Monday, May 30, 2005

TIPI WEEKEND

While attending the Colorado Springs Muzzleloaders Assoc. Annual Memorial Day Shoot I camped out in a friend's tipi.  There is something magical about sleeping in a tipi that is almost mystical and I couldn't help but daydream about the way it might have been long ago on the plains then the tipi was the family home, not just a nostalgic tent.

 

These are all pictures of the same tipi taken at different times of the day.  The first is at sunrise.  The top flap remained open overnight to provide ventilation for the campfire that warmed the tipi through the cold hours of the night.  The second pictures was taken just after sundown.  The sky eventually cleared to reveal thousands of stars sparkling like diamonds which were viewable through the open flap.

 

A campfire not only provided warmth and light, it added entertainment when the children discovered their shadows.  Looking up from the inside of the tipi one is amazed by the simplicity of the structure.

 

Rain took over towards the end of the weekend but it didn't dampen any spirits.  The tipi became a gathering place for everyone to warm up and socialize.  After a couple of days the smoke from the campfire had seasoned the flaps of the tipi an earthy color.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

delightful!!! what a wonderful experience!
~ Julie~ http://journals.aol.com/joolsinwa/randommusingsofmymind

Anonymous said...

What great time you must have had!!! The pictures are great!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Dorn, that is SO cool.  I just added something else to my "1001 things to do before I die" list, LOL
Chris
http://journals.aol.com/swibirun/Inanethoughtsandinsaneramblings
http://journals.aol.com/swibirun/MyJournalJarSaturdaySixetcanswer

Anonymous said...

When I saw your Pow Wow/ Dance images I knew you were a person after my own heart, now I know that you can do too! Thanks for a view very few have had the pleasure to share.

Anonymous said...

Great entry, Dorn!!!!  Really enjoyed it very much!!!  God, how I miss Colorado Springs.  Guess I will have to continue to see it through your eyes. :)

http://journals.aol.com/Smjr43/Colorado

Anonymous said...

Great photos....again!  :-)

Sandra xxx

Anonymous said...

Too neat.  I never realized how much work goes into a tipi.  (of course, I thought it was spelled teepee...oops!)  Awesome pics!!

http://journals.aol.com/pengboo/Lifeisjustlikehousework

Anonymous said...

I bet it was mystical spending time in a tipi!  How exciting!  Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I'm amazed by your comments and your eyes for beauty! It surrounds us. Thank you for sharing. I'm inspired.
Mdragonfly99@aol.com  Mary L. Jones

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