Go Till the Caribou Stop

Gonyaul learned that the Odsier, once they get moving with the caribou, they don’t stop till the caribou stop. The Berry Pecammin in the skins was a life saver. Drink some water, get protein and fat from the Pecammin, keep going.

He noticed they had several other techniques, other than just pure conditioning, for long distance traveling. Extra riderless horses that could be switched in and out. They had mats made out of sewn together hides, with a blanket-like cover, that especially children or the elderly could lay on and be dragged by those stronger and with more energy; or even rigged to the harness of a horse. They also traveled with a hoodlike hide overtop their heads to shield them from the sun as they moved to reduce fatigue from the suns rays. It was all very interesting.

Tiponi took advantage of this travel time to keep trying to teach Gonyaul the Odsier language. She pulled from their surroundings anything visual that she could point out and identify. In addition, she would show him Odsier tricks for direction and finding their way through the tall grasses. She even showed him some unique skills for finding and following the caribou unique to the Red Hand tribe.

Her siblings would come check on her from time to time. While around they would join in the lessons and enjoyed sharing what they knew as well. For example, her brother shows him a plant whose roots contained water safe for drinking.

Their lessons were captivating to Gonyaul and his emotional investment was hardwiring the information into his long term memory with ease.