Right before our departure the atmosphere around us was alive with excitement and impatience to get on the road. Some of us had gone with Grandmother on another Walkabout. She moves easy and sure of where she is at every moment. She misses nothing and never passes up an opportunity to assist someone because of lack of time. We knew that to try and move on a rigid schedule would be too limiting. If we choose to be fully conscious of every moment and all it has to offer, everything becomes possible.

We had many things to do before we left . We were encouraged to bring only one bag. To travel simply. Choices had to be made as to what was meaningful for us to take and what was necessary to leave behind.

We left in the early afternoon to a rousing farewell and were blessed with rain.

We sang and chatted while driving and we stopped on the other side of the river in Kentucky. As we checked in to a motel, we were all happy to not be camping out this night as the temperature went down to 35 degrees F. Warm beds for this night. Honey dreams! We slept like logs.

HOMELANDS
We drove miles and miles to reach Tennessee. On the highway it was very difficult to stay on the road because of the high winds.

When we entered Knoxville, we were entering the outer Boundary of what was once the Great Cherokee Nation and we made an offering. We could all feel a difference. We were on Cherokee lands and the Real People had left us a legacy of beauty and intelligence that still touches the spirit of all who come this way! At the restaurant we sat on rocking chairs outside while "Cornflower Woman" played checkers with Grandmother. It was pouring rain. Grandmother changed the rules of the game so "Cornflower Woman" would win. Finally Grandmother said, "The rain is not going to let up, so we need to move on now, and find a place to sleep."

All night long we heard thunder and lightening. We listened as Grandmother was dancing and doing ceremony with the Thunder Beings. The rain was warm and its gentle patterns moved us into a deep and peaceful sleep.

CRYSTALS AND THE STANDING TALL ONES:
One morning we looked out and we saw that what we thought was a river had gone down to a small creek by our parking lot. The news reported there had been a twister (a tornado) that had gone through this area and that we had 6 inches of rain in a very short time. This happens each time Grandmother comes home.

It became a beautiful, sunny day. In Knoxville we stopped at a rock store that was awesome. We bought healing wands, balls and clusters. Grandmother shared with us the special gifts of each stone person. Some of them have spirals of energy that come to us, and that it is good to leave them on this land (while in Cherokee), since this land will go through tremendous changes. When we are in the forests, we have to watch out for the Nun ni hi, the little people who live in nature. They like to take crystals and stones because they work with them. If the Nun ni hi takes a crystal from you, and later on returns it, you need to keep it with you for the rest of your life. This is a special gift from them to you, they will now assist you in your life through the crystal.

The sun was going down and we got on our way. We traveled well and had a wonderful view all the way up into the mountains. The sunset gave us a rainbow to welcome us to the Homelands of our Cherokee Ancestors. We moved swiftly as we did not want to disturb the mountain spirits as we were moving into the night time. We knew how fast dark falls as we get deeper into the forest and the mountains, and it did.

Our headlights reflected on the Standing Tall Ones (trees) as we traveled the winding and twisting roads into the Great Smokies, the oldest mountains in the world, and we gave great appreciation. In the forest we could see faces in the shadows and people in the mists which surrounded us. It gives us a deep feeling of love and respect for how much we have been given and how we must protect it, so many generations can have the benefits as we are having in this time.

Arriving at Fontana Village we checked in and headed for the restaurant. We all wanted to taste the famous dish that Grandmother loves so much, and that we all enjoyed thoroughly the last time they were here. We had a glorious, delicious meal. It was great to be here in the Homelands.

We retired to our beautiful cabin with a fireplace, right in among the Great Pines. Grandmother was preparing us for our adventures with her tomorrow, specially those going for Vision Seeking. From midnight on the ones among us that were going to spend time with the forest, started to fast and went in a state of total introspection. Everyday is always an adventure to be a part of experiences of growth, sharing laughter and life with our Elder.

VISION SEEKING
The days were ticking away
.........1 ........2 .........3 ...........
When we awoke there was a mist of snow on the mountaintops. Some of us viewed the mountains for the first time. This was an electric day. You could feel it in the air. The sun reflected off the mountains and created a sense of mystery and magnificence.

Red Eagle, our friend from Spain, had loaded his camera and was ready to shoot every leaf and stone. His photos always capture essences that few others can see.

We went out in the mountains and stayed in silence and contemplation to be more aware of our connectedness with nature.

One morning after arrival at Snow Mountains we had breakfast and our Elder shared with us the legend of the turkey. She also shared scary stories about the woods, mountain lion, bear, the Chupacabras, and the five foot snake. By the end, all of us were laughing. The stories of the animal had served their purpose.

The vision seekers were told that when they returned there would be turkey with lots of stuffing called T’saligi corn bread.

Then we went off to our sites full of love and hope for clarity in our life and our next step into tomorrow. The sun set quickly and night fell. The vision seekers experienced all the seasons of snow, rain and sun. The Ancients came and greeted us through the mist. We could see them walking and heard the leaves crunching under their weight.

"Bullhead" gathered the rest of our team to assist with the firepit and start the Sacred Fire. We prayed and sang. Our young one participated fully in the songs and bringing wood to the fire throughout the night.

Back at our campsite while around the fire we heard Bear growl close by in the woods. The fire was strong and beautiful with many colors. It was time to retire for the night, Yona, the Bear Keeper of the West Gate called us to the Dream Lodge.

FEAST OF THANKSGIVING AND APPRECIATION
We awoke from a long night, feeling a heaviness on top of the tarps. We peeked out and were in awe at the beauty of the white winter wonderland before their eyes. We gave appreciation for the new day.

We were kissed by the warm rays of the sun and the blanket of snow disappeared with the morning sun. During this day we experienced all the seasons. It would cloud over, rain a little, then warm up and we would get all dry, only to experience snow once again, and the cycle continued.

We heard chanting, singing, whistling and could see the fire burning brightly below us, which gave a deep sense of interconnectedness. We lost touch with time and drifted into many worlds. We accepted visitors from our many relations that came to greet us.

We came out of the forest at sunset. Returning with hearts full of gifts and nurtured.

A large feast of Thanksgiving was then enjoyed by all. After the meal, the vision seekers shared some of their visions, dreams, and thoughts with everyone in the circle.

Our friend from Germany shared her cooking experience with us. "When Grandmother asked five of us to cook a large Thanksgiving dinner, we were headed for a real adventure. Only cooperation would get the job done in such a small, sparsely equipped kitchen.

So we got up at 6:30 a.m. to shop in a very small town 45 minutes away. We drove in the snow through winding country roads, passing the sugar powdered tree people. The forest looked enchanted and transformed.

Not being familiar with groceries in the U.S., I wondered what whipped cream and cranberry sauce would look like and where to find them in the store. Because of Thanksgiving coming very soon many groceries were on display and literally fell into our hands. If we could not find something, somehow a clerk was right there and showed us the way.

The dinner included turkey, salad, beans, mashed potatoes, squash, sweet potatoes, T’saligi corn bread stuffing and basting sauce, pumpkin pie.

When we returned from the store, we talked for awhile organizing everything and moved into action. Back and forth flew our hands and our bodies moved swiftly in the small kitchen. This was to be a feast of thanksgiving and appreciation. We only had a small amount of time to get it completed. We found a thousand creative ways to use the few cooking tools we had. We got really playful and had fun.

We were almost finished, and things speeded up. Everything contributed to the creative flow we were in.

When the vision seekers came in from their time in the mountains, the room was filled with love and appreciation. The meal was enjoyed in silence, honoring and appreciating the food, the gifts of our relations, as is the custom in the Eastern World, as well.

We slept in the bosom of the Great Smokies, and our hearts and minds were filled with happiness. Our prayers had all been for the wonderful people of the Cherokee Nation, whose spirit has never been removed from these mountains. Wado Elasi."

THE LAKE
We gathered together and were taken on a ride through the Smoky Mountains, with Grandmother sharing intimate places and relations.

We took a pontoon boat out on Fontana Lake to where the movie "Nell" was made. The crystal winds were beating our faces and we bundled up and sang songs. When we left the boat we collected quartz stones that helped detoxify our bodies. Then we drove around and stopped many places.

Fontana Dam along with Fontana Lake, is located in North Carolina. It is on the southeastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Dam was built in 1942 by the Tennessee Valley Authority. It was constructed to produce an unprecedented vast amount of hydroelectric power. This was required to create the atomic bomb which was dropped on Hiroshima in Japan in 1945. Fontana Dam is the highest completed dam east of the Rocky Mountains and stands 480 feet tall. The dam created a 10,600 acre lake which is 31 miles long.

In this beautiful lake lives a story of beauty, courage and magic that many do not know. Chief Sali of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, was buried years ago at the place which was flooded and known today as Fontana Lake. Sali was very respected and a noble and courageous leader of the Cherokee. His people were escaping in the Smoky Mountains from the soldiers who were organizing the forced removal of the Cherokee people to the so called Indian territory now known as Oklahoma. This was also known as the infamous "Trail of Tears" where thousands of Cherokee people died. Sali was threatened with death if he would not tell the whereabouts of his people.

He and his young son came into the Fort and surrender to stop the soldiers from hunting the mountains and finding the Bands of People. He had become a target because he was such an excellent warrior. The soldiers could not find him or trail him, so Sali became the obsession and target. He used that to draw them off hunting his People. He was promised safety if he surrendered. He did not believe them, he knew they would kill him. He had embarrassed and out done them in too many battles. He never feared them and died as he had lived, a free man.

For generations The People pilgrimage and prayed at Sali’s burial place.

When the Fontana Dam was built in the 1940s, the collected water covered Sali’s burial site. Many feel with Sali’s sacred burial place under the water, the lake provides the birthing water for his return, and the new generations of the T’Saligi. Some of the Old Ones said Sali never died, he lives in the mountains, in the trees, and in the waters of the Great Smoky Mountains. Wado Grandfather.

We caravaned to a local lake where Grandmother used to swim and fish. We also gathered many small pieces of rose quartz to use for healing and several large stones to take home with us.

There was an overpowering fragrance of pine. Grandmother told us more about Sali, and asked us to make an offering in respect.

We then drove back to our cabin where everyone gathered to close the circle. We gave each other give-aways, gifts of appreciation to each other.

Our friend from Spain, Red Eagle would be leaving us to fly back to the Canary Islands. We wanted to make sure he took home with him gifts and treasures to share with friends. He was excited, but not wanting to leave all in the same moment.

We said good-bye and we all went dancing. We danced and filled the place with laughter and fun until they closed.

HATS, HATS, HATS.
"Time Weaver", one of the women on our journey, was scheduled to return to the city to work, but was reluctant to leave Grandmother and the circle of friends with whom she was traveling. We had created a close bond and wanted to see the trip through to completion, not missing a moment. So everyone who rode with her stayed for the duration of the walkabout with great excitement and joy. This was a day of travel into Qualla Boundary.

We pulled in and "Crystal Wind" ran into a store to see if they had black hats. Another followed and returned with such a striking combination in her hat that we all followed her back in and bought hats. Black or dark brown, woolen or leather.

Whenever people saw us they kept asking if we were part of a local band or rock group. As we looked around at the unique styles of our hats, we giggled at how each person’s hats suited their personality. We really looked ready for more line dancing . Bring on the cowboy boots!

We traveled to a campsite nearby and set everything up and went off to our cozy cabins.

HONORING THE MOUNTAIN
At the time we were to get up, Crow started flying into the campground. She sat on a tree right above our cabin watching us and calling us as usual. Then she flew away when the last item was packed. After we were all ready, breakfast was prepared and a nice fire was going.
Grandmother was wearing only a cotton wrap and her sandals in the winter weather. We all sat bundled in warm clothes around the fire. Her bare shoulders and arms soon attracted notice from other campers who overtly kept staring at her. She, comfortable, giggled when some made mention of how they were staring at her scant clothing. She shared with us the need to learn to consciously regulate our body temperatures so the frequencies of cold or heat do not limit us.

Grandmother explained to us that she was going to take us to the place where her people go. We did not go all the way to the top of the mountain, but climbed only part way, giving appreciation for being present at such a beautiful place. On another day we would go to the top. (Hopefully when it is warmer). As we walked into the forest we found a tree and sat. In the silence and the beauty of these mountains our thoughts turned inward, in respect of the People who have gone before us and move about these mountains. Our perceptions were heightened as we became aware of the shapes in the mist and heard footsteps around us. We knew we were not the only ones present here.

We traveled back down the mountain. Grandmother joined her family who lives there and we immersed ourselves in the icy river at the base of the mountain. These waters are healing fingers of the Earth massaging our bodies, breaking up crystallization’s with the icy cold. Each of us was just quietly feeling deeply moved and exhilarated by this experience. It was warm! Driving away from the forest we were kissed with a few raindrops from Above. Wado.

We drove back into Qualla and visited various stores, Qualla Arts and Crafts, and the Cherokee Museum. We found many treasures to bring as memories of our journey. Grandmother visited her friends there and some came to meet her in town.

A tea party for all of us followed in the parking lot with pumpkin pie and whipped cream, with coffee and tea warming us all as we celebrated this magnificent day.

DUCK BEDS - A NEW MEANING TO DOWN BLANKETS:
We camped beside a peaceful, playful bubbling river outside Asheville, North Carolina. Our campsite consisted of 5 tarps which we snuggled under together. There was a light rain which fell all night. In the darkness a flock of ducks joined us on the tarps. They cuddled up to us, walked over us and sat on top of us throughout the night. Four of them chose to lie on "Enchanted Lake’s" head and she did not even wake up.

At 6:30 am we were awakened by the sound of a train which was so close, we thought it was going to run us over! This was followed by a more gentle awakening of 100 ducks talking to each other while they walked around our sleeping site.

How beautiful it was with the river, trees and the stone people. In the morning Grandmother and Little Heron fed the ducks. She taught Little Heron to stay still and not move so that they would feel secure and come closer until they would eat out of her hand, which they eventually did. Those of us who were watching became excited and started feeding bread to the ducks. We all felt like children together.

The crows flew all around us, Grandmother speaking to them, while we visited beautiful stones from the riverside. Some were talking stones, some of which had citrine and agate in them, some crystal. We found a huge 2’ x 2 ‘ citrine boulder with patches of rose quartz in it. Jokingly we thought of taking it with us but no one wanted to give up their space in the car to provide a seat for the stone.

As we departed the campgrounds, we were kissed by a few raindrops telling us we are loved.

When we went to breakfast we could see the mist all around the mountain tops. As we went back onto the highway we looked up in the sky and saw rainbows surrounding us.

We drove straight to Jacksonville, North Carolina, which is very close to the Atlantic Ocean. Camp Lejeune, one of the largest marine bases in the U.S. with 150,000 marines, located here. We ate dinner at a great steak house, (strange only because we are not meat eaters) listening to country music, and enjoying shelled peanuts in a relaxed setting.

BEACHES As we awoke in Jacksonville, it was sunny and beautiful. There still was a bite to the breezes, but the warm rays kept it comfortable. We had breakfast and enjoyed meeting many people. Again we were asked if we were part of a theater or singing group because of our hats.

Arriving in Topsail, North Carolina, we saw the damage done by the hurricanes in April and August. Roofs were off houses. One house was lying on top of a car that was parked in its garage. In some of the nearby forests, there were only a few trees standing after the storms.

Grandmother checked on her friends there. Because of the storm damage to homes on the island, there was no accommodation available. We shopped and proceeded to Emerald Isle, driving along a road called Freedom Way. We were not impressed with this campsite by any standards. It was expensive with no concessions made for our large number of people. There were no laundry facilities and the staff was not helpful. It is the only place on this walkabout we would not recommend to others. We cheered up and made the best of it, setting up our tents and generating heat. It was wonderful to sleep and hear the thundering sounds of the ocean waves beside us. "Black Panther Woman" saw the ocean for the first time in her life and waited in expectation of actually being in it and walking barefoot in the sand.

CAPE HATTERAS AND THE RIDE ACROSS THE WATERS
In the morning we were able to enjoy time along the sand dunes, breathing in the fresh air, drinking in the ocean, the sun and all the elements around us. We were warm and comfortable.

We headed down the road and caught the last ferry to Cape Hatteras. We took two ferry rides. During the first one we were escorted by a flock of seagulls who guided us the entire journey, two and a half hours. It was cold and very windy, but so magnificent to be out on the water. It was so moving, enlivening, vibrant and electric. We all felt like we could join the seagulls and just fly away. There was one seagull at the front of the boat who guided the way. Grandmother spoke to him in her native language, expressing respect and appreciation. The seagull seemed to reply, "Grandmother, where is your chief?" He assured us of our safe passage.

We went inside the ferry’s room, and sang songs in different languages, to the encouragement of passengers and crew. The captain and all his crew came to join us, so we asked who was driving the ferry!? He assured us that all was well. Everyone encouraged us to sing more for them. The water was rough but the more we sang, the calmer it became. Soon it was a gentle rocking waves. We kept seeing that when we lived in harmony and happiness everything around us became peaceful.

As the sun was about to set, the sky was a glorious magenta over the entire expanse of the ocean. A large beam of light came straight out of the center of the sun and shot up into the magnificent colors in the sky. Her beauty was breathtaking as we watched in wonderment and appreciation.

We arrived at the next island, and drove 14 miles to board another ferry for 1/2 hour ride to our final destination on Cape Hatteras. Grandfather Moon and the Ancients (the stars) in the sky shone brilliantly. We set up camp by the ocean front. What a wonder-filled day it had been. When everything came together like this we would ponder once again upon "the soul is not in the Universe but the Universe is in the soul."

AT THE OCEAN
After a deep sleep, we got up and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast . It was a glorious sunny day. We were all anxious and watching Grandmother, hoping to be invited to her ceremonies here at the Ocean. She sent "Bullhead" for us and we went running! We approached the ocean, giving appreciation. We drew a Sacred Circle in the sand and the Ocean came and took our prayers. The Ocean first sent a scout, a finger of water, up on the beach to check us out. Grandmother said that She (the Atlantic) was waiting for us to put our feet in the water to come up and take our offerings and caress us. As Grandmother summoned the waters, the waves came head on, hitting us in the solar plexus and throwing us upside down and every where, with our legs up in the air.

We stood up and looked around to make sure everyone was okay. Little Heron was about to be carried away in the powerful surge of the waves and alert, capable hands caught her up and assured her she was safe and well loved! It was exciting and very humbling, to experience the power of these majestic powerful waters. We laughed and played in her waves, enjoying her thoroughly, and feeling very loved.

As we rested on the shore, we saw the pelicans flying in perfect unison. As one moved, so they all moved together. We knew this was an example to us of harmony and unity and how we wanted to move together.

Through our prayers, we hoped to assist the Great Waters of Mother Earth for the cleansing she so badly needs, with so much illegal dumping taking place in her waters. We kept a Sacred Fire burning until midnight. We fed it with wood we found at the beach.

Late at night we watched in awe the stars, the Ancient Ones in the Sky. Gazing at Sirius we noticed that it kept changing colors. It went from bright yellow to brilliant blue, to warm red, all the colors of the wisdom fire. It was spectacular.

PLAYING WITH THE OCEAN
At sunrise we gathered on the beach and welcomed a new day. Returning to our tents, we climbed in and snuggled back to sleep. Later, we played in the water and bathed our healing crystals in the ocean for purification. We had a lovely, warm, summer day, though it was the middle of November. It was very sunny and some of us tanned while others had sunburn faces. Kisses of love from the sun.

The ocean made a small pond with baby waves for Little Heron to play without fear and she ran in circles, closer and closer to the edge, and finally into the water. Everyone went in the ocean for one last time.

"Butterflies In Her Hair" shared this story about the Atlantic Ocean: "Under a blue sky, I saw her beauty and power that she displayed in the roaring waves and the white foam, coming to the beach. I wanted to play with her, and I felt her calling me.

I walked with my crystals on the dry sand, wondering if it would be okay for me to bring my crystals to be cleansed by her. That very moment she reassured me by sending out her scouts, two 10 - 13 ‘ long foam fingers which came within inches of my feet. There was no water at all to my left or right. I was so much in awe that she had recognized my presence and spoke to my very being. Her response brought tears to my eyes.

I wanted to be respectful and let her make the choice when she wanted to cleanse the crystals. I put them into the sand on the edge of a slope where the water had not yet reached. I asked her to cleanse the crystals and waited. She came softly with her foamy feelers, touching them and my feet gently. Then, in a sudden swoosh, she splashed all over my crystals, tossing them and claiming a few small ones. I jumped in joy and appreciation.

Later I walked to the edge of the dry slope and said to her, I would like to play with you. How she came!... first gently, then she brought in bigger and bigger waves, stronger surfs. I jumped in joy and exhilaration into the water. She scooped me gently back to the beach and I felt like a child on a slide. I sat in her waters and she rolled, tossed and turned me around gently. Each wave seemed a playful act she sent to me. In my ecstasy, I moved deeper into the waves. She tightened her grip, and pulled me towards her. I felt her awesome strength. She taught me to be aware of whom I was playing with... the Atlantic Ocean.

I played catch with her, running towards the waves, and then laughing and hollering, outrunning the waves to the beach. I never wanted our play to end.

To experience that this immeasurable living being, the Atlantic Ocean, played with me, to feel the love and connectedness with her, filled my heart so much, that I screamed and jumped in ecstasy along her beaches."

We gathered back at camp, cleaned, packed, knowing that we planned to return to this site. We drove through the beautiful dunes to Nags Head. "Nags Head" is called by a native word which means, "Where The Great Winds Return." The Rain gave us kisses once again.

Along the way we traveled through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and Mountain Ridges, singing.

PARTING
We awoke in Charlottesville, Virginia. The morning was sunny with dappled colors still in the trees. We sang and danced in the parking lot of the hotel, enjoying each others’ company in our special circle of friends.

We drove through the mountains and gave a cornmeal blessing when we reached West Virginia. It was a beautiful, mountainous area.

On our trip through a valley, we had a great teaching. When we stopped at a restaurant, a buck and a doe came out of a gully by the road to greet us. When we saw them we were concerned that they would get hit in all the traffic. We responded emotionally. One of us started yelling, "Stay off the road". Another jumped up screaming, "No, No." All of our thoughts and fears were directed to the deer. They were frightened from our screaming, and ran into the road. Grandmother shouted at us to look away and not project the deer being hurt. She said to chant and move to a more centered place within ourselves. We chanted, and were grateful that the deer survived. She moved quicker than sound ! She spoke something in her language, and as we watched in slow motion, the stag was standing in front of a big van that slammed into him.

Grandmother made a sound that we can not explain and the stag stopped in mid air did a somersault and then gracefully landed on his feet! Immediately the stag ran to the edge of the road, and Grandmother kept speaking to him, and he vanished about 25 feet up the side of the stone embankment. She had done a gesture with her hand, and the doe had turned around, and moved back to the gully.

Grandmother turned to us and said: "It is important to understand what has taken place here." She was stern with at first, regarding how out of control we had become. She then comforted us, and soon had us laughing with her ability to turn most situations around like this.

We gave an offering. We have learned the value of staying calm within ourselves and reacting with the power of our hearts not our emotions. We chanted our Deer chant, and will remember forever what we learned in that moment. It was a memorable event indeed!

It was difficult to part and go our separate ways home. We had been moving as one circle and wanted this feeling to continue forever. The bonding with each other was one of the greatest gifts we had experienced, one which we will always carry in our hearts, along with the memories of everyone we touched along the way.

As a parting gift to Grandmother, we gave her a figurine of Noah’s Ark with all the animals. We told her this was all of us traveling so closely with her. We asked if she recognized us. She giggled in delight, assuring us that she did. She regarded it closely, remarking on how we all had made it safely aboard the Ark.

We hugged and kissed everyone farewell before the vehicles had to go their separate ways. Still we had difficulty letting go. A comment was made that it was going to take a Super Glue De-sticker to separate us. It certainly seemed that way. Our hearts wrenched as we parted, but we continued in the unity of spirit, bringing the many riches of memories, love and experiences back with us.

Eagerly waiting until Grandmother invites us again to join her on another walk/ride-about!!!