Rest day, and a visit to Jon and Mary Jane’s beautiful home
Last night I went to bed with the intention of shooting today, as it would give me another opportunity to post a field round score. However, all things considered, I shot a very good score on Wednesday, and I felt I could benefit more by resting. The real event is the unwavering five days of the World Field Archery Championship; and I was the only Aussie crazy enough to try both the USA National’s and the WFAC.
I believe I made a wise choice, as I had the time to visit the home of Jon and Mary-Jane; a lovely couple of wonderful human beings I had the fortune of befriending iin 2012 while in Argentina. Both are skilled artisans, and their passion for life iis evident in their smiles and their joyful way. I ventured out to visit them around mid afternoon, and on the way out of my motel, I crossed paths with Bea and Jolleen (the Namibian archers), so they jumped in the car and we crossed the interstate bridge into Nebraska.
A short drive along incredibly picturesque Missouri riverside brought us to the waterfront home of Jon and Mary Jane. It didn’t take Jon long to sequester us into his den of creation, and he treated us to wonder after wonder. I had an inkling that Jon liked to work with his hands, but nothing prepared me for the plethora of items he had deftly crafted. Obsidian knives, flint arrowheads all knapped to a fine edge. Beadwork, bows, arrows and blowdarts! Colonial uniforms, muskets, and other treasures accrued or created through a lifetime were carefully described and presented to us. Bea, Jolleen and I were astounded, and dumbfounded by his skill.
An example of the esoteric items is this Indian love flute, something that until today I did not know could exist:
Jon is a native American, and as someone relatively uneducated in native American history, he was very helpful in describing cultural and social traditions. He brought out a beautiful Indian headdress; and popped it on Jolleen’s head and went on to describe the significance of the feathers, and the status of a warrior that might wear a headdress of this type:
Here are a couple of photographs of the knives and stone knapping work that Jon has done. Mary Jane is a wood carver and a painter, and I hope to see some more of her work when I visit in again in a few days time:
Obsidian and flint knives and arrowhead.
Jon is a master craftsman, these tools are immaculately made.
Here is a picture of Mary Jane and I. While Jon was touring us through his workshop and gear; she had been covertly cooking us a dinner! We shared a meal with them and we hope to be back there in a few days to swim and see the other half of Jon’s collection!
Mary Jane and I
Of course, no post would be complete without a bit of fooling around on my part, so here are a few minutes of silliness that occurred while I was overwhelmed with the breadth of Jon’s collection of exotic Indian weapons! Who could resist shooting blow darts across the garden, and throwing (unsuccessfully) a bunch of axes!!! PS> I did actually a lot better with the throwing knives, but this wasn’t captured on camera!!
Viroqua after dark . . .
Viroqua, a small town in rural Wisconsin, has really impressed me. With a population of barely 4000 people, it has a vibrant and fresh spirit. There are organic farming co-operatives, artists, musicians and dancers – all making Viroqua their home.
I ventured out on a balmy Friday to see some local musicians and dancers perform. We were nestled in a small valley, next to a small creek and on a lush grassy field. Around 100 locals enjoyed food, local beverages and many live acts. I had many conversations with local people, and all were friendly and interested in my home of Australia.
Viroqua reminds me in many ways of Natimuk, or Halls Gap, back home. Many of the Americans I spoke with had moved from huge cities, such as Chicago or New York, just as many people from Melbourne or Sydney arrive in Natimuk. You cannot deny the appeal of clean air, beautiful woodlands or bushland, and like-minded souls, just wanting to get away from the bustle of modern cities. I grew up in a rural environment, yet I fully appreciate the leap that some of these urban people have made.
Here are a few videos I filmed during the evening; principally of the fire-dancers!
Pizza Thursday in picturesque Wisconsin
Dan and I made a short visit to his property today, to collect a canoe. Dan’s cousin had invited us to a gathering on the Wisconsin river. I had the opportunity to take a look around some typical Wisconsin woodland, as much of Dan’s property is comprised of native vegetation.
Later on in the afternoon we headed out to visit a local maple-syrup farm; the owners were close friends with Daniel, and we all got together and made a perfect storm of pizzas, a-la Australian style! Very tasty indeed!
Good company and good food, in a beautiful location. We had a tour of the property afterwards, and I managed a little bit of practice archery before the summer sun waned past the horizon.
Upon the setting of the sun, we all got together in a tee-pee, and warmed ourselves by the central hearth. Inspired drumming and discussions of world politics ensued! All in all, a great night out and more wonderful memories.
First day in the USA!
So today I had a wonderful time here in the sleepy little Wisconsin town of Viroqua. Dan and his eldest daughter Savi (14 years of age) picked me up from the airport bus at around midnight on Tuesday the 22nd, and I managed a solid sleep. I had told Dan to wake me up before he went to work, but he went easy on me and let me sleep in. His daughter woke me at about 12.30pm, which i thanked her for, as i had to get over my jetlag.
Savi and i went for a short walk down to the local store (this is a very small town of around 1500 people) and I grabbed all the ingredients for a tasty mushroom and onion risotto. Dan’s other daughter turned up mid afternoon, she had been staying with friends. Her name is Kali, and she is a few years younger than Savi. We took the family dog (Boadie) for a long walk and made a short video with my new phone… We came across a baseball game and chatted with other folks in the park. Viroqua is a quiet yet typical midwestern town, and everyone is real friendly.
The risotto I cooked came out perfect, and I followed up with a tasty apple and berry pie. Dan and i chatted for hours, and tried to catch up on many years past. I am about to go to sleep, but I wanted to add the short video and also a picture I took of Dan, Savi and Kali.
Love you all and speak soon. I do not have a usa number yet, but I can be contacted on skype or email.
ToriMish.com 