By Scott Shephard

Years ago I read an essay by a cultural geographer who suggested that because of economy, geography and culture, it might have been more appropriate to split Dakota Territory into East Dakota and West Dakota back in 1889 when the two states were admitted to the Union. That aside, people in South Dakota informally split our own state into two parts called "West River" and "East River." The River is the Missouri and though the two parts aren't quite like foreign countries to each other, there are clear distinctions.

In this photo Wandering Star is anchored in Mission Creek on the west shore of the Missouri and we are looking out over West River, South Dakota. I love this part of the state because the landscape seems pure and primeval to me and I'm not likely to bump into any people if I go for a hike. Also, when the wind isn't blowing, there is a silence that serves as a kind of rejuvenating sensory deprivation to me.

I've probably said it before, but this place is my favorite place in the world.

Phantom 4 Pro FC6310 1/80s f/6.3 ISO200 8.8mm (35mm eq:24mm)