6-30 See Ya June, 2009

Many feelings and thoughts were in my mind as I tried to get to sleep during the nite as the events of Tue left an everlasting impression in my memory and I thought about what would transpire today. I must have drifted off ‘cause the next thing I knew, it was 0830 and time for a cup of go juice. We had a 1030 time to be at the Sutton Bay Casino and we met Pat there and got set up and ready for the members. There was a great turnout and again I had the opportunity to divulge the essence of my journey. The gathering again was most receptive and as most of them were the Elders of the Tribe I did my best to address them. Some drumming, flute music, and a few songs with my guitar and a few laugh making lines and then it was time to end the set and, it is true, time sure goes by when your having fun. I amaze myself at these times as I seem to be able to get long winded and to think that in school l never got through one class of public speaking! Over the years I have always had a poor memory for names and so it remains the same today. As my grandson, Beau, tells me, Hay Arnold, you need to go to memory school. We have met many and I could not name them all, but those that I can, I will. Bro. Louie’s’ aunt Frieda was so happy when I gave her one of my cds and she said to tell that Louie hello and come and visit sometime. Cousin, Sandra, presented Gail with one of her handcrafted Indian Angle pins, Phyllis passed a bracelet on to Gail, Mary Ann hosted the group and took great care to see that all of us had drinks etc. Del and Sharon left a present of the Grand Tour they took us on, Tom and Phyllis shared some moving stories with us and I them, the elders were most respective and put out a collection box that resulted in a neat and heartwarming response. The veterans were glad to hear some of the old songs and as I looked out over the crowd, I could see and feel the energy and the spirits and it was hard to keep the tears back. A big, special thanks to Pat Putney, Elders and Cultural Department Manager, for all of her care and concern as she put events together and got us into their very nice museum and Strongheart Center. The eagles, locked in flight, in the museum was one of the more awesome things we have seen. The story is even more moving. The two eagles were locked in one of their ritual flights when they fell in some power lines and were electrocuted and died. They were found by a young tribal lady and after some finagling with the powers that be, the birds were given to the Tribe and they are displayed in the same manner that they were locked in flight. A totally awesome sight. After agreeing to be at the gathering on Wed evening, Gail and I had diner at the “Tuscan Bistro” 12930 S. W. Bay Shore Dr. Our waiter, Daniel LaBonte, was most helpful in our selections of bibes and food and the food and presentations were excellent. Chef and owner, Mickey Cannon, visited with us briefly as he had heard about my journey and this was the first time that I can remember that the owner of any of our eating stops came out to meet us. Thank you. Daniel also rides and we were able to talk briefly about things that bikers talk about. Keep riding!! We are invited to another picnic at the Traverse Center @ noonish, so off we go. Skywalker, Skywalker good Buddy, it is still raining but in the next day or two I will be moving on down the road, Love you and miss you, over and out.