Tale of the Totem ….
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Totem Pole in the flowerbed/flagpole area at the Eastside Harley-Davidson complex? Hang onto your answer until you reach the end of my article, and see if you get a new appreciation for our revered totem.
Riding up and over Snoqualmie Pass with some good friends and fellow riders quite a few years ago, little did I know I would return with a memento of such giant proportions, both spiritually and physically? After a full day of riding with my pals, Gracie, Gerry, Lon, Mark and Lori, Lance and Lisa, Casey and Jon and Richard – I can’t remember if James was along this time or not, Kent and Gretchen surely were with us a s were the good pals for the trip that would eventually find us in Sun Valley, Idaho. Now that I think about it, those two cute brothers in the yellow tarps were along for the ride as well. Moving right along, we were all looking to get to our night’s lodging and most riders had pulled ahead except myself and Keith - my boyfriend of almost 47 years - the chase truck and a few of my buddies.
Taking my time - as usual - enjoying the scenery just outside of Helena, Montana, I noticed something quite interesting. There were piles of lodge poles, stripped, and a few totem-like items on the side of the road, in various stages of completion. Lately, I had been reading about the totem pole culture in the Northwest; their intrigue and history and it just seemed natural to stop and check things out. Our shop truck was behind me and pulled off as well. Long story short, I asked the artisans if these items were for sale. They indicated everything was spoken for and they were moving on in a week or so; However – isn’t there always a “however” with most things - there was one possibility. Out behind their work area under a tarp, they had a completed totem that was promised but the pickup was long overdue. I quickly raised my hand and said “If I take it right now can you sell it to me?” My truck driver’s eyebrows went WAY UP and were making that “cutting motion” to his neck, as he could see what part he was going to play in this “purchase”. Didn’t I remember the chase truck was for breakdowns and we had assured the ride participants the use of the truck? After a little discussion………..
Money changed hands, the totem was loaded into the truck – well, most of it - the wings were stuffed alongside and a loaned red bandana was hung off the end of our purchase that did not quite make it all the way into the bed of the truck, and we started up again. By this time I was hoping this was not going to be an “emotional purchase” with buyer’s remorse setting in. I have never been sorry and felt quite pleased with myself that I had secured a totem. This “transaction” took all of 20 minutes and when we pulled into the motel, many eyes opened wide upon seeing our truck full of a strange-looking “item”. Fortunately, luck was with us and the truck was not needed for anything other than water and luggage for the rest of the trip.
Eventually the totem found its way to Eastside. – At our previous location on the corner of Northup and 132nd. Concerned it would be stolen if we installed it at the front of the store, a friend made us a cast-iron post and we bolted it in place where it stood guard at our former location for eight years, soaking up all the rain it could possibly hold. Upon moving to its current and last resting place, beside our flagpole, it had a complete facelift the only thing I will say about this is “how much does eight years of rain weigh” - that is another story in itself worth repeating someday.
He seems happy there...
The point is this – when I pass the totem, I see more than just a pretty face. The mountains we rode through were those where the tree grew to make our totem. There must have been eagles perched in that tree and the same wind and rain we encountered on our journey swirled around the totem’s tree. It reminds me of the great camaraderie and joy that is in my heart when riding. I could never have imagined that the ride to Sun Valley, through the mountains and beside streams, could have brought this great totem and a sort of good-luck-charm to all of us here at Eastside H-D. That is the story as I remember it.
When you pass the Totem, I hope it calls to you to take some time, put some miles on your bike, and hit the road to new possibilities!
Happy New Year to all the friends of Eastside Harley-Davidson.
Motherfreedom aka Bev |
