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berries or other plants that he was able to obtain as he journeyed along from day to day. If he was lucky enough to catch a fish, rabbit or chicken he would build a small fire where, unnoticed, he could roast it while the coffee cooked. Often his luck wasn't so good and his meal would consist of wild berries, such as strawberries, gooseberries, timber berries, pine nuts or acorns. In his travels, Red Cloud always chose to follow the mountain trails from Arizona to Roosevelt, Utah. He did this to avoid the traffic and find food for his pony as well as himself. He loved the mountains and the beauty of nature. He would always begin his journey early so he would have plenty of time to get to Roosevelt for the Annual Indian Sun Dance where he would participate in the famous Medicine Dance with his many friends that would gather there for this special occasion. The purpose of this dance was to cure the sick. In the dance, the dancers, who were dressed in colorful regalia, would dance for two minutes and then rest for two minutes. Kiis would go on for a long period of time and was beautifuV and interesting to behold. Many people would come from far and near to observe this fantastic performance which would last for several days. If any of the dancers fell by the wayside or fainted, the Medicine Han would quickly dip a big eagle wing in the dust and spray over them, and while dancing around them, give a special prayer. This procedure was supposed to revive them and restore their health. Red Cloud related many interesting experiences, stories and meaningful advice to the herders as they visited around a campfire or in the tent or in the shade of a tree. He told them how they could depend on the moon to inform them if and when a storm was approaching. If there was a ring close around the moon, rain or snow could be expected within a day or two. If a ring appeared farther away, then an approaching storm could be judged accordingly. If the squirrels were busy storing pine nuts and acorns under 86 |
