Delaware Pow Wow

We went to the Delaware Indian pow wow yesterday in Saltsburg, PA. It was held by the Thunder Mountain Lenape Nation. Delaware Indians refer to themselves as "Lenape." This nation has purchased land in Saltsburg and Indians who can't prove their ancestry can join their tribe. Kimberly is planning to join their tribe.

It was a chore getting to the pow wow, but after Mt. Davis and Mt. Mitchell, I'm used to this. The last couple of roads to their land, however, were pretty scary. Their land is very beautiful. They have a circle built in the middle of it. Most of the activities took place in the circle. Their costumes were really beautiful. They seemed very nice. I got to dance with them in the circle. Also, there were a lot of vendors there and it was interesting to see all the things they were selling. It was just fascinating to sit there and people watch. This tribe also sells herb tea for various ailments to raise funds.

I have a long history of hanging out with Native Americans, so I felt perfectly comfortable, although I don't think I've ever been to a pow wow.

One of the vendors sold the most beautiful bead work. His creations were not cheap, but it was beautiful to look at them. I'm just as good as he is at earrings, however, which made me feel good. I have made some beautiful Native American earrings, and this is not an expensive hobby. There was one vendor, however, who was much better at earrings than me. Also, there was a vendor from Michigan who actually sells jewelry making supplies to Indians who do this sort of thing in bulk. It was interesting to visit that booth.

It was very interesting to see all the various types of dream catchers on display. There was a tank top that said, "America. Love it or give it back." Of course there was a picture on it of a Native American who was willing to take it back. I wanted one but they were too expensive. No one was buying them because the price was just too inflated for anyone's budget.

Anyway, I really enjoyed going and would be happy to spend more time with these people if Kimberly joins the tribe.

On the way home, we stopped at Loyalhanna Lake. It's really pretty. It is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. It is very uncomplicated to camp by it, bring the dog, etc. Similar to Keystone State Park, it is really not that far from where we live, so it is an excellent place for us to pack up some gear and the dog at the last minute and go camping. It's closer and less complicated than places like Shawnee, Raccoon, or Tomlinson Run. Coopers Rock also seems less complicated, but it isn't by a lake. So I feel Loyalhanna Lake is the least complicated place I've discovered so far. It only costs $16 a night to camp there. You just show up, you pick a spot, you put your money in an envelope, your dog can come on a leash, and it's close by and easy to get to.