A Gathering of Eagles ~ Folkston Frontier Days.

Here we had an Awesome Growing Pow Wow/Frontier Days put on by a group of Bear Clan Creeks in conjunction with some Georgia Cherokees.  And I must stress that Growing is a GOOD thing, as the old man said "Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still." 

The grounds were Very Camper friendly both primitive and self contained RV.  **Note: Hot Showers on property as well   The circle was surrounded by ALL 50 State Flags!!! When have you ever seen that?? Even at a Veterans Affair.  

Chi Meeker the Owner and grounds keeper here works very hard to educate and make a comfortable place to Gather as family.  He has made a tractor into a train to take the kids for rides around the property at a minimal fee.  You can see the Largest smile on the train is the kid running the Engine. 

 

The Drum is growing as well, they have many more songs to learn and have started working on a few more with help from Karl this weekend.   Thanks again Little Brother, and Thank you sooo much for 49in' wit me on the 5 gal Drum 

The pow wow was very good for the local community, many came out and many will continue to come out for this small Gathering put on by people that just want to share what they have with those who want to learn.  

I spent most of the weekend fixing things, making things, and working on the computer.  Cyndy & Nelson camped with us and they helped immensely - As Always!  I was rewarded with an awesome gift of Deer Skull /Antlers witch I proceeded to share with more family that can use them.  

So the pictures you will see are a mixture of pics Cyndy took with her cam and mine, and some I got to shoot when I did get out.  Just a really Great Feeling place, pow wow, and the Love made it all what we were there for.  

Then of course the Big reason we all gathered to help and support this year was that Sybille and Matt got married Saturday night!!

Ok, so when we first got their on Monday to help Chi get ready, the guys were splitting wood and helping with anything Chi needed.  Then we heard a cat crying?!?  Sybille showed up thursday night and spotted the cat atop a Tall Pine tree YIKES!!  We guessed it at about 45 feet up, Mary Kent's son is the one who used spikes and my Milwaukee Strap to scale the thin Timber and retrieve the cat!

Well, they also had Cowboy shoots in between the dancing.  This was definitely different, but the public liked it!  The entire set-up was really great looking and I would definitely recommend this pow wow if you are in that neck of the woods.  

On Saturday, Nelson & Cyndy went to Gainesville to support the Veterans Center one day event.  Those pics can be found here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/spiderwrulf/sets/72157622687876329/

Heading Back to Floriduh now for 2 more pow wows

See y'all there

Cartersville Harley Davidson Pow Wow

We were invited to a Harley Davidson Dealership to do a small pow wow.  The Bikers from the area collected there on Friday to leave out and join up with the Trail of Tears Motorcycle run, the dealership ran specials and had sales on clothing and such, we pow wowed out in the front field with a handful of vendors.  It was a Nice set-up and thankfully the rain cleared out on Friday for the bikes to leave.  Ken was asked to help smudge the bikes with Joey before the pulled out.  It rained on and off saturday and sunday which kept the attendance low, thankfully we rallied a little at the end to at least break even. 

But the connections with the people is what it is all about, more than the money for us.  We met some wonderful people and got to see and hear another Drum we had not seen before.  The most memorable for me was when a young lady that had been visiting my shop, came in on Friday morning and spoke to me about how she hoped the rain would stay over there (pointing away from our locations), over there (pointing away again) etc etc etc... So after she had left the shop, I got me some tobacco and headed over to speak with her parents.  I asked them if it was ok for her to come with me to say a small prayer, because she had showed concern for the weather.  They agreed and the girl and I went off to the side of the vendor circle.  I showed her a prayer to Creator that I had learned from an Uncle.  We asked Creator to bring the sun out, so that the Bikers would have good weather in their travels, and so that we could Dance for HIM.  I offered Tobacco and I had her say her prayer and offer the tobacco I had given her earlier.  We hugged and I thanked her for helping me.  I went back to the shop and it was just a few minutes later that she had come back to see me, to let me know excitedly, that the sun had already come out.  I explained that it was only up to the Creator if it was to be, and that neither of us had made it happen, we had only gone and asked in the proper way.  That day was Beautiful and the sun stayed out all day!

There were not many dancers, but the ones that were there danced with all their Heart!  One of the Elders that had come and spoke with me in the shop Friday, came in Saturday and told me that he had another heart attack in his hotel room and was clutching his nitro bottle all night, and yet he was in the circle in full regalia dancing all the dances on saturday!!  Praise the Creator for he who accepts him and follows him shall be Strong in more ways than we know!!! 

The above pictured man Danced so HARD he made My Knees Hurt!!!!  Bless Him and Keep him strong, Creator for he carries your message to the people!!

I Just adored the 2 little ones with the Drum!!  Dog River was a Great Drum, with women back up singers, some of them danced, they did some hand drum songs in between pow wow dancing.  Very Awesome Group, if you ever get a chance to see them I recommend them!  I have a short video on my you tube I will post, sorry but the camera batteries died on me and it is the only video I got this time. 

Brother Nightwolf & Raven visited again with us for the weekend.  It is so Good to spend this time with them before we have to leave Georgia.  Hopefully we will see them a couple more times. 

Please see all the pictures from the pow wow either on my photo album here or on flickr (link on the photo album here)  Thank you everyone who follows our travels here, it keeps us going when we feel a little down!  We Love you all and are ever Thankful and Humble on the Path that Creator provides us. 

We had a Hunt Brothers Pizza last night (One of my Favorites!!) and I am going to end with quoting their Guiding Principles, because I feel it applies to what Ken and I are all about out on the Trail.  I was always told that Plagiarism is the Highest form of Flattery, so here goes:

"Place God First In All We Do, Be A Blessing To People, Trust God To Meet Our Needs, Strive For Excellence."

Peace ~ Love ~ Hope ~ Faith ~ Grace ~ Mercy ~ and all those other girls Nelson tells me about

And a Special Thanks to Joey and Janell for Inviting us and being such Special people.  We Love you Both!

21 September 2009 ~ At this writing (typing... whateva) It has been raining for about 30 days and 30 night (well... seems like it anyways)  I took pictures of the lake at the campground when we got here, and if it stops or slows so I can take more pics I will - But its come up about 6 feet or so, and I hope we don't completely flood out before we leave!! This rain has been never-ending!!  Oh ya and Wikid Thunder/Lightning too!!

Upcoming Pow Wows we have scheduled

Greetings,

Here are some of the pow wows we have scheduled for the next month.  Please see the dot com for other pow wow listings as well.  http://sixdirectionstraders.com/calendar.html 

 August 15 - 16, 2009 ~ 2009 Nansemond Tribal Festival & Pow Wow

Lone Star Lake Lodge ~ Suffolk, VA 23434

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday, August 15th, 2009 ~10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday, August 16th, 2009 ~ *Follow Pembroke until it dead ends, turn left and follow the trail to the parking area ~ For Directions call Earl Bass at 252-771-2476

   August 28 - 29, 2009 ~ 16th Annual Frank Liske Park Powwow

4001 Stough Road ~ Frank Liske Park ~ Concord, NC 28025

We welcome other drums, please see arena director. Head Gourd Dancer: Rich Perry This is a traditional southern protocol powwow - Free admission - Primitive camping - Park opens at 8am  - Grand Entry: Friday: 7 p.m.; Saturday: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Gourd dancing at 1 p.m. Saturday: Craft contest, 10 a.m.; Fur and Feathers, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Princess contest registration deadline, 12 p.m.; Crazy midnight auction begins 30 minutes after evening session ends. Please schedule all specials in advance with the emcee. Committee special only on Saturday night. Please bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and canopies.Traders contact: Gene Hall 336-249-1033 or 336-413-1812- Cabarrus Powwow Association - 75 Scalybark Trail - Concord, NC 28027 - George Hoyt 704-786-5705 gehoyt@carolina.rr.com  www.frankliskepowwow.com

September 5 & 6, 2009 ~ 20th Annual Running Water Pow Wow

Cherokee Homecoming ~ Ripe Corn Festival

Ridge Ferry Park ~ Rome, Georgia 30162

Ridge Ferry Park is located on Riverside Parkway, downtown Rome, Georgia. On the Banks of the Oostanaula River in front of Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home. Master of Ceremonies - Richard D. Bird; Headman Dancer - Bullet Standingdeer Headlady Dancer - Nicole Williams; Arena Director - Jamie Pheasant; Host Drum - Bird Choppers Bird Family; Storykeeper - Fred Bradley; Flute Player - Tommy Wildcat; Charlie Wayne Watson Singers; Dave "Whitewolf" Trezak; Cherokee Rose & Selena; Color Guard - Native American Warrior Society and Honor Guard; Primitive Skills - Richie Taylor & Carmen Shuler; Horse Rides - Randy Kenne; Host Motel: Days Inn of Rome 840 Turner McCall Blvd 706-295-0400 www.daysinn.com Official 2006 Powwow Tee Shirt. Painting by Billy Mac Steele. Head Staff Aztec Dancers - Javier Alsaro & Family ~ HOURS of OPERATION:Saturday August 30, 2008 10AM to 10PM Grand Entry at 1pm and 7pm; Sunday August 31, 2008 10AM to 6PM Grand Entry at 1:00 pm ADMISSION:Age 13 to 69 $ 7.00 - Age 12 and under FREE - Age 70 and over FREE Sponsored by: Native American Preservation Association of Georgia, Inc. - PO Box 565; Rome, Georgia 30162-0565 www.napaofga.org Host Motel:Days Inn of Rome 840 Turner McCall Blvd 706-295-0400

   September 11 - 13, 2009 ~ Spirit of the Veteran and Warrior Pow Wow

 Hwy 27 ~ City Point Park ~ Dayton TN 37332

Visit our Authentic Native Village and see living history demonstrations - Shop for Dreamcatchers, Native Arts & Crafts, pottery, regalia clothing, music, jewelry made and repaired, Artwork, moccasins and more!  Taste Native Foods such as frybread, Indian tacos, buffalo, fry doggies, gator, and venison.  Friday is Kids Day 9:30am - 2pm Visit Tepee Village with artifacts from 1800's through present day lifestyle.  Candy Run game, Hoop Dance, Taste Native Frybread.  Learn the meaning of Regalia clothing.  Class picture will be taken.  Host Drum: Red Road Singers, MC: JJKent, Head man: GeneThomas, Head Lady: Sandy Cherokee, Keeper of the Circle: Ken Cloudwalker, Jerry Lang Native American Warrior Society,  Aztec Dancers! September 11th Special to be announced honoring the fallen, Karen Cooper is over dancers and entertainment, overnight camping is available - there is limited electricity ~ Call for Details & to register your group.  Adults $3, Children $1 **Remember you Souvenier money.  Rain or Shine, Auctions, Musical Entertainment ~Friday Evening Pow Wow 5pm - 9pm Grand Entry 7pm ~ Saturday Festival opens at 10am Grand Entry at 1pm & 7pm closes at 9:45 Sunday Grand Entry 1pm ~ All Drums Welcome - Overnight camping available (some spaces have electric) Keeper of the Circle - Ken Cloudwalker Sponsored by - Jimmy (931)529-1557 or (931)316-9970

 

Pow Wow page Updated

www.sixdirectionstraders.com/calendar.html

I got some more pow wows listed for August and September on the dot com.  Look for the yellow "Updated" icon. 

 

 

Behind the Outback ~ A Nomadic Adventure ~ Act I

Behind the Outback ~ A Nomadic Adventure

Act I

Scene I

30 June 2009 ~ Leaving Floriduh, on our Summer Pow Wow Journey.  We are about 30 miles from Valdosta, GA and it feels as if a Giant has stood up from my chest.   We passed through some rainy weather, but cleared out nice just past Gainsville.  We are heading for Unadilla, GA a small campground in our system for a quick over-nighter.  Making good time, he needs to gas the truck to make it the rest of the way, we stop at *somewhere, GA and gas the truck up.  As we pull out of the station, he has to go up on the curb to be able to swing the camper out from the pumps.  As we pull out and wait for the light to get back on the highway, I see *Clear as Day*  Water pouring (as if from a pitcher) from underneath the center of the camper?!?!  There is no way this can be, there is nothing critical there that should have water there?!  I call him to let him know, as we are already pulling onto the highway by this time, he says we will find a place to pull in to check it.  Well, we are in a construction area and go a while before we see a rest area to pull in.  Upon inspection, as I knew, there was no water - nothing wet - no way water would/should be coming out where I saw it.  He thinks I am road bleary already- I KNOW WHAT I SAW!  Ok, so we walk to the dogs, eat our picninc sandwich and get ready to get back on the road * a mere 30 miles or so till the compground now.  AND LOW AND BEHOLD, he notices that there is a chunk of the sidewall and tread missing on the front tire that had to go up on the curb.  It wasn't Flat, but It surely would have Blown out if we had not stopped and saw it.  THANK YOU GREAT SPIRIT, see I pay attention once in a while ;) We change the tire and get on down the road.

Southern Trails RV Resort ~ 2690 Arena Rd - Unadilla, GA 478-627-3254 www.southerntrailsresort.com **Nice Place** FREE Pancake Breakfast ***BONUS***  some spots have cable, pool, NICE putt putt golf, Real Nice people!!

 

Scene II

1 July 2009 ~ Only 226 miles today, we were going to go back roads and for some reason he decided we should keep to the highway.  Not too bad, we skirted around Atlanta at a good time, minimal traffic *Compared to the last time I had to drive through here  *EEKK*  The real challenge comes at the campground.......

Carolina Landing ~ Fair Play, South Carolina ~ Thousand Trails Preserve

Aaron checks us in and asks, "Have you been here before?"  NO, we reply - Well, he says, You're going to Hate it at first, but you'll learn to Love it.  Hee hee, we politely giggle ***IF we had Only Known JUST HOW SERIOUS HE WAS***  Well Aaron takes the 'Old man' on the golf cart to find just the right spot, while I stay back at the vehicles with the doggies.  *Who, BTW, are wonderful Travellers * they really are GREAT on the road! 

Well, Aaron and the 'Old man' come back in a short while and he is confident that they looked a a couple potential spots.  We might have a challenge getting level, but let me show you * we will be right there near the lake.  So we drive back towards the Lake into the woods **Steep, Narrow, Winding ** in he pulls to the first potential spot EGAD!  well we tried 3 different positions on the site and up to 4 bricks on the low side and still couldn't get it even NEAR level!  Long story short... NONE of those spots were any better!!! So, we went down into the 'Fishbowl'.  Now let me explain this term for any of y'all not familiar with Campground Livin' ~ The fishbowl is that area that is dead center all the activity areas, like the pool and clubhouse and such.  They are usually setup as pull throughs, so the Elders (and the N00bz) don't  have to struggle backing their Ginormous Rig in and setting up.  It is also, Usually one ontop of the other like sardines (not much room in between sites).  The good news is the way you pull in, your 'hanging out spot' is facing the backside of their camper.  However, the nosies and busybodies like to be there as well, Hence the term fishbowl.  **See Future Entry in Forest Lake for the next campground vocabulary word *Redneck Loop*

Scene III

2 July 2009 ~ Make a munitions run today, closest WallyWorld is about 18 miles.  Crock Pottin' Corned Beef and Cabbage Today YUMMY!!!  Gonna have Nightwolf & Raven over for dinner this evening.  Pretty cool they ar about 15 minutes from here.  After our run we walked the doggies real good and headed out for some exploring.  Went into the town of Lavonia, GA  to surprise them at their shop:

Ravenwolf's Keep ~ Unique Art & Crafts, Bulk Herbs & Herbal Products & much more!  nightwolf_raven@yahoo.com

Located inside the Health & Nutrition Center ~ 5730 Vickery Street ~ Lavonia, Georgia

 

End Act I