire.
The rain is Tess; the fire's Joe; and they call the wind Mariah.
Mariah blows the stars around and sets the clouds a-flying; Mariah makes the mountains sound like folks up there were dying.
Mariah! Mariah! They call the wind Mariah. - Alan J. Lerner

Megan and Dwain