Day 22 - July 5

Day 22 - Jul 5 

This is Mr. Magpie who stopped
by for a short visit.

Another lazy morning, taking our time getting started. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Talked with other campers. Even ran into friends of friends from Union Lake. They moved on this morning to their next stop, and our travels may cross again. Should we meet again, we've promised to share dinner together.

Kyle was our guide through the Indian
 homes. He is of Tlinget heritage.

This afternoon we went to the Native American Heritage Center. A very interesting and informative venue to learn about the many native American tribes here in Alaska. Some are very close in language and heritage, but others are distinctly different with no language connection at all. We went on a tour of the six or eight different native houses that were recreated at the Center. Each dwelling was unique, specifically tailored to the part of the state where it originated, and to the cyclic lifestyle of the given tribe.

I wanted to bring this one home,
but Keith said, NO.

Homes were under or above ground depending
on the tribes and their location in Alaska, and time
of year. Some tribes lived underground during winter,
and in temporary above ground homes in
the summer.

After the home tour, we watched an athletic competition demonstration of North American Indian Olympic games. These games were originally part of the practical skills utilized while fishing or hunting. These games are entirely different than what are demonstrated at the International Olympics. The strength and physical prowess required is certainly incredible. In 1988, some of these games were considered by the Olympic Committee for inclusion in the International Olympics, but the Olympic judges felt the USA would have dominance over other countries, making it too one-sided for fair competition, even though Canada and Greenland participate in the same type of games.

1, The object of this game is to
start from a squatting position,
balanced on one arm, other hand
and feet not touching the floor . . .

2. The legs are thrust upward without
touching the floor - while
still balanced on one arm . . .

4, Foot strikes the ball; hand
still balancing on floor . .

3, Kick the ball, while still
 balanced on one hand . . .

6. And returning to crouched position
with hand still touching floor.

5. Body swings through - still
balancing on one hand . . .

The competitors continue raising the ball higher and higher, until one of them out-kicks all the others. Heights often reach over eight feet. 

Just as a side note: our new sleeping bags were magnificent! We both enjoyed a fully warm night's sleep last night.