When we rounded another curve in the side of the cave, we found six or seven back packs.
" Grab this one," Alvaro said. "If they go through it, they'll find used gear and food, dirty clothes and blankets. You tell them that you had walked the mountains photographing birds. There's a 35mm camera and pictures of different species of birds, taken in these mountains. This won't stall them forever. Look for a chance to shore up your story. Try to avoid confrontation. I don't think they're here, but always be prepared."
He paused as we got to the outside entrance, "Beyond here is the zoo. We are going to start walking and getting our strength to maximum. The Elder said for me to give you this."
Alvaro handed me a bag " Do you know what pemmican is?" I shook my head no. " The minute we encounter someone, put a pinch into your mouth but don't ingest it until we see if there is an imminent threat or danger."
"What is it?" I asked.
"Just do what I told you. I don't think we'll have trouble tonight. This is like a fire drill, got it?" Alvaro instructed.
"Yeah," I said "Let's do it!"
My energy was suspended and ready. We went through the doorway and pushed through the bushes hiding the entrance. Alvaro went first. The cold air brought my whole beingness into attention and awareness.
The night!
The night impacted upon me in a way I would have never expected. I was an alien to this planet. Beautiful beyond belief. After being deep within the mountain for so long, I really had been in sensory deprivation although I didn't mentally feel as if I was.
Alvaro said " Beyond belief isn't it."
"It sure is," sounding as if I was whispering. Let me just sit here awhile," I said to Alvaro. "No matter what happens, I want to always remember this night."
-From Neishtes journals "Into the Night"
