High Plains Highway

From Lamar CO north across Nebraska Highway 385 is know as the High Plains Highway.

Green landscape now in my rear view mirror.  Miles flat and straight.  On the distance a cloud of dust.  Farm truck approaching the highway.  He waits until I pass.  A friendly greeting.  A smile and two fingers lifted from the steering wheel.

A country where the great buffalo once roamed.  Hard times for the early sod busters.

Signs along the road.  Site of Apache relocation camp. No snow plows from 5PM until 7AM. One Nation....

Kickstand down for the night in Bridgeport, NE.  Zeth runs the Bridgeport Inn for his parents.  Checked me in. Ran my credit card.  Gave me directions to a local cafe. With a big smile... "thanks for spending the night with us."

be strong, be safe, Carlan 

Sturgis Unleashed -- Kickstand Up

Blue highways ahead. East on the Old Santa Fe Trail. Rains the past few weeks have turned northeast New Mexico green.

Fresh grasses bring out bugs. 60 mph through a swarm of gnats.  Sandblasted with bugs.  Sunglasses covered.  Is this what it feels like to be a windshield? Road so straight my handlebars move less than quarter of an inch in either direction for mile after mile.

South of Lamar, CO horizon filled with windmills.  Colorado Green Project.  Beautiful.

Blue highways...what a ride. Cleaning the bugs off my teeth tonight.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

67th Annual Stommish - Week of the Warrior

In 1946 the Lummi created a celebration to welcome home their Veterans returning from World War II. They traveled throughout Puget Sound and into Canada and Vancouver Island inviting all the Tribes. The celebration is called Stommish - Week of the Warrior.

Canoe racing is the traditional event of Stommish.

Barbecued salmon dinner is prepared for everyone.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

A Proud Performance

"What About Those Promises" opened to an audience of over 850 people.  Many had to be turned away.

It was an evening filled with tears and joy as stories were shared.

A standing ovation filled the theater at the conclusion of this memorable evening.

be strong, be safe, Carlan

What About Those Promises?

Tonight the Lummi Tribe is presenting a play in Bellingham WA. The play is to share their history and concerns about the proposal for the Cherry Point coal terminal.  I have been documenting rehearsals and will document the play.  The tribal members in the play are not actors.  They are elders, fishermen, weavers, clam diggers, sea lion hunters, berry pickers and children.

Tom Sampson, Coast Salish and descendent of Chief Joseph shares the creation story

be strong, be safe, Carlan

When The Tide Is Out

Returned to the Lummi Reservation yesterday.  I'll be working on a year-long project documenting the Lummi way of life.  The Lummi are "People of the Sea."  Chief Bill James shared stories with me.  He told me that "when the tide is out the table is set."  The people have lived this way for over 3500 years.

An eagle dines on herring at low tide.  The table was set.

be strong, be safe, Carlan 

China Express - Next Stop Seattle

In February when I followed the China Express into Seattle I had the opportunity to meet Liz Talley.  Liz lives on the Puget Sound overlooking the rail route.  She is concerned about the future of her home and community.

To see and hear Liz's story click here

be strong, be safe, Carlan