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Author Topic: Big Medicine...  (Read 908 times)
DDT (12)
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Sometimes ya just gotta go...

Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...


« on: June 17, 2020, 01:25:28 PM »

Big Medicine…

Big Wolf and his questionably suitable traveling companion on this particular trek, none other than yours truly, had elected to ride all three paved roads up or down the western slope of the Big Horn Mountains; however, obviously, we could only do them one at a time. In the broader scheme of things, it worked out that we would ride US 14A second, back towards Sheridan, WY. Today was the day…

I was really looking forward to this most scenic and inspiring crossing for more reasons than the obvious. The ‘Medicine Wheel’ is reached from this route, and I had passed-by the turn-off down to it on all previous rides… It was time to shore-up that glaring missed opportunity in my quest to ‘discover America’ for myself.

It is the site of a Native American assembly of stones into a giant circle with a central cairn as its hub and stone spokes radiating outward, some beyond the outer circle itself, and it was used in their… It’s not known precisely what all its uses and meanings might have encompassed, but it was very likely part of their routines, ‘spiritual’ and religious ceremonies, probably a guide marking the changing of the seasons, and possibly used in other aspects of conscious life/thought for them about which understanding has been lost to antiquity.

Modern people usually cordon-off those areas of thought into separate silos… The original inhabitants of this land tended to combine them all into one harmonious whole… This stone circle, dating back to the time other ‘monolithic-age humans’ during that period were constructing Stonehenge plus other well-known monuments to something or other around the globe, intrigued this ‘grasshopper’. It seemed to this student curious about ‘higher things’, to be something that might hold great special meaning…





The upcoming ride the next day and its possible implications had been on my mind, as I had placed my head upon the pillow that evening, then closed my eyes… and soon drifted off. In my deep slumber, an old wiseman of obvious Native origin came to me and began to share some things I needed to hear. Had that been just a dream… or, could it have been something far more…?

“Why have you come to visit me like this?” I asked in serious disbelieve that this was even happening.

“Because you are in need of some perspective adjustment and the rethinking of your priorities. You have traveled far, my son, but you have further to go. You needed to know that your journey is not yet done.” He had comfortingly informed me…

“How much longer will my journey be?” I eagerly sought to learn.

“I will not tell you… Knowing the answer would completely change the remainder of your journey by largely shifting your focus to thoughts about the eventual end only and to its implications. No one knows the number of days they have, and this is good. We must learn to accept each day as a gift and to use it the best way we can… as if it might just be the last… because it very well could be.”

“What is your message, then?”

“You have set three objectives for yourself to guide you the rest of the way… These are good, and you have done well in being true to them. You must, however, be ever mindful that all people ‘cast a longer shadow’ than they realize. Each ‘touches’ more people and has more impact upon those around them than they can know, and you must remain mindful of that. You should strive to not have undue influence upon others who might make ill-advised choices because of that. Choose your words carefully, sparingly, and considerately…”

“What of my priorities? What should I do there?”

“You must worry less about financial and health concerns, and you should spend less time regretting past mistakes or missed opportunities. You should think more about all of the wonderful possibilities that might yet await you along your path. The ‘Great Spirit’ watches over you, so you are in good hands. Think more about what good is still to come and less about what might go wrong… Exercise due caution, of course, but do not become pre-occupied with insignificant minutia or things over which you have no control.”

“Anything else…?”

“You are on a good path, and you have done well. Continue to adjust and readjust as additional knowledge presents itself, and always seek to maintain an approving conscience. You have paid a heavy price in order to lead the life you now do, live in such a way as to ensure it has been worth the cost. Above all, enjoy the remainder of your journey…”

I awoke the next morning wondering if that vividly recalled encounter had actually been real or just imagined… I couldn’t decide. The ‘message’ contained in it, though, would occupy much of my thinking for some time to come. Because of this ‘experience’, I was doubly eager to visit the ‘Medicine Wheel’! Wouldn’t it be something if I saw that old wiseman there, too…? Perhaps there would be more useful wisdom and important lessons for me to absorb?

As we made the turn onto that unpaved road down to the ‘Wheel’, I found myself mentally ‘multi-tasking’. My thoughts were divided between the loose gravel on that treacherous surface, the dust being kicked-up by an on-coming car, and what all might await me a mile and half down that road! I admit to being more than a little anxious and eager…

We arrived at the parking area and made the usual dismount sequence of steps. The wind was howling, I was again under-dressed for the brisk temperatures, and the sky had become overcast and dark; but, I was on a mission, so… Dang! A most unwelcomed sign informed us that another mile and a half walk down a path to the actual Wheel site would be necessary! The Wheel could not even be seen from there, either. Double dang.

We read all of the signs and ingested the information available… then we elected not to make a three-mile round-trip hike… at an elevation above 9,600 feet! My breathing had been labored just a bit already, so… such a hike would not have been advisable for this candy-ass. A visit to that potentially worthwhile relic apparently just isn’t in the cards for this disappointed spiritual pilgrim in search of meaning and purpose. Perhaps that’s why that old man had come to me as he had the evening before…

DDT
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!

See ya down the road...
Wizzard
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Bald River Falls

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« Reply #1 on: June 17, 2020, 02:03:20 PM »

Excellent. Dreams have a meaning. Good read cooldude
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Ice
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Whatever it is, it's better in the wind.

On a road less traveled.


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« Reply #2 on: June 17, 2020, 02:27:40 PM »

Bruce, thanks for sharing.
You my friend, are truly on a spiritual journey and the "old wiseman" truly understands your journey through life.
Keep on your path of everlasting adventure, you are a wise man yourself, and have so many adventures left and stories to share.
It makes me wonder if the "old wiseman" was not your own spirit telling to keep going on your path of life.

Keep on riding my friend and well see you in the wind.
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Robert
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S Florida


« Reply #3 on: June 17, 2020, 03:34:44 PM »

You were not at the site when he spoke to you, so the site does not hold the key to his appearance, what holds the key is the questions in your heart about yourself. Sometimes we have divine intervention in cases and times we need it the most.

The bible says seek and you will find, knock and I will answer and show you great and mighty things you know not.

Without seeking there is no answer, you are a seeker, keep on and you will continue to find answers. Sometimes in the most unexpected places and sometimes from the most unexpected people.

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“Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
Willow
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« Reply #4 on: June 17, 2020, 03:47:51 PM »

LOL!  Bruce, we speak to ourselves in our dreams.  There is nothing more in our dreams than what was already there, although we may have pushed some of it into forgotten corners.  The dead giveaway is when ancient Americans speak verbosely and articulately in current day English.  That they speak with later time perspective is a further hint.

It's a good story and appears to be a fine place to visit, with or without ghosts.   Wink  You may have inspired me to visit this historical spot and take the necessary trek on foot.   cooldude 
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #5 on: June 17, 2020, 04:54:06 PM »

I'm no expert. But it sounds like you and Jerry are on a vision quest.
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Valkorado
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VRCC DS 0242

Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.


« Reply #6 on: June 17, 2020, 05:09:26 PM »

I'm no expert. But it sounds like you and Jerry are on a vision quest.


If an old Native wiseman offers you some cheap cactus buttons outside of a 7-11, turn him down!  At least wait until the day's ride is over before consumption.   Wink

Based on a good friend's true story...
« Last Edit: June 17, 2020, 05:12:50 PM by Valkorado » Logged

Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good,
there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood?
- John Prine

97 Tourer "Silver Bullet"
01 Interstate "Ruby"

The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #7 on: June 17, 2020, 05:15:20 PM »

I'm no expert. But it sounds like you and Jerry are on a vision quest.


If an old Native wiseman offers you some cheap cactus buttons outside of a 7-11, turn him down!  At least wait until the day's ride is over before consumption.   Wink

Based on a good friend's true story...
I've experienced the peyote buttons before. (He wasn't some wise native though. More like a white hippie dude)
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Thunderbolt
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Worthington Springs FL.


« Reply #8 on: June 18, 2020, 03:33:31 AM »

Bruce such an interesting conversation you had during that dream.  Makes me wonder if something you ate or had to drink had any bearing on the subject matter.  I find myself that sometimes my dreams seem to have tidbits from the previous day or conversations I have had in the recent past and people that show up in them are some that we might have discussed that day.
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Bigwolf
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Cookeville, TN


« Reply #9 on: June 18, 2020, 05:38:18 AM »

I'm no expert. But it sounds like you and Jerry are on a vision quest.


I was.......but that quest is over for me for now.  I am now rolling East, back to my brother’s place.  Weather patterns and a family reunion forced my early departure from my “vision quest”. 

My vision quest was simply the gorgeous views of the lands in the American West.  Nobody spoke to me in a dream..........I recon that I was not as tuned in to the spiritual aspect of the land as Bruce was.  But I am just a novice trekker into this lands beauty and history.  I have much yet to learn from the master!


Bigwolf
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Robert
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S Florida


« Reply #10 on: June 18, 2020, 06:00:10 AM »

This dream recounted from someone a long time ago changed the fate of a nation. Your story if true made me think about all the times that dreams could be nothing more than the food you ate the night before, but sometimes truths, futures and directions are revealed in them. Things we could not hear or accept in the waking hours.

 "In my dream," he said, "I was standing on the bank of the River,  and I saw seven fat, healthy cows come up out of the river and begin grazing in the marsh grass. But then I saw seven sick-looking cows, scrawny and thin, come up after them. I've never seen such sorry-looking animals.  These thin, scrawny cows ate the seven fat cows. But afterward you wouldn't have known it, for they were still as thin and scrawny as before! Then I woke up. "Then I fell asleep again, and I had another dream. This time I saw seven heads of grain, full and beautiful, growing on a single stalk. Then seven more heads of grain appeared, but these were blighted, shriveled, and withered by the east wind.  And the shriveled heads swallowed the seven healthy heads.

There are many that are spoken to in dreams and its wisdom and revelation that allows us to understand the truth of dreams. As in this one below it had a very fated end.

"Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about Him last night."

Bruce a great story or a interesting truth, was it a dream or was it real, either way made me think of dreams and how many have had them, and been guided or changed the future for themselves. Thanks good read.


 "I had this dream, and in my dream a loaf of bread came tumbling down into the camp. It hit a tent, turned it over, and knocked it flat!"

Remember if God can talk to a king through an ass then He can make ways and mysteries be known to us in many ways.




« Last Edit: June 18, 2020, 06:43:28 AM by Robert » Logged

“Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #11 on: June 18, 2020, 06:49:46 AM »

I'm no expert. But it sounds like you and Jerry are on a vision quest.


I was.......but that quest is over for me for now.  I am now rolling East, back to my brother’s place.  Weather patterns and a family reunion forced my early departure from my “vision quest”. 

My vision quest was simply the gorgeous views of the lands in the American West.  Nobody spoke to me in a dream..........I recon that I was not as tuned in to the spiritual aspect of the land as Bruce was.  But I am just a novice trekker into this lands beauty and history.  I have much yet to learn from the master!


Bigwolf
Ride safe Jerry ! Visiting family has jumped a couple notches on my priority chart as of late.  cooldude (we all have much to learn from the Master)
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Ropestart
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Wabash, Indiana


« Reply #12 on: June 18, 2020, 07:45:24 AM »

I just love the beauty of the US 14A  passage as well, but if I had as many conversations with the Great Spirit of the Medicine Wheel as Bruce, I wouldn't walk to the monument, I would run.  The vision quest isn't over until the Spirit says it's over. It will keep calling until you answer.
This is a great follow up to the last Medicine Wheel story Bruce wrote. Sometimes we must turn off the internal dialogue and go see for ourselves.
There are park benches to rest on along the trek to the top. Until you get used to the altitude, it's a chore to get there for sure. In my case, it was worth the trip. Others, no so much. It depends on your individual circumstances.
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Oss
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The lower Hudson Valley

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« Reply #13 on: June 18, 2020, 09:38:52 AM »

loved the story
 
IMHO it is not as important to actually reach the medicine wheel as it is to continue
your journey of exploration both internally and sensory.

The Big Horns are BIG lol
I took 14A without front brake as  the right front brake had seized coming down 16 out of Keystone

At the Honda dealer in Ranchester they unseized it but had no pads so told just dont squeeze that right grip   Easier said than done.  Never know what the day will bring

Y'all going to pass thru Yellowstone or Beartooth to Red Lodge this trip or mosey north to Glacier?
« Last Edit: June 18, 2020, 09:41:41 AM by Oss » Logged

If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
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When you come to the fork in the road, take it
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GiG
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« Reply #14 on: June 18, 2020, 10:28:28 AM »

loved the story
 
I took 14A without front brake as  the right front brake had seized coming down 16 out of Keystone

At the Honda dealer in Ranchester they unseized it but had no pads so told just dont squeeze that right grip   Easier said than done.  Never know what the day will bring


OSS:
You shoulda went to Cody Custom Cycles - on 14, the owner speaks your language (He's from NY).
Its where I went when the Metzler tire delaminated on 16 in 2013 on 4th of July. Guy stayed open and went way beyond to get out of there late on a Friday on an insane holiday rodeo weekend in Cody. Aces!  cooldude

https://www.codycustomcycle.com/



Had some spiritual and very strange things happen that day before the metz incident on 14a up in the Big Horns, too. Unexplainable things.  Big-Hair Chick has her theories, but maybe it was just the heat...

Keep us posted, Bruce!  coolsmiley

« Last Edit: June 18, 2020, 10:33:17 AM by GiG » Logged

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When you come to a fork in the road - TAKE IT!
(Then be sure to send it to OSS... C.O.D.)

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Wizzard
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Bald River Falls

Valparaiso IN


« Reply #15 on: June 18, 2020, 10:41:00 AM »

rode all those roads back in 2007. And spent the night in Cody. Only spirits I came in contact with were in a bottle.  Wink
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old2soon
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Willow Springs mo


« Reply #16 on: June 19, 2020, 08:00:04 AM »

          GOOD Rad Bruce. In 14 at Asheville I could NOT make the climb for The Fallen Riders Memorial. Spirit were willin but body weren't. Glad yer still on The Long Tour!  cooldude Dan and I agree-Ride while yer able.  coolsmiley I've sorta kinda figured out how to live sans wife. And this day is closer than I'd care to admit-existing sans Phatt Ghurl! Enjoy ridin bitch with you Friend-even if just in thought!  2funny RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check.  1964  1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
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DirtyDan
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Kingman Arizona, from NJ


« Reply #17 on: June 19, 2020, 10:22:00 PM »

          GOOD Rad Bruce. In 14 at Asheville I could NOT make the climb for The Fallen Riders Memorial. Spirit were willin but body weren't. Glad yer still on The Long Tour!  cooldude Dan and I agree-Ride while yer able.  coolsmiley I've sorta kinda figured out how to live sans wife. And this day is closer than I'd care to admit-existing sans Phatt Ghurl! Enjoy ridin bitch with you Friend-even if just in thought!  2funny RIDE SAFE.

 Smiley

Dan
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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