(Dulce NM)
While passing through, the Jicarilla Apache were having a festival with a pow-wow. A parade on the main highway diverted all traffic. It required a stop to allow the floats to pass. So, eating lunch and getting gas were an easy choice.
Lunch was a Navajo taco; silmilar ingredients on fry bread which was pretty good. And of course, the gas was considerably cheaper than other choices on my route. This provided an opportunity to watch the parade.
Many of the floats referred to Little Beaver, who was the native sidekick of the Red Ryder character from the 1950s. For the Apache, the beaver symbolizes busy, in charge, strategic, efficient, untiring, and wit.
After the parade passed by, I continued on to the next camp in southern Colorado looking for a waterfall.
Camp: San Juan NF-East Fork of San Juan River boondock
Scene: Parade, natives
Very fun and interesting cultural experience! Had never heard of Little Beaver but learning his background has been informative.
I too was unfamiliar with the Little Beaver character. Although, I had heard that the Apache had high regard for the beaver and its special attributes.