Update from Alex

Tomas, Coyote and I landed our canoes after paddling the two streams and across the lake, through wind and drizzle. Denise and Chris were going to show up by nightfall of the next day, as they had other things to take care of. We carried our gear and began to set up camp. First we scouted for a flat, open spot on the maple-covered hillside, and then we built the lean-to. Tomas and I didn’t eat until we were done, as if we had an unspoken agreement about it. We used Ironwood in the construction of the lean-to and the fish-smoking teepee, which we built the following day. It ain’t called Ironwood for nothing! I acquired a blood blister, which burst later.

The first few days were rather chilly, and the suckerfish were few. Tomas and I experimented with various catching techniques. I caught the first three fish “accidentally” as we walked in line up the river. When it warmed up and Chris got involved (he has lots of experience), our catch multiplied. At the end of the day we were able to send a couple of buckets of fish back to be frozen. The strategy that worked the best was for a few people to walk downstream to a narrow point in the creek, making lots of noise, splashing, etc. At the narrow point, the fish received a deadly surprise – two people with dip nets blocking it off. At the end of each chase we’d pull the dip nets out and kill the fish by hitting them on the head with a stick.

Right now we’re attempting to dry and smoke the fish we caught last evening. They have been gutted, scaled, beheaded and cut in half – the halves still attached by the tail. We’re keeping the fire low to prevent cokking them, as that will ruin the meat for storage purposes.

It’s quite exciting for me to be here at suckerfish camp. We’re gifted such an abundance of food! Eat as much fish as you can handle – just go down to the creek and put in your dip net! The buds on the towering Maple trees have turned into little light-green leaflets since we came here five or six suns ago. Spring beauties have come out – a nice snack! We burn mostly hardwood in our fires, such a pleasant thing: hot coals to roast things on, lots of ashes to ash-cook things under, and no sparks to fly in my face. Fish heads, cooked wrapped in cabbage leaves under ashes are quite delicious! We’ve been doing the bulk of the fishing in the evenings, so there is down-time during the day. I used this time to explore the area and do some craftwork. Finished putting together a buckskin shirt. I love it and wear it all the time. Started to burn a cedar bowl (will be my first burn-bowl). Also split out a few ash bow-blanks.

It appears that the fish run, overall, is quite slim compared to years past. We will probably head back to Mashkodens soon. Shortly after that, take off again, for Leek Camp this time. I will miss this place! A hillside covered with spring-fresh growth, singing of many birds up in the canopy. A gurgling stream full of mating fish. All of us camping together, sleeping in the same lean-to. Many guiding dreams and awarenesses that show me the things I need to pay attention to in myself – and change.

Alex