A Wandering American Indian Traveler

UW pow wow, jan 29,05

2005-01-31T07:15:00.000-08:00

I got word about the pow wow last minute.
I'm limping, not walking well this past week.
So, I missed both grand entries.
I was able to stay for several hours and immerse myself in
the wonderful experience.
The HUB ballroom , second floor, made for a close, intimate
experience.
There were ten drums, at least.
First thing I did was buy an Indian taco from the
First Nations booth.
Then I strolled around looking at the vendors.
I liked the emcee. But, when they do well, they add good
stuff to the experience.
One of the vendors, I'd seen at the Chief Leschi pow wow a few weeks ago.
She sold flashing toys, and those bounce back gooey, plastic
balls. And other stuff , too.
T-shirt vendors, jewelry, leather goods, music, carvings, real things.
The exhibition dances went well.
Grass dancers, traditional men and women's.
When the jingle dress dancers went on, I watched their feet.
For me, movement of the feet reveal the dancer.
Oh, the drumming, the singing, the colors, the movements.
Then my pain got to be too much and I had to leave.
Took my over half an hour to hobble home,
usually only takes ten or fifteen minutes.
The spring UW pow wow is April 15,16,17 this year.
I hope I'm still in town for it.
Safe journeys,,,

Wow! Internet Native music.

2005-01-07T14:21:00.000-08:00

I just discovered the Gathering of Nations Internet Radio website.
Wow. Ms. Sunrise is enjoyable to listen to, she's a dj.
And the wide variety of music. Wow.
And agaim, wow.
I'm hearing music I've never heard before.
I'm learning more.
Safe journeys,,,

Living in a men's boarding house

2005-01-03T13:54:00.000-08:00

I 've lived in bunkhouses with the forest service and national park service.
There's a courtesy you extend for your housemates.
You try to keep out of each other's way.
I do that here in the place I'm staying.
I got a really good deal off craigslist.
It's a basement room, share bath and kitchen.
I am warm and dry, and that is important.
A few minutes ago, one of the housemates came home.
Lots of door slamming, banging things, slamming fridge door, cabinet doors.
Noise.
To me, indications of anger.
I ask, you all right.
No verbal reply, just an expression.
I didn't understand.
Anger scares me.
Safe journeys,,,

Banging on the wall,,,

2005-01-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

One, two, three.
What's up?
His door is closed.
As soon as my laundry is dry,
out the door I go.I'll stay away for a while,
maybe he'll calm down.
Safe journeys,,,

Family memories

2005-01-03T06:59:00.000-08:00

My dad was driving, my brothers and I were in the back, being boys.
We didn't pay attention to where we were going.
We pulled into a "ranch".
We boys got out to explore.
We found a corral, and a windmill, the metal version, rusty,
not spinning, 'cause there wasn't a wind.
I remember climbing on the corral and imagining it
full of horses.
We ran back to the "house".
We went inside and -"Mom, why is the floor made of dirt?"

I told the full story to a small circle of friends.
A buddy told me that he read the story as my dad had abandoned us there.

Many years later I learned that my aunt who just died, was the one
who walked miles and miles, to phone family and friends to rescue us.

Safe journeys,,,

Arlee, Montana, pow wow, years ago

2005-01-02T13:39:00.000-08:00

I drove all night, it felt like it anyway.
I had to stop several times to rinse the sleep out of my eyes.
To be able to continue driving.
Went over Lolo Pass, drove into Montana.
Arrived at the pow wow grounds in the darkness.
Clear night, stars so bright.
Tipis, tents, cars, vans, trucks, rvs, in the night.
Quiet, everyone sleeping.
In the mrrning the wake up crew came by.
In the bright day,
I could see we were in the middle of a huge field,
I could see porta potties scattered throughout the area.
Oh, the Grand Entry, the druming, the dancers,
oh the singing, the out of doors wonder.
Fry bread, Indian tacos, venison stew,
popcorn, soda pop, hot coffee, good food,
good friends, some from the past,
some yet to meet.
Oh, that wonderful feeling,
oh the heart swelling, at the Grand Entry.
safe journeys,,,

Death in the family

2005-01-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

I just gor word that one of my aunts died, oh, half an hour ago.
I have mixed feelings.
She was the aunt I had the most difficulty being around.
She was a drinker, mean, envious, jealous of my mother.
When I grew up, when I could decide for myself, I stayed away from her.
I had as little contact with her as possible.
But she is part of my childhood.
I remember that she helped raise me and my siblings.
My momn had to work, and my aunt was our bably sitter.
Years, and years of family.
I've heard of horrific abuse of my uncles, just hints.
And when I consider my aunt, her life, her behavior, her
drinking, reflect abuse.
When I first got the news, I decided not to go to the funeral.
But, she is family, she is my aunt.
If I think back, if I remember stories, she helped my mother.
She helped my mother cope with, deal with, a hard life.
My aunt helped me and my siblings to survive our childhoods.
Mixed feelings, for sure.
Safe journeys,,,

Again, tribal memories

2005-01-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

I had a co-worker last summer who explained that she could understand our
tribal language. But she couldn't speak it.
This is what she explained.
She and her brother were sent to a native school.
Indians were prohibited, by law, from attending public school, back then.
When she spoke her tribal language to help her younger brother,she was beaten.
Out tribal language was their first language, their mother language, spoken at home, spoken in the village.
She told me, today, now, in the present, when she tries to speak our
tribal language, she can still feel the ruler hitting her in the mouth.
Again. Again. And Again.
And she cannot speak.
She's been "civilized".
Safe journeys,,,

More tribal memories

2005-01-01T23:13:00.000-08:00

One summer we were driving east on I-90 headed for a
Native gathering at Mobridge.
We stopped in the moountains at a sign that marked the
continental divide.
While we were there a fancy, expensive car pulled up.
Two youngsters climbed out, looked like brother and sister.
I said something about the spectacular view, and the guy
mumbled something.
I didn't catch what he said, but I did catch how high
his nose was.
He was funny, standing there and looking down his nose
at this Indian guy, this Indian guy who was talking to him.
Safe journeys,,,

Family

2004-12-31T11:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to visit family.
I spent time with my sister who I'd lost for seven years.
As I've written elsewhere, I stayed with her and her daughters years ago
when I traveled throught our childhood territory.
Then she was gone.
Family members told me she was in some small town, nobody knew exactly where.
This went on for seven years. Then hooray. Back together again.
I enjoy our visits.
Since our renewed contact she has had mdeical emergencies.
But she told me that the last year has been the best for her in
seven years.
She has her own place, she is taking care of herself, taking her meds.
We'll go to a pow wow soon.
So she can reconnect with our people.
Safe journeys,,,

Sun dance, 30 years ago.

2004-12-31T08:33:00.000-08:00

Many years ago, I was living in another state.
I was active with different American Indian groups.
(This was before the change to "Native American")
I was invited to participate in a Sun Dance.
I considered it, and told them no.
It wasn't until much later that I realized the honor of being
asked to participate.
And it wasn't until much later that I realized that I
hadn't been ready to participate in the Sun Dance.
I was much too young and didn't realize the significance, and the
seriousness.
Safe journeys,,,,

Tribal memories

2004-12-31T08:25:00.000-08:00

Many years ago I visited a tribe.
After some time passed, members would share a little bit with me.
An anthro had come to study the tribe, and wanted to know where the
sacred spots where, where people had gone for what some would call
vision quests.
Those who knew refused to tell.
Then the last person who knew the locations died.
The knowledge of those sacred spots died with that person.
I have no problem with this.
Mostly because it is not my business.
I repeat, it is none of my business.
It is tribal business, and I wasn't a member of that tribe.
Safe journeys,,,

Pain

2004-12-26T22:34:00.000-08:00

Ooh, that familiar pain.
I went treasure hunting at a thrift store this morning.
Returned home,aches and pains.
I thought I could just wait it out.
Then I remembered how pain can really fatigue me.
If I'm not careful, if I don't take care of myself,
I'll let the pain ride, and it'll just drain me.
Little by little.
I'll sleep poorly, wake up tired, and recycle the fatigue.
So, I took some pain meds, napped for thirty minutes,
took another thirty minutes to fully get moving.
Went for a long walk, for me, that's half an hour or so.
Stopped at a gyro place, then on to a used bookstore.
Good stuff.
Safe journeys,,,

Again, small world, Seattle

2004-12-26T15:12:00.000-08:00

I just rode in on a series 70 bus from downtown, to the U dist.
Listening, taking pictures of the Space Needle(I'm working on a "slide" show
titled "Viewing the Space Needle from Public Transit")
My version of "Views of Mt. Fuji.", which may already have been done,
doesn't matter.
This is mine.
Sitting just forward of the accordion fold, I heard tow people talking.
A family from Anchorage, a man who lived in Fairbanks some time ago, and me,
the listener, from Juneau.
Probably happens a lot here .
One of my buddies, went into the outback of Belze and met a coouple from
Juneau.
Safe journeys,,,,

It's still dark

2004-12-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

but the sun will rise soon.
I slept in this mmorning, I don't know why.
Made my morning cup of coffee.
Started waking up.
Years ago, decades ago, I read that habits can be time savers,
or make life easier.
I use that.
I also read long ago that it takes 21 days to form a new habit, a new
routine, a new behavior.
I use that.
I think a morning cup of coffe helps me wake, so I do it.
If the situation makes for no coffee, okay.
With habits, I have an automatic pilot, and can move along, with little
concious direction, control.
However, when I see that I need to change that habit,
I work for 21 days to set up a new one.
I'm adjusting my automatic pilot.
I have to be aware, be concious of my life, for this to work.
Safe journeys,,,

After solstice

2004-12-23T17:51:00.000-08:00

The days are longer!
The days are longer!
The nights are shorter.
The nights are shorter.
This afternoon I bought a set of those bright, natural light, bulbs.
Oh, what a difference it makes in my room.
Brightness, oh, my mental attitude is much better.
SAD, but true, I need the light.
And more , and more, will be in my day.
Safe journeys,,,

Breakfast in Seattle

2004-12-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

Arrived Seattle Friday afternoon.
Went to breakfast this morning.Sunday.
First choice was Athenian, the restaurant Tom Hanks
ate in in the movie 'Sleepless in Seattle".
But it was closed. Padlocked.
So went to Lowells.
Busy, crowded.
Went to the top floor, good view.
People waitinf for an open table.
I finally got my table, started to eat.
I watched a couple a few tables over.
They were doing a crossword puzzle.
They weren't eating.
I watched people stack up, like planes waiting for landing.
And this couple kept on with the puzzle.
I don't know if they were locals, lording it over others.
Or locals, clueless.
Or visitors, also clueless.
At least two waves of diners came and went.
Then it took at least five minutes for the prep to leave, the leave, and gone.
Interesting, etiquette?
Courtesy.
What am I missing?
Am I way old.?
Safe journeys,

Back on the west coast/chorizo scramble

2004-12-04T17:24:00.000-08:00

Well,
I enjoy being in the Bay Area.
The train was three hours late last night.
But that isn't bad, I've arrived 13 hours late into D.C., middle of the
night, before.
I slept in, got a hair cut, and went to Jim's in Alameda for breakfast.
That's where the chorizo scramble comes in.
It's a new dish , and I went for it.
Chorizo with scrambled eggs, oh, oh, the spicy flavor,
the corn tortillas, the flavors from the past.
I definitely recommend Jim's, just off Park Street, if you're ever in Alameda.
Later I went to Barnes and Noble for a book I need for research for
a book I'm writing.
They don't have it, will special order.
Yes, but I can order Amazon and probably get a better deal.
I was willing to try a national chain, for the immediate purchase.
But any wait, just means I can do just a well or better with Amazon.
Safe journeys,

Soon to be on the road again

2004-11-30T21:13:00.000-08:00

I'm packing tonight for an early departure tomorrow.
I don't understand where all this gear comes from.
I swear I pack light.
And then, my bags are so heavy.
I buy books, magazines, a shirt or two, pants, socks.
Oh, a hat for the tropical sun.
Oh, yeah, I bought a laptop .
Ooh, a digital camera. And the accessories, the manuals, the
cords, power cords, the connectors.
oh, and a cell phone.
My kids sure feel that I travel safer with the cell phone.
I do delete some old files so the laptop is lighter for just a while.
But I always add more material to my documents and pictures.
How heavy are electrons, and magnetic patterns laid down onto media?
I opted for first class Amtrak this time.
I just couldn't face the torture of coach seats, and
sleeping two nights in a coach seat.
This is an experiment, and I'll find out if the triple total
is worth the cost.
Yes, I know the meals in the dining room are included.
But the major factor will be if I sleep well, and
arrive on the west coast rested and not-in-pain.
Oh, for a good night's sleep. Oh, for no pain.
Safe journeys,

Amtrak travel, 2004

2004-11-30T18:27:00.000-08:00

In January, 2004, I bought a 30 day Amtrak pass.
I started in Seattle,
went to Jack London Square, Oakland, CA.
Then to Chicago,
Then to Los Angeles,
then on to Orlando.
From there
to Washington, D.C.
Back to Chicago,
Back to Los angeles,
north to Oakland, and Seattle.
Adventures, and I used an excellent
rail guide, just as I do when I travel into Central or South America.
Most of my miles are traveled on Amtrak or Greyhound.
I seldom fly.
Except like this time to Puerto Rico.
Whoa, I'm tired.
Safe journeys.

Post Thanksgiving Day

2004-11-26T04:18:00.000-08:00

I had my now usual holiday.
I spend the day alone, no special event.
When possible I go to a community dinner sponsored
by a group such as the Salvation Army.
But that depends on if city transit is running.
And in most urban areas, the buses don't run.
And the dinner locations are tens of miles from my location.
In, Juneau, when I stayed at the Alaskan Hotel, the Salvation Army
dinner was just a few blocks away.
It snowed here, and I waited until the afternoon to
walk to Kroeger's for people contact and my dinner.
I opted for brown rice, canned salmon, and canned yams.
It had that from the past nostalgia flavor, and the
now-today nutrition.
Today the buses run.
I'll go downtown for a Starbucks coffe, visit the local Borders bookstore,
and check out Chinese food.
Until later,

Useless piece of junk

2004-11-24T10:53:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm back in the States, and going through my gear.
I bought a Scrabble game on the west coast, planning to enjoy my self
as I traveled east.
Surprise, surprise.
I put the cd into my laptop, expecting to play the game.
But registration is required!
I try the different ways to register-sure-
I can't do it online as I'm on a train in the middle of the Rockies.
I can't print and mail it-I'm on a train in the middle of the Rockies-no
printer.
I can't do it over the phone-I'm on a train in the middle of the Rockies.
It's useless to me.
It's a piece of junk-the definiton of junk.
Sure taught me a lesson about Scrabble.
And the company who put it out.
Beware , world.
Until later,

It's early morning, still dark outside.

2004-11-23T03:15:00.000-08:00

Puerto Rico doesn't change time with the other States.
So with the one hour switch, I was an hour ahead of family, and five hours ahead
of other family.
Sure makes for thinking ahead when phoning.
I'm up at four am, and family is just going to bed.
I'm crashing at nine pm and they're just having dinner.
Or not even.
So, here I sit in the dark, everyone else asleep.
I am flexing with the flow again.
No definite plans for times or directions for travel.
Generally west and north.
A former Glacier Bay co-worker has invited to visit.
And, and, I found a letter from a friend from long ago.
I'd lost the address when I went to South America.
I just may visit Menominee.
Or Texas, I saw an article about Dead Sea Scrolls on display there.
Penultimate destination will be the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle area.
I want to do some research at the UW libraries, and museums.
I do not go the way the wind blows.
It is my own drum.
Until later,

Back in the States/China Express Buffet

2004-11-23T02:56:00.000-08:00

Arrived Detroit airport yesterday.
Staying with my daughter and her family for a few days.
Last night she baked a pumpkin pie cake.
I sure feel good being back.
I'm having some cake for desert.
Which brings me to food.
My last full day in Old San Juan,
I discovered my favorite restaurant.
I had passed the China Express several times,
had decided to try it later.
I did.
I walked in for the lunch buffet.
And instant reassurance.
There were Filipinos taking up several tables,
eating, talking, laughing.
I figure they were crew members off the cruise ships.
The moment I saw them, heard them,
I knew this was a good place.
Remember, this is best restaurant for me.
I enjoyed the Puerto Rican restaurants (and the China Express is one also).
I did not go to restaurants that ship passengers seemed to look for.
Restaurants that had clippings of magazine articles about them,
or reccomendations from famous reviewers.
Way out of my price range.
I asked the manager of the guest house I stayed at, and he recommended
places where locals go.
For me, the China Express is comfort food, with a
Puerto Rican twist.
It is "Chinese" food, but it is Puerto Rican.
And in passing,
there was an economic study done in Juneau.
It reported that crew members spent more per person, in port,
than the cruise ship passengers.
Much more.
I am so glad to be back.
I suffered a little "culture shock" after I'd been in Old San Juan about
ten days.
I called family and cried out, "I want to go back."
Then I took a nap, rested a bit, and ate.
And I was better.
That reminds me.
HALT.
Hungry
Angry
Lonely
Tired
If I am any one of these I have to be aware of myself.
If I am two or more, I really have to be careful.
Like decisions are not made well when in these states of mind.
I learned that from a small circle of friends years ago.
Still helps me now.
Until later,

Departing Old San Juan

2004-11-19T10:08:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm in my fourth week here in Puerto Rico.
As I've written elsewhere, this is the US and this is
another country.
I've gotten acquainted with the neighborhood.
My Spanish is just good enough for me to be overwhelmed
when I shop, or talk to locals, or make my way through this beautiful commonwealth.
The local paper, in English, the San Juan Star, had an article about
local, as in here, Puerto Ricans going to Iraq.
They can't vote for the president, but they can die for the US.
Has anyone estimated a date when the number of Americans killed
in Iraq will equal the number of Americans killed 9/11?
The whole situation reminds me of when my grandfather used to tell me,"
Grandson, I remember when American soldiers stood my father against a wall and shot him."
I never heard the rest of the story, but my take on it is, they were bringing the American way of life to my grandfathers country.
Or, when the US shelled, as in cannon, my grandmothers village, for a crime they didn't commit.
Wow, I sure got started on this.
Access is expensive here, Vancouver, B.C. is cheaper, and more locations available.
Did I mention the cyber access spot that charges, $4.00 for fifteen minutes?
So, check out the cybercafe on Calle San Francisco.
Until later,
from the States,
May you all have safe journeys.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

2004-11-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

Benn here for a week now.
Found a cheap room, share kitchen, bathroom.
Like government seasonal housing.
Warm, warm, warm.
Love the tropics. Well , here, anyway.
Visited the two forts in the NPS.
Three big goals for now are:
Taino-the local indienous people
El Yunque, Caribbean National Forest
Arecibo-the radio telescope.
The challenge for me is to come into an area
and not have reserved a room beforehand.
I have read at least one guide book, but
never a reservation until I step on the ground.
Bus/train station or airport.
That is when I scramble.
Only in the US have I booked ahead.
Breakfst can be as low as 2.10 dollars.
If I go to the Mallorca it costs 5.65 dollars.
Lunch can be a 99 cents sandwich, or real meal.
Coffee runs from 60 cents to 1.50.
Puerto Rican coffee.
I'll be here for at least a month, maybe longer.
I want to visit some archaeologicol site, learn about
the first peoples, before Columbus people.
Then go to the Arecibo radio telescope.
Maybe even some touristy stuff.
Until later,

JFK Airport, NYC

2004-10-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

JetBlue Terminal
Check in, security, personnel , all were friendly, fast, efficient.
I arrived yesterday at Penn Station, Amtrak late, and
in the middle of commuter traffic.
It was overwhelming.
All those people, and they just kept coming, and coming, the crowds,
the crowds.
Very different from Juneau and its airport.
Oh, but the adventure, the excitement.
My flight boards soon.
More later.
Until later...l.

Ann Arbor, MI

2004-10-24T17:45:00.000-07:00

I leave tomorrow for New York City.
On Amtrak.
It had the easiest travel for me.
No multiple stops, no multiple transfers, and
low cost.
It isn't the most convenient.
But I travel without a car,
I don't mind the freedom of reading,
listening to music,
making plans,
and I can't do that driving.
Did some shopping, enjoyed downtown Starbucks,
the big book store, and really enjoyed watching
the diverse make up of the students and
public.
Walked the Diag, watched fanatic gamers in a fame shop,
checked out a few small shops.
Shopping, without actually buying
anything is fun.
My prime spots are used book stores, and coffee shops.
The weather has been cool, just a bit wet,
and much better than Juneau's.
I had a fun summer, as usual,
but I'm ready for no-face-to-face contact for an indefinite time now.
The passengers on the Alaska state ferries, and the Holland America Cruise ships
are on their trip of a lifetime to Alaska, and I enjoy 'making meaning" for them,
adding to the experience.
But now is my time for me.
Now is my time to be on the other side.
Until later...

Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Museum

2004-10-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

Interesting.
Not really good food,
and a selected version of American history.
As I waited in line for my hot dog,
a vegetarian said the vegetarian bag lunch provided for her
had brown, rotting, sprouts.
I remember old sprouts that were in that condition
and slimy, in addition.
I sure wouldn't eat.
My hot dog was at an Amtrak price, and worth about 75 cents.
We went to the Michigan Cafe in the Ford Museum.
Meatloaf was really salty to me.
Maybe it's the regional difference.
Soggy vegetables.
But, oh, the exhibits.
Dymaxion House, Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, more.
The original Rosa Parks bus.
Interesting how the interpreter/guide talked about Montgomery and the
challenges non white people faced there.
But not a word anywhere about Henry Ford's
attitude about non whites, or people not of his religion.
I always search for the acknowledgement, the notice, any notice, about the
original people, the Native Americans.
The book, Lies Across America, showed me a lot.
Until later...

NPR Radio, somewhere in Michigan

2004-10-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

So here I am listening to NPR Radio and the fund drive.
Listeners pledge the amount the announcers have been asking for.
The listeners even achieve the desired amount early.
Before the hour is up.
And their reward?
Not music only, no requests for money.
Nope, the announcers say,
wonderful, thank you,
and now,
we will keep badgering you for money,
to achieve even better funding.
Maybe we can finish early.
I'd opt for the quiet of music as a reward.
However, I'm below that infamous poverty income line,
and I don't pay for NPR Radio,
so, I take what they dish out.
Until later...

exhausted?

2004-10-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ann Arbor, MI
Arrived Monday, midnight.
Slept in until 10.30
Napped .
Tired.
Dragged around , moving slowly.
Today, went to a coffe house, book store, bought 6 computer related magazines.
Overall body aches, my feet hurt as I walk the streets of Ann Arbor.
That ride on Amtrak sure did stuff to me.
I sleep poorly in those coach seats.
Cannot get anywhere comfortable.
And my style of travel, sometimes I don't know when I'm departing or where I'm going
until the day I book a fare.
Someday, I'll be able to afford a sleeper, if I book early enough.
And a sleeper would be woth the cost.
For now,
I pack food, this time micro meals,
fresh fruit bought at stops along the way,
bottled water,
I bought Amtrak coffee at $1.50 , with a refill.
Bratwurst, and a hot dog, a pastry.
Total Amtrak food cost was about $15.00 for the three days on board.
I recommend a good pillow, or a full body pillow, or one of those
neat beads pillows.
I lost my water bottle with filter, Brita, and chanced the onboard train water.
Okay. Just tasted yucky.
But the pain, the body aches, the adventure of rail travel.
I like the Chicago train station.
When I'm there, I eat Chinese.
Check out the magazine shop, and watch all those people
hurrying someplace.
On to New York next week.
Until later,

Plan B Breakfast

2004-10-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

Alameda, Ca
Jim's Coffee Shop, on Lincoln Ave, just off Park Street, was my breakfst discovery this morning.
A woman I know recommended it. Good tip.
Fast attention from the staff, fast waiter, and fast food delivery.
I saw linguica and eggs, which I seldom see in a mass market eatery.
I went for the Freedom toast and sausage, coffee.
My plan A was the Waffle House on Park Street.
But, three days in a row, there was a wait line for breakfast, even at 10:00 .
Yesterday, I couldn't wait, too hungry, and went to a happy dog corner spot. I had a tasty texas dog, chili cheese hot dog, and coffee.
A breakfast with nutritional elements.
Until later,

Heading east soon

2004-10-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

Will be out of contact soon.
Taking Amtrak east to Michigan, via Sacramento, Salt Lake City,
Chicago, etc.
Once upon a time I was returning from South America, ran low on money, and was rescued by my sister and her daughters.
I stayed with them for about 6 weeks, working with a temp agency.
I made enough to return to Alaska.
However, my sister moved, and no one in the family knew where she was.
I traveled through the Bay Area twice a year, into and out of Alaska.
I just heard that she was in a town somewhere that started with an "m".
Years went by. Seven years. And this January I finally found her again.
Until later,

On the Road , Part 2

2004-10-14T09:40:00.001-07:00

Rode Amtrak Seattle to Oakland, Jack London Square.
Coach seats are okay for sitting, and terrible for sleeping.
Saw the new Tacoma Narrows bridge under construction.
Once upon a time I had to stay at a homeless shelter, over
Christmas.
As I travel, what catches my eye is tent cities under freeways, people
huddled in building doorways, lone tarps in the brush.
And if you look closely, or have an eye, like being able to see birds, or animals in the wild, or just "seeing" in an urban area, or rural,
you will notice someone has cleverly set up camp in an unexpected
spot.The site blends in, doesn't stand out.
Until later,

On the Road

2004-10-14T09:40:00.000-07:00

Alameda, California
Javarama,
Park Street
NOT free wi-fi
It costs $3.00 an hour.

I need a question answered.

2004-10-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

Fife, WA
Went to the pow wow today.
Missed the grand entry.
But later this afternooon, after 3:00 there was a blanket dance.
But a different one for me.
I've been in Alaska for several years now, but I was able to attend several
pow wows in the Seattle area.
Same regular stuff.
However today people put several blankets , about five or six, on the dance floor.
And two dancers, male, female, danced a circuit over the blankets.
They tread lightly.
I couldn't understand what the emcee announced, the acoustics garbled most all speaking for me.
Anybody know what this is?
After the dancers had passed, people went on the floor and picked up the blankets.
Well, after this week I'll head for California, spend a few days there, look for another pow wow.
After that, on to Michigan, and hopefully more pow wows on the way.
On a pow wow website I saw a notice for a November pow wow in Orlando.
I plan to be there.
Until later...,

Small World?

2004-10-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

I walk into the lobby for free coffee, bagel and cream cheese.
I meet David and his son Nicholas, Klamath tribal members, here also for
the pow wow.
I listen as he tellls me how old growth forest has (I'm using my words here) medicinal
resources that we still don't know about. How cutting it down is harming us.
We need to take care of it, just as we should care for our own bodies.
I still don't know what the schedule is, but that's okay.
I'm feeling my way throough this day.

Bus fare

2004-10-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

I traveled from downtown Seattle to Tacoma for only $3.75 and 50 minutes.
I had checked Amtrak and Greyhound for fares, about$20.00 from station to station.
I then asked the Info volunteer at the HI hostel, 84 Union Avenue, and he found me a transit bus that did the trip every 30 minutes.
I paid $1.25 in Tacoma for a local transit bus that dropped my about 150 feet from my Expedia booked motel.
With free high speed wireless access, and the now usual free continental breakfast.
Today I plan to visit family (more later about my lost-to-me-for -seven-years sister), ride transit, sightsee beautiful Tacoma, and make it to the pow wow.
I may even make it to the Emerald Queen Casino.

Tacoma Dome Pow Wow

2004-10-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

Fife, WA
1 October, 2004
Here for a pow wow at the Tacoma Dome.
I heard some canoe society/journey families/groups may be here.
Grand entry, good food, good drumming, excellent dancers,
not-seen-for-years friends, I hope.