RIVER WALK - PART 3

This is part 3 of the River Walk series. Watch for the last installment tomorrow.

By: Ray Hansen

ARROWHEAD ROCKS

In another place we found scattered rocks of a glassy composition that had been rolled smooth with the current. Perhaps they were agate, flint, chalcedony, or chert. We pocketed a few to put in the water fountain Kate installed in front of the house.

These are the types of stone Native Americans sought when in need of more arrowheads, knives, and scrapers. They were able to strike one rock against the other with a glancing blow that resulted in sharp-edged flakes shearing off. With a little pressure applied to the edge of the flakes with the tip of one tine from a deer antler, they shaped tools needed to cut wood, butcher a deer, cut wood shafts for arrows, and to fashion a bow to shoot them with. The art of making these implements has not been completely lost; it is practiced at local gatherings by modern “flintknappers” who keep the old traditions alive. Beautifully crafted arrowheads result from their work, and they sell enough to make this pastime profitable.

INDIAN CAMPSITES

On our Labor Day hike we did not find evidence of ancient campsites as I have encountered on trips to other places, but I’m confident I will find at least a few of these sites near here. Rivers were like highways in the days before farmers, miners, and loggers opened up this country. Indians lived, hunted, and traveled along the same waterways that exist today.

The basic requirements for a campsite were higher ground close to the river, with access to flowing springs being a bonus. The springs provide very cold, clear water that is probably more desirable to drink and cook with than straight river water, though both would have been usable. On our hike, Kate and I explored a spring flowing out of the bank several feet above the current water level. The water was crystal clear while the river itself has an “iced tea” color due to a high tannin content caused by draining massive cedar swamps upstream. The spring water was much colder than the river as well. It would have been a much more refreshing drink.

FINDING FREE-FLOWING WELLS

Several of our neighbors have artesian wells on their properties, since springs are so common here. These wells are a simple pipe driven into the ground, from which water begins flowing without the need for a pump. Sometimes, people simply try spots at random, to see if they might strike a free-flowing well. Most though, rely on a “dowser” to find the right spot for them.

My friend “Z” down the road is skilled in this arcane art. He simply makes a slow walk around the property while holding a pair of copper rods that look like the letter “L”, one in each hand. Grasping the short leg of the rod, he points the long leg of the rod straight out in the direction he is moving. When the rods swing into a crossed position like the letter “X”, he has found the spot. It is said that one hundred people can try this, but just one will consistently be able to find a spot that will produce flowing water.

See you tomorrow with part 4.

Copyright Ray Hansen, 2008