Moonlight on new snow is a life long weakness of mine. This moon is Dleit K'ack'w, the early November/Little Snow Moon to Tlingit people of the Chilkoot area .
The Blue Willow dinner plate face in the sky makes a mockery of star viewing, casting the billions upon billions down onto the silvery flats. A late walk along the river eliminates any chance for sleep later.
Instead, I load the wood stove and stretch my sleeping bag onto the floor of the workshop. The triple pane sliding glass door frames massive saw-toothed brilliance, shining white above the black-blue forest.
Magic. And I'm the lucky participant.
The entire month has been tremendous. I've so much to write about and this is a perfect day for the keys. First, milking and more wood...
Morning Comes
Mid-term elections led November onto an odd course. Nationwide, many were left haggard, surprised, hopeful or ready to rally. Alaska's senatorial race is
still being contested by tea-bag darling, Joe Miller.
Democrat Scott McAdams led an impressive campaign for a senate seat and will hopefully remain on the state political radar screen. The Sitka mayor has intelligence and integrity.
Lisa Murkowski's write-in campaign made history. If she's seated..., may she do well by both the state and nation. She's already helped slow the Palin parade, a helpful motion by default.
The scene nationally and beyond our borders is tenuous at best. May we all do well by each other.
The following Tuesday, Nov.9th, in Klukwan, an annual benefit dinner was held for the Jilkatt Kwaan Heritage Center. Master chef, Tony Strong was accompanied by two lovely and able assistants, Robin Grace and Sandy Barclay, each from the Mud Bay Peninsula. The trio met while harvesting wild mushrooms earlier this fall.
The event was well attended by Chilkat Valley community members. The handcrafted menu was heard described by Chef Strong on the
KHNS news report of November 8, 2010 by Tara Bicknell.
Later, an art auction was held and it seems our community enjoys a good auction as much it loves dancing, food and winter. Attendants wrapped up the night happily overfed and packing home fine North West Coast art treasures.
Event organizer, Lani Hotch, was pleased with the outcome stating that the money raised will be utilized for projects and events at the Traditional Knowledge Camp and the newly opened Hospitality House, a reception center designed to greet local visitors, travelers and school groups interested in learning about Tlingit tradition and subsistance skills.
Saturday, November 13 was the big event day for the Bald Eagle Festival, culminating in a release of an adolescent eagle. The bird was found dumped from it's nest as a chick and has spent its first three years being reared in captivity. Thought ready to face the wild, she was met by well-wishers and a traditional Native ceremony to safeguard her journey.
The juvenile bird had some difficulty after its release and floated downstream with the current in the side channel of the Chilkat River. The location was chosen for its rocky bars and obvious available fish for easy food. The huge youngster hopped on shore looking as though it liked the thrill of cold water.
After close observation however, the bird was re-captured. It hadn't moved for several days from it's original landing spot and is now considered not quite fully prepared. Perhaps one more winter and a few white adult feathers will allow for an easier transition.
The bird will be returned to the
Juneau Raptor Center.
