The Pow Wow

 The Pow Wow

I had a steak dinner last night in town. This morning was lazy. By chance I happened to finish my trip while the Wesget Sipu Tribe was holding their annual Pow Wow. We met some of the chiefs and had a few photos taken. We meandered around the tents and had breakfast. One of the chiefs had asked if I wanted to speak about my adventure at their Pow Wow. But we had to get on the road before I would get my chance. I had promised Marie that I would be home for 4th of July. Today is July 3rd. It will take us two days to drive back to Medford Lakes, NJ via Old Forge, NY. We said our goodbyes. However, I left a message with Chief Brian Theriault to read to his tribe after we left.

Message I Left with the Wesget Sipu Tribe at their Annual Pow Wow

“My name is Mike Stavola – the grandson of Italian immigrants who came to America in 1903 – the son of a great canoe and kayak builder who taught me to hunt and fish and carve. I was born a Pisces in the Fishtown section of the City of Brotherly Love in the Spring of 1950. I came north to travel back in time on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail waterways of your great ancestors whose spirits protected me along my journey of over 700 miles in a little more than one moon. It has been an honor and a pleasure to be able to experience your ancient ways and a challenge to do better to all who follow in my footsteps. May the spirits of both our ancestors protect and guide all of us back to the present and into the future.

Kayakathon Man, July 3, 2009.”