PUNK BAND (A)

Mekkar had already seen quite a few concerts of many varieties in his young life. Plus, he was a lover of music also. He had visited a large number of venues, both big and small, in many different countries. Some of these occurred when he would accompany with his mama to her modeling assignments or with travelling hockey teams.

Sirga would appear to work for modeling photo sessions, runway fashion shows, and what have you. When Mekkar was younger, being around that type of environment was exciting. On a few occasions, Sirga even got criticism from others related to the set and it almost result in a fistfight. Everyone there Sirga would have won those encounters easily since she was six foot two inches tall and adept at brawling. Sirga quipped at times that she could some things really well – drink, fight, ____, and do a little modeling. Yet, there were many times other models would go out of the way to be nice to the young boy as it was not a common thing in those days. Some of the well known models even brought Mekkar treats. The youngster didn’t know who they were or anything regarding if the ladies were famous or not. Mekkar was focused on the goodies that he was receiving. As the developing Mekkar got older, the photo and stage sets were not interesting anymore. He became more independent and would leave his mama’s side to journey and explore whatever place they had arrived in. Mekkar, at this time, often would go to watch live music to get away from what he considered as the madhouse fashion industry his mama was part of.

The native from the north had joined the legions of teens with the advent of punk rock in the 1970’s by attending counter culture alternative punk rock band shows. Outfits like the Clash, The Damned, Dead Kennedy’s, Iggy Pop & the Stooges, The Ramones, The Saints, Sex Pistols, The Stranglers, Stiff Little Fingers, The Voidoids, The Vibrators, the Buzzcocks, U.K. Subs, Generation X, Dead Kennedys,  Ebba Grön, the Rude Kids, Eppu Normaali, and many more countless diverse punk groups. Even a couple of bands from Hungary that he doesn’t remember the names of anymore. Mekkar was able view some of the bands live when they were still obscure. The Arctic Warrior even colored a part of his hair with a canary yellow streak on the left side of his head over the ear. It happened after going to a Sham 69 large outdoor gig near London and identifying himself as part of the Sham Army fan base.

This was a time where the teenage Mekkar began to develop an attitude that distrusted the overwhelming, all inclusive establishment as many his age do. He partially broke away and became a punk rebel in many ways. This posture was displayed in many areas especially in his expansion of chosen music genres listened to. Alf, his younger brother, and older best friend Lasse also followed Mekkar’s nonconformist path. The advantage was Mekkar had been exposed to the type first; otherwise, he would have followed one of them. The adolescent also checked out other groups during this period such as ACDC, Aerosmith, The Angels (Angel City), Black Sabbath, Blondie, the Commodores, David Bowie, Jefferson Starship, Kansas, The Kinks, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, Rod Stewart, Rolling Stones, The Who, Hanoi Rocks, Raga Rockers, and hundreds of others at home and overseas. He was exposed to a host of styles and languages as well. The sound to Mekkar was always more important than the lyrics.

Hey, Mekkar’s mama is the one that helped him obtain a top quality fake identification card. That ID would give him entry into music locations as some clubs had minimum age requirements. The limits applied even to non alcohol consuming patrons. He didn’t need the high price drinks from the clubs anyway. He would be already buzzed by the time he arrived after slamming booze his mama got him earlier. It was normal in their regional traditions for young teens to drink with the parents. At least, she could observe and somewhat control the amounts being consumed by Mekkar. Sirga would tell her son before they would separate and go their own way, “Go and enjoy yourself at the shows and stay out of trouble. I don’t want to have to bail you out of jail.” He knew that he could take a cab afterward back to the hotel where they were registered to rejoin his mama. On some occasions Mekkar and Sirga would set up a plan beforehand to meet at a specific location by a certain time. The place was usually close enough for Mekkar to reach by foot. Then, it was time to travel back home and do it all over again later on.

Sirga grew up and admired the tunes of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Kinks, and a part of the first British wave of rock n’ roll in the 1960’s that soon afterward invaded North America. Her sons liked those groups but also had a disposition for heavier music such as later classic rock and so on. When Mekkar was younger his mama took him to concerts of the Beatles & Elvis (her two favorites). She wanted to take her best friend - but the person who usually watches Mekkar was also at those two same concerts. So, Mekkar's mama was not amused and dragged him along against her will. Sirga continued to give him grief about it as Mekkar grew up. The youngster now only remembers the introductions and sticking of his fingers in his ears due to all of the screaming, yelling, crying young girls during those concerts.

Both Alf & Mekkar still to this day recall words to obscure songs from records, tapes, compact discs, radio, etc. sources. The reason was their mama would have the record player operating repeatedly while she was home. Sirga would play Kinks records until they wore out and then replace them. It was part of her own process to accelerate her learning of the English language. The young Mekkar was unhappy when he had to accompany his mama on a side trip to visit Elvis’ home, Graceland. In those days, when they still conducted on-site tours. The boy was bored stiff throughout the experience and appreciates it more now for nostalgic reasons, even though many details have been forgotten. 

It made perfect sense for Mekkar to start a band since all the potential members lived in the same big city together. It didn’t matter that some of the pack were not originally from the area. Besides that, Mekkar was inspired to form the group after attending over hundreds of distinct gigs during the decade alone. All the members were influenced by a fair amount of other bands from the international outlaw scene and colorful spectacles of the time. He just fell in love with the rawness of the punk sound. Alf, Lasse, and Mekkar had practiced together a bit with their instruments in the barn on the property back home. They all moved down south at various points for sports and now were back with each other again. This was not the arctic anymore, but it was like old times. They were adventures and it was time to spread their wings. Mekkar thought there were more available options and opportunity in the large metropolis. The crew had chosen a name for their ensemble. Yet, there was a need for a lead guitarist as none of them were close to being qualified. Fortunately, Mekkar was aware of a local hockey player that he played with and against in the ranks. Timo was not only an aspiring athlete but was also an up and coming studio axe man around the city. He was good enough to be asked to perform in a slew of recording sessions with quite a few other musicians.

Mekkar had heard him jam out previously and was of the opinion that he kicked it good. Not long afterward, he ran into Timo as part of a crowd at a local concert. He invited Timo to join the fledgling crew. Timo agreed and had access to a warehouse nearby the sports house. The building was prefect for practicing their raw noise with no one around to complain and at no cost to them also. It was exciting because the newest member also had contacts related to booking gigs. The tribe of four youngsters had to manage all things related to the band, themselves. All of them understood the basic reason for forming a group was not for money. Of course, that would have been nice. The real purpose was to get more women, have fun, and have another excuse to party. It was something different from sports for a change. The Arctic Warrior was convinced that chicks love people affiliated with music and especially members of a band. Mekkar figured it must be an aspect related to sound waves or vibes. They only had a couple of their own songs that they created and performed mostly covers. Even some popular songs in their own unique style. It was similar to punk rebel rock at its phoenix and during peak period of the overall world wide movement. There was plenty of material to choose from and inspiration to be garnered by or they could make it up as they go.

Sirga hated that music genre. She thought it was too fast, had no substance, obnoxious, and just plainly sounded like garbage. Both of her son’s musical tastes definitely did not completely match hers. Mekkar’s mama didn’t hesitate in telling them either. Especially when they were back home practicing in the barn. On those occasions, the audience consisted of animals. Maybe it was a good thing that Mekkar was unable to gauge their reaction. It didn’t seem to irritate the beasts too much in his opinion. Of course, Mekkar’s cocky reasoning claimed, at the very least, the sound didn’t put the animals to sleep.

The foursome had Mekkar’s younger brother Alf as the drummer. Alf basically got stuck there in the beginning back home because he was the youngest and the age trend determined his placement. The fact is, nobody else wanted to bang the drums. Plus, he showed a knack for it, which helped. The positive was his six foot one inch height despite being about three and a half years more youthful than the rest of the band. Alf’s height at such a young age benefited him and he appeared to most outsiders as rivaling Mekkar in age. Lasse was the lead vocalist while playing the bass guitar at the same time. He was the best of the group by far to audibly carry a note. An added benefit was that Lasse at this time was physically fit and not an individual to mess with. He stood at around six foot four inches tall and a weighed a muscular two hundred and forty pounds. He always wished to take his shirt off during their gigs unlike the rest of them. Mekkar thought it was to show off his physique to impress women in the crowd. At the beginning of their set Lasse would usually fling his t-shirt toward a hot girl in the crowd. It was an intentional directional and targeted toss. Lasse hoped he could score with her later in the night.

It was characteristic during gigs of the time for foolish drunk people in the rowdy crowds, to take swings at various front men in punk bands. Adolescent fury and aggression was the order of the day. So, it was a positive to have a singer who could kick some butt, if necessary, to protect them on stage. Truth was the whole group was made up of hockey players who are known for their toughness. All of the four could brawl pretty well. Even Alf could, but didn’t prefer to scrap like the others, if he could avoid it. This happened on occasion when a few rambunctious individuals in the audience would start a commotion in their direction. If someone desired to start trouble directly with the group, they were always ready to end it right then and there. No prisoners would be taken, only a beat down. Beforehand, Mekkar like to spew out his venom as a warning, “Don’t mess with us or we whip your rear ends hard! We don’t care who you think you are.” When that sort of rabid activity materialized, usually their set commenced for the night. Mekkar’s band was normally just a warm up band that attempted to get the crowd riled up and into the mood. The whole idea was to blend into the scene and match the flowing booze with fast, sharp, high tempo minimal punk riffs.

The one who originally came up with the idea to form this group was the rhythm guitarist, Mekkar. He was self taught and at the beginning knew only the basics. He could easily handle three cord punk scores. When stayed at a friend’s home, for a short time, he improved his guitar skills from just being a hack and thrashing out like a buzz saw. Mekkar filled in during practice sessions in the basement, to keep them on beat, because the drummer was frequently late. Both Alf and Lasse always teased Mekkar and said, “Don’t ever give him a microphone on stage because he can’t sing on key for anything. He doesn’t even hit the right notes in his native music ditties or when listening to his favorite bands.” They cringed every time after often overhearing Mekkar sing along to various songs. It was all due to Mekkar’s habit of singing out loud in the shower or in his car. The Arctic native was bold enough not to care if anyone else heard him or not.

Lasse and Alf were the better singers in the bunch in Mekkar’s opinion and the other member was good enough to sing in a backup role only. If he knew most of the words to a particular song Mekkar would sometimes mouth it silently. He would do this while hammering his strings because he was aware that his audible music voice sucked. Mekkar never sang out loud during performances as he didn’t want to throw everyone else off their rhythm and ruin it for all of them. This off key and lack of tone phenomenon was blamed on an earlier sports injury where Mekkar broke his jaw. The worse part was that a portion of the bone went upward and also damaged his left eardrum. Mekkar’s hearing has never been the same as before the trauma occurred. Constant drainage and fluid buildup issues have affected that left ear ever since. A number of early concussions didn’t help matters either.

DOWN SOUTH

One time while Mekkar was living in the big city, he and a couple of friends walked toward the downtown area. They wanted to visit the large weekly open air marketplace for two reasons. One was to pickup some fresh fruit and vegetables because of their nutritional value. To them, the taste is better than the store bought brands as well. After all, they were still growing young athletes. The other reason was to meet the hordes of women that appeared there.

After the small group spent some time doing their thing, they split up in pairs to make the walk back home with their produce and a few phone numbers. Mekkar and the buddy with him soon saw, on a side street, two huge guys begin to move a vehicle out of a parking spot near the curb. Mekkar and his friend could not stop observing the scene unfold in front of them. Each one stood at least six foot nine inches (2.10 meters) tall and appeared to weigh 300 pounds (136.077 kilograms) or more. Those guys had shirts on that revealed muscular frames. The men each took a corner of the front side of the medium sized vehicle and scooted it over a bit. Then, they went to the rear of the car and did the same thing. This occurred a few times until the pair of large individuals got back into their own vehicle and moved it into the parking spot along the curb. The one they just physically created with their own brawn and brute strength.

The two men began to leave the newly relocated car alongside theirs, in the road and in a double parked situation. At that moment, it dawned on Mekkar that only a few individuals, he was aware of, could and the guts to attempt and carry out such a stunt like what he had just witnessed. Back home in his village there were some people who were big and strong enough to do it including his papa, he thought. He knew his papa was overseas on a business trip, so Mekkar right then dismissed that speculation altogether.

There is a saying that “curiosity killed the cat” and in this instance Mekkar and his buddy became the panthers as they approached within hearing distance of the ensuing conversation. The Arctic Warrior instantly recognized the large men’s voices as soon he heard them. It was affirmed now that Mekkar was close enough to see and identify who the huge individuals were. Fortunately, Mekkar and his chum were still at a safe distance away from the action, in case they had to flee to avoid any trouble. Now, both were close enough to the action to see and hear everything that was happening. Still, the presence of Mekkar and his compatriot were never noticed.

Suddenly, an officer of the law arrived on the scene and Mekkar thought he also looked familiar. However, neither Mekkar nor his pal wanted to deal with the cops in any manner. The authority figure spoke to the two large individuals as if he knew who they were and discerned what had happened. He sternly told the men, “To put the other car back in its rightful place and take themselves somewhere else. Before you go, I am giving you both a ticket with a fine to be paid in court for your creative action.” Afterwards, the policeman went away laughing.

ON THE TREK & SURROUNDINGS - PART 1 (C)

[This story is an improved version from mini cassette recordings of Mekkar’s actual voice in 1990 while hiking and walking as a University student; then, it was converted to a Windows Media Audio File and transcribed in 2011. Mekkar’s spoken English skills are nowhere near as polished as Saavo’s are. Continued from PART 1 (B) in October, 2014.]

Mekkar’s mood showed that he loved the trek experience, as he was out in the open and felt free. He thought that a lot of people from the southern cities within the country would enjoy this too, only if they knew about it. Due to his youthfulness, Mekkar didn’t recognize his own biased outlook. Yet, he still applied his assumptions to people he had come across when he went to work with his mama, down south in the big city. Mekkar deemed that all large city dwellers should experience this natural setting and its wonders at least one time in their life. A beneficial break from the humdrum routine of the average individual’s existence. The exhilarating feel of freedom and fresh air in his lungs overwhelmed him more than usual. Nothing significant was occurring when he journeyed outside the teepee. Still, a quiet peace and enjoyment hit him all at once. Even though it had been a long trek so far there was a sense of newness. The young boy, at that moment, was eager to continue back on the journey once again. Aslak inquired of the youngster for a cause for his refreshed vigor, but Mekkar was unable to give him an answer. Nevertheless, Aslak knew and was testing Mekkar for the little trekker’s interpretation to determine if it was accurate. The Seer always knew because Aslak could observe from many angles and multiple dimensions.

After packing up the party with their beasts they continued on to the east where there were more flat lands awaiting them. This area seemed more desolate than where the path had taken them beforehand. The folk here seemed to Mekkar to be more cold and distant toward their group also. An aura of distrust appeared to increase when encountering the inhabitants as the herd went further eastward. Mekkar perceived this as the locals might have been even bothered by his group’s presence. The boy thought to himself the inhabitants in this place looked even frightened and he didn’t know why. Thus, Mekkar went to Aslak and asked him questions regarding this. All of the elders know that kids, similar to the youngster, are curious and seek answers to their questions. Mekkar did not make the connection to the local people’s reactions because he blocked out of his mind what he saw earlier on this trip regarding the wreckage. After speaking with Aslak and overhearing a conversation of Ansetti, Ankki, and Juhani is when he began to get some insight that addressed the matter. The residents feared a return of the overhead flights. One comment brought up that maybe the community thought their tribe was a target of a raid of some kind?  

It was all too much information for such a young lad to connect the dots and grasp the overall situation. Mekkar listened as he heard comments regarding the locals and their recent encounters with these foreign flying machines and other military equipment. The original plan for this area was an attempt to increase development, yet those goals were never reached. A mention was made about another effort to take control of the area for a hidden purpose, but many in the circle disagreed with that theory. There had to be a reason for the unwanted attention from more powerful surrounding enemies desiring to dominate the area. Mekkar had no clue since he had never travelled to this area before. He became very bothered by the disturbing news. At least he gained a small portion of understanding related to the local’s standoffish reactions concerning his group. The deep implications were beyond the boy due to youth and immaturity. It had been ingrained in Mekkar to strive to overcome any deficiencies he had by observing, clearly listen and hear, read if possible, and endeavor through application of all exposed information. Now, The Arctic Warrior is well aware this is a key to development and advancement of the mind.

When the situation was ascertained the group decided to continue on the trek despite that fact there was no town for quite a distance away from their location. After all the dead of winter had already passed, yet spring season had not arrived either. So, the herd with its shepherds was still affected by the frequent, wild fluctuations in the climate. There is always the myth of weather streams keeping certain areas warm. In some cases, it could be true regarding much warmer than expected temperatures at these high latitudes. The perceptions usually applied to the coastal regions, if the jet stream was static in its flow and in continual motion. Further inland, regular weather patterns are the normal tendency and decisions relied upon those characteristics. Actions and labor are determined by an expectation of a much colder environment further away from major bodies of water. Anyone living around mountain ranges is aware that they can provide an effective wind block between the coast and inland areas. Namely, if you are close to them and not in the distance on the valley floor below.

The temperature stayed relatively the same ranging between 25° F (-3.88° C) and 32° F (0° C) with little variation as they travelled eastward for the next few days. At the same time, Mekkar finally started to put that earlier wolf attack out of his awareness, but it was pushed back into his subconscious mind. The party had seen a couple of other wolf groups in the binoculars since then, yet none of those packs had come too close to be a threat. Along with the others, Mekkar remained in his night guard observation duties every third or fourth evening, according to the rotation. In truth, Mekkar basically was a trainee, a minor clog, and just another set of eyes and constantly fought the urge to sleep while on watch.              

Nobody truly expected a great deal from him due to his youth and surprised some adults with his diligence by not falling asleep on duty. The young boy didn’t neglect the tasks given to him. He expected a lot from himself and always did his best in everything he did or put his mind to. Mekkar held himself up as a special person and sought to apply himself to a higher standard than most. Potentially, it was the workaholic with excellence work ethic influence that was instilled into him by his parents and immediate family members. His parents demonstrated this through their own actions and example unlike a number of modern parents in today’s civilized world. Examples of parent neglect and negative child behavior issues are reflected almost everyday in every realm of supposedly advanced society.

Sirga and Henrik never assigned, selected, or predetermined the path of their offspring’s’ future career or how each would earn a living later on as adults. The fact was they didn’t have to because Mekkar and Alf were both internally self driven in their character with the oldest being sort of a perfectionist. The parents wanted their young children to dream and develop their own tastes. Henrik and Sirga felt that there would be plenty of time later on to make life choices as it’s a part of life, but not too early. The key was to keep an open mind and not intentionally slam doors that might need to be opened in the future. The parents would not accept disrespectable attitudes and let their sons behave like irresponsible, spoiled, entitlement brats. The concept of real education to them, despite both having advanced degrees, was to question everything. While at the same time, research subjects for yourself to reach your own individual conclusions and belief systems. Henrik and Sirga expected this component to stay with Mekkar the rest of his life as they prepared him. Mekkar would learn what he liked and didn’t prefer as opportunities arose. The caveat is when one is young they assume that they have all of the answers, as well as, many years to go to soak up all sorts of knowledge. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

While they were forging ahead to the east, Mekkar could have sworn that he saw fighter jets after hearing the whoosh sounds overhead. However, he didn’t recognize whose aircraft they were. Mekkar was normally spot-on identifying different jets because his uncle used to play recognition games back home with him. The youngster would be quizzed on various local and regional planes that they could see nearby and through binoculars. The game would include automobiles driven on the closest regional highway. The Arctic youngster had another of reference, his papa Henrik who was a pilot that was able to fly any aircraft the national military and airlines had.

Sitting and relaxing around the evening campfire the adolescent heard more stories about old legends and myths while the leaders were gulping down their coffee. Some of the tales and sagas seemed to Mekkar as being a very real part of history. Verbal communication was a normal practice, instead of writing it down, for stories to be passed down from one generation to the next. Long term oral traditions have been a common method of cultural transference for millennia as recorded throughout human history. There are a much smaller number of stories that have been conveyed in written form in comparison. By listening to these conversations in the tent, Mekkar gained an increased understanding of how old his people, native tribe, culture, etc. really was. His people were different from outward perceptions about them. The boy began to understand that many outsiders saw them automatically as lower class because of who they were. Natives were viewed with suspicion and they were considered a people that had lower intelligence.   

Mekkar heard one of the leaders in the discussion speak about how scientists were incorrect regarding where his people originally came from and were indecisive concerning their beginnings also. Many of the current accept theories have been debunked in recent years. There are many physical features each individual has and are conducive to the tribes’ people in this region that are shared with his own, but no one is exactly alike. A couple of adults there mentioned special attributes and advantages the natives are equipped with naturally in comparison with non-native settlers in the area. Later during the conversation, the subject matter prompted Mekkar to ask many why questions. Inquiries which are similar to those that all parents are familiar with. Why is that? What for? ... Smartly, the boy continually sought wise sources to find answers. Confusingly, the more replies he received, the more inquiries popped into his immature noggin.

As Mekkar’s parents taught him to be open to learning new things, this gave him a false sense that he believed that he was smarter than he actually was. Already, at this young age, signs of cockiness in his personality were bubbling to the surface. Mekkar based his intelligence at the time on having a lot of varied experiences for such a young kid. Also, he already read quite often because it was frequently pointed out to him that reading makes a person smarter.

The native boy heard the reasons related to the differences in the clothing his trek group wore in contrast to the locals in this place. The discourse mentioned the variety in designs, schemes, and color combinations as well as patterns in the tunics and hats. Their teepees were slightly different as well. The adolescent was also unaware of the underlying symbolism and array of emblems until he asked about it. There is a belief that has been instilled into Mekkar’s being that states that the only dumb question is one that is never asked. [Albert Einstein] Functions are also alluded to if one is perceptive enough to decipher the codes. Careful detection can identify a tribe’s village or clan affiliations. For instance, the shaman’s hat could be used as a type of ancient position based directional finder. In other words, a compass based on shadows caused by the sun, the moon, and reflection of light from the snow. Similar to today’s GPS navigational tools for land use without the high latitude inference issues that plague many systems in operation now. Of course, use of the antiquated system resulted in some miscalculations as well.   

Mekkar never understood why the group rarely strayed far the route even when the herd was forced to deviate from their initial course due to changing conditions. Circumstances such as too much soft ground to trek on and extra stops for food and supplies. Luckily, the trekkers were able to return back on the chosen path. Some of the trekking routes have been used for many years. Long before non-native settlers began moving into the area and claiming some the land as their own. Those deeds permanently changed age-old routes that affected the indigenous people and herds. Mekkar’s people have a few concepts that are different from modern society. In Mekkar’s culture the land is seen as being for everyone to use and is sort of on loan, in that no one can really own it. Not even the regional chieftains or rulers, the state, nor the governments who control national borders. Thus, none of those parties have any right to take it away or even give the land to someone else like a particular individual, group, company, etc.

Another key point is that in many aboriginal people, like Mekkar’s tribe, there is a mindset that all inanimate objects have their own individual life or soul. One must work in cooperation and harmony with those items to benefit. The Native from the North still expresses this habit of speaking to inanimate objects which confounds others to this day. Most people just write it off as craziness, lack of sanity, or senility on his part. A few others think he is just nuts when Mekkar audibly acts in this manner.

ON THE TREK & SURROUNDINGS - PART 1 (B)

[This story is an improved version from mini cassette recordings of Mekkar’s actual voice in 1990 while hiking and walking as a University student; then, it was converted to a Windows Media Audio File and transcribed in 2011. Mekkar’s spoken English skills are nowhere near as polished as Saavo’s are. Continued from PART 1 (A) in September, 2014.]

This is in a huge contrast to really big population centers and cities like Las Vegas. These arctic locales would not make a close comparison to even a smaller city like Eugene, Oregon for instance. We are referring to very small places, tiny compared to cities with only twenty five thousand inhabitants. These are modest in size while still currently flooded with all the reindeer herders on trek search to replenish themselves. The old standard normal consideration for a town was one with a population of five thousand of more within its limits.

Regardless, Mekkar calls them towns because they might have special features about them as opposed to vast scarcely populated open spaces. Many of those small communities in this area also know about efficient use of available resources and not use them all up too quickly. Similar to regional natives and nomads who live off the land in a very contrasting manner to modern society. Mekkar has been taught that much of civilized life in many cases just takes over and destroys everything in its path in the name of progress. Other elders have given the boy an image that reveals modern society has its underlying basis built on greed and exploitation of almost everything. This includes all resources, such as people, with very little long term consideration of the surrounding impact.

The curiosity regarding the natives and their past history was the issue of fairly complete homogeneous complexity of the people before the liberal mass immigration of later times. In some of the areas, so far north, a number of communities get to employ a portion of their own local customs as legislation. Some native customs have been in place for a long time, much longer than the national cultures all around them. Those customs are fairly effective in most places and reduce crime on a grand scale. The high crime rates are almost nil and mostly minor offenses such as theft are perpetrated by outsiders. Among the natives most disputes are handled in a quick judicious manner. Very unlike rates in today’s large cities where the per capita high crime rates are beyond measure; that is in comparison to these remote areas. In Mekkar’s tribe the view is some of the community laws are very harsh, but an effective deterrent factor.

A person cannot function without others in this Arctic environment because sometimes, by working together, is the only thing that keeps you all alive. The harsh environment is the overall main factor that can determine your fate. One individual’s selfish ambition and desires, plus rash decision making can bring difficulties for all residing there. One has to be able to trust your neighbor and even more so when you are together on the trek with your fellow tribesmen.

For example, witness the last attack of the wolf pack. If Mekkar neglected to do his job as a watchman or if Juhani did not drive his knife through the mouth and throat of the wolf, a member of the trek might have been lost. Everyone is a key member in this team and dysfunction would have resulted in a lot more lost reindeer too. It was determined the cost of the animals was already too high as it was.

Those reindeer are beings that sustain and provide for needs of the herders also. Some are set out and used for eating, while others to strengthen the herd through organization. This is planned for and set aside by the committee leaders of the trek before it begins. Those particular overseers of the group are chosen by vast past experience and their skill from many odysseys.

As the collection of men and beasts approach the hamlet they load up on supplies. There is a long winded discussion between Mekkar and Aslak. “Aslak,” Mekkar asks, “Why are these city people like this? They are so different from us. Have they ever gone on a trek?” Aslak knew that some of the townspeople had not. However, was convinced that many back in their own home village area had not been ever on a long journey similar to this. It saddened Aslak, as an increasing number of natives are losing their in-touchness with nature. Those are developing in the same manner as those in this town. The opinion was that uniqueness is being lost or being forced away by contemporary forces inside and out. Less and less of the natives are herders or work directly with reindeer anymore. Some of these relied on tourism alone instead or have other different occupations as their main sources of income. This can result in ignoring the old native customs of the region and modify their behavior to fit in with progressive societies. Try to blend in and not stand out too much. Aslak reminded Mekkar frequently to not forget where he came from and who he is. The advice always warned the boy that he could lose his personal identity, if he started to forget, whether it was intentional or not. That situation creates another set of issues and problems as a result.

Unbeknownst to Mekkar, his tribesmen have carried out a variety of tasks and functions to provide an income for their families. He thought they only participated in reindeer herding. The different seasons provided different opportunities. In the past, it was due to meeting heavy tax obligations to more than one source. At times obligations were imposed by multiple rulers, governments, and magistrates all at the same time. An emerging boy such as Mekkar still only had a small grasp of the matter. He was not totally informed and thought this could be harmful to his people. Trouble was Mekkar didn’t understand why, so he flat out rejected the concept of the whole society for the time being. In time, a few answers would be forthcoming as he listened to the adults discuss matters during stops along the journey. 

Aslak mentioned during a conversation that maybe the influxes of modernists into the region were forcing the adaptation of all inhabitants there. The loss of individual indigenous thinking, traditions, and overall cultural identity was too rapid. The danger is that there is no rewind button to take one back to the past like on a video recorder. Once you lose it, those aspects are almost impossible to get back. Antti agreed with Aslak on these points that individual want was a major internal driving force. It normally trended toward thinking on a more selfish and greedily level. The negative end result with that type of attitude would be to use up all of the resources in that spot without time for restoration. That would be disastrous.

Well, Mekkar started to have thoughts on a self-conscious level by seeking further answers to his inquiries, “Why am I so different from these other children that seem to be around my age? They are doing things and seem to be having more fun by playing and having more possessions than me.” Aslak was brief, but blunt in his answer he told the young boy, “This experience will stay with you the rest of your life. You will need this because you will need to be hardened against the environment and your circumstances. You will have to work with it, within it, and not be overcome by it. This is the lesson you are learning now because you will be required to call on this experience later on in some other form and in another way.”

Mekkar was totally confused by these comments and did not comprehend the meaning of them. He could not grasp their meaning, they sounded like riddles to him. In hindsight, it was seen as a future prediction of a catastrophic calamity that would occur in Mekkar’s life. After all, Aslak was a seer. The shaman was to the point, but did not give specific details regarding Mekkar’s future even as he saw it unfold. The spiritual leader thought that it might be harmful and told Mekkar so. Aslak said, “I can see that you need this and I know of where and when. Yet, I can’t tell you anymore about it. I cannot tell you anymore about it!” he emphasized to Mekkar.

The medicine man continued on, “Trust me, I see this and you do not want to know more about the event later on. However, you need this training for later on. You will draw out the lessons you are learning from this venture a few times in your life because it will be hard.” Mekkar, when he heard the phrase that he would have a hard life, his spirits dropped a bit even as he didn’t fully digest the meaning. He thought that he already had it much harder than the children he was comparing himself to.

He thought they had more fun, but Mekkar admitted he was enjoying himself too. Actually, he was having a blast and conducting himself like a man as he called it in his time. In the boy’s mind he felt that he was doing an adult’s work. I’m helping to herd reindeer. How many people can say that! Mekkar knew that this type of job was uncommon. In reality, it is very rare, yet he was unaware of that. He didn’t always expect the responses he would receive later as an adult when he mentioned that he herded reindeer. Unfortunately, a lot of stupid quips were directed at him. Even after speaking about working on the boats out at sea. Other reindeer herders know the true article by their speech and how they are dressed. Current day poseurs and charlatans can be exposed very quickly by those who know.

Some of the persons in this area knew his fellow tribesmen and even his papa. His parents took Mekkar to other areas of the globe where it could a different situation altogether. He consistently received a different reaction to his questions from others than he expected. Sometimes it would make him upset as those individuals might be as accommodating as his tribesmen. On the other hand, he thought that none of those kids in this place could have had this much fun doing what he was doing. Despite the fact Mekkar had to work also. This was the crux of the youngster’s interaction with Aslak. Still, Mekkar went on with his queries, “Why do I have to work so much? When these other kids do not? Look, they get to play without working.” The reality was that Mekkar was part of a village that had a very different standard of the term “play”. Nonetheless, the rewards would be so much more beneficial for him in the long run.

Now that the group was restocked with necessities Ansetti and Antagar led the others in preparing the reindeer to continue the trip. All of the herders on the trek had eaten very well, much better than some past adventures. Rich reindeer meat, cheese, milk, lingonberries, and cloudberries were only a part of their diet. At this point, the tribe took a short break to eat. Aslak told Mekkar not to consume too much. Of course, the little rebel did anyway. Since Mekkar now was full, he sought rest.

The blood was rushing to his stomach from his head to aid digestion left Mekkar tired and ineffective to perform his duties. Regardless, the crew dragged him away and departed. Mekkar was put on a sled so they could travel while he slept. It was not too cold for him to drift into his dreamlike state. It was only about -10° F (-23.3° C) outside and his winter clothing warmed him up just nicely. Mekkar’s face was covered somewhat and the exposed parts got slightly flush in color. Fortunately, the native clothing he normally wore could keep a person still operational in much chillier climates. In far below zero degree weather a person definitely does not want to sweat too much. Otherwise the glands can freeze and get clogged. That would create another set of problems toward an individual’s health, especially a young boy’s. Normally back home in extreme conditions, Mekkar liked to take a cup of water and toss its contents upwards into the air. His favorite part is watching the former liquid quickly turn into powder on its path downward. However, it wasn’t cold enough to do that and he was conked out.

Natives long ago adapted themselves in many ways to survive in their unique environments, some of which also includes the clothes they wear. Mekkar’s tribesmen modified some of their wares to incorporate ventilation features to prevent great accumulations of perspiration no matter how strenuous the tasks being carried out. This layered winter clothing in theory was designed to keep most of a person’s body heat close to the body in environments far below minus 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-17.77° C). However, no one including Mekkar wanted to test those claims and maximum limits. In normal settings, an individual usually didn’t wear matching multicolored tunic, pants, and coverings everyday. Unless, it was for special occasions such as a wedding then a coordinated appearance would be important. Plus, there was the aspect of taking time to specially clean them without ruining the handmade material. Even the youngest member of the group knew that many options, not to mention fresh apparel, are limited while on the trek.

A heavy reindeer fur overcoat was only applicable for wintertime use as one would overheat, if worn during the summer. The outfit was toughly constructed with very water resistant skins as the base and the garments were all encompassing. Yet, there was some stretchableness or flexibility to fit the person. In addition to the comfortable boots or shoes without need for socks, unless the individual preferred them. There are also high boots which are used for travelling in deep snow and even whole leg/hip wading boots for fishing in lakes as well as rivers. Mekkar didn’t care; he figured he would put prepared dried grass in his regular use boots to keep his feet warm, and cushioned. He next tied them tight so no snow got into his shoes. The grass helped to soak up the foot sweat as well. There is a preparation process as the grass first must be matted, teased carefully, and dried. Not to forget replaced every so often. The process takes time not available on the journey. In previous times this was necessary to preserve footwear. Modernization has changed this somewhat. The boy felt by the time this trek was over his pair of boots would be broken in nicely like well worn hockey skates. By good fortune Mekkar’s footwear was used previously and not tattered before this journey began, otherwise he would have some aching feet and possibly blisters.

It had been quite a few miles since they left the town and Mekkar was still conked out on the sled. He slept about five hours on this occasion. For a kid such as him that is a long time. It was concluded he must have eaten way too much. Well, the weather stayed the same and Mekkar finally woke up from his slumber. He looked around and recognized some of these surroundings even though to most it was still another place that was quite unpopulated. This is the arctic, after all.

Much of what grows outside in the wild there is during the spring and fall and buried during the wintertime. Basically you have five main staples while most of the rest is imported from somewhere else outside the region. Mostly from down south and beyond. There are a few types of berries. The natives learn early when they are ripe enough to eat or not by the change of the coloring. Otherwise, there is the high potential to acquire food poisoning or to a lesser extent become really ill. In season, the various favors of budding fruits can tempt a person by their tartness, sweetness, or both.

Potatoes can be creatively grown and harvested with patches of grass or mulch to meet trekkers’ needs. Various forms of onions to provide flavor and texture too. Moss and lichen even manifest itself to feed reindeer if they dig deep enough in the winter snows. Oh, my! Reindeer meat is delicious. Fish are available in the clean water streams that are not frozen over. If you are not in hurry, there is the activity of ice fishing. Mekkar would spear fish, during lunchtime, at the river back home but not during the middle of the blizzard season. The point is there are not a lot of options for grub so protecting the delicate balance of nature is tricky at best and can be brutal at worst.

Reindeer is so important to Mekkar’s tribe and this area because they can supply milk, as well as make cheese using the ingredients. In theory, a human can use every part of the animal for some edible or functional application. However, one must know the resources that are available and how to make the best use of them. There is no haphazard waste. During the appropriate growing season there are a few farms that grow grains to help make appetizing homemade bread. Supplementary items can be gathered from the various towns and villages they pass on the path. These are the basics of the group’s diet at home and especially on the trek. Vegetarians do not thrive well in this environment. Similar to all the children in his village, Mekkar learned these aspects as it was ingrained into him since he could talk and walk.

For the next four or five days the weather stayed consistent and the group covered between thirty and fifty miles (48.28 & 80.467 Kilometers) a day depending on various factors. The texture of the snow, how deep or how hard it was, the hilliness of the terrain, and transport reliability. There were no breakdowns of any equipment, so far. Basically, the expanse of this place is void of people in some areas. Still, the scenery is majestic, if one appreciates it.

Anyway, as the crew approached northward they kept up their pace and chose a certain familiar spot to set up the teepees before the crisp night air swiftly arrived upon them. The group of course set up a sauna tent first because it requires the most work. Almost everyone in the tribe will visit the hot one. Mekkar would go in there himself, yet some adults made it so hot until he could take no more. Anyway, the boy came out refreshed and relaxed from the experience. It is very different from the regular heat generated from the sun. Mekkar has trouble with hot desert-like temperatures outdoors, but the sauna helps him adapt to a certain level. There is a difference between sun driven warmth and hot room heat. If a person went outdoors in 180° F (82.22° C) heat, they might fry like an egg. That definitely goes for the natives from this region as they are not used to a roasting hot outdoor climate. For instance, Southern California during the summer. 200° F (93.33° C) is not uncommon in a real sauna and 212° F (100° C) is the boiling point for water. Mekkar doesn’t know how to describe the hot room effect any better for those who are unacquainted with it.

The same setup plan and formalized routine is used to ready the camp in a rapid manner. Mekkar says, “Since it has been effective for hundreds of years why change it?” The little Arctic trekker dozed off as he listened to tales and stories in the tent about locations unknown to him. The adults continued to drink their favorite coffee which Mekkar didn’t like anyway. The adults always seemed to follow their normal custom of giving their favorite drink an added spice and zip to it with alcohol. Not long after Mekkar snooze began he was awoken by sounds of howling wolves and reindeer shuffling. At any rate, it was just a false alarm and he went back to sleep.

FROM FOE TO FRIEND

Beginning with new school year this particular dorm, along with a few others on campus, had been converted into single mini-apartment residences. Mekkar could have gone many other places, originally followed a few of his close friends from back home to this university a couple of years prior. Now, the four of them moved into this place to be together because it was closer and less expensive than the house they rented the year before.

Most of the students in this nine story building were from overseas and older like Mekkar and his buddies. In the native from the north’s case, it was due to his shortened post-high school professional hockey career, healing process, and the fulfillment of his compulsory military service commitment back home. As a result, Mekkar got a later start to his higher education pursuit as many from his homeland do.

Mekkar was unable to attend the big universities nearest his home village because of his extra time spent in the San Diego, California area as a high school exchange student. Plus, he would have desired to attend college from away from home anyway since his parents were no longer alive. The Arctic native felt that the pressure to perform would be lessened and he was used to intense environments.

There was a big Irish guy named Colin who stood about six feet six inches tall and weighed around 280 pounds. He was a much younger college student than Mekkar and moved onto the same second story floor of the residence hall. Not long after the original introduction between Colin and Mekkar, the large Irishman began to use derogatory terms and names toward the Arctic Warrior when he saw him. For a while Mekkar disregarded these slurs by his neighbor.

However, one time the big Irishman began his verbal assault toward Mekkar after the Arctic native had a very bad day and was in a particularly testy mood. Colin was told by one of Mekkar’s buddies who were alongside him, “Don’t do this today. This is the wrong time for this type of banter.” Colin ignored the advice and continued on. Mekkar looked like his face was on fire and was having none of it on this day. The Arctic Warrior instantly fired back with a quip, “I have had enough! Say one more and you will be picking yourself off of the floor!” The Irishman heartily bellowed and seemed to think as if his large size advantage over Mekkar would quell any possible confrontation.

This was huge miscalculation on Colin’s part. The Irishman responded with another nasty phrase. Mekkar was at his limit on this day and had enough. The Arctic Warrior sprung into action and drove a right uppercut that Colin appearently didn't see coming. It squarely struck under the jaw and slightly to the left. What the Irishman didn’t know was that Mekkar already had extensive fighting, boxing, and martial arts training. Added to that was a great deal of experience in some of those areas, plus many battles on the ice.

Many of those encounters were one-on-one; right in front of each other grabbing sweaters or anything else they could get a hold of for balance. Balance is key in any fight on ice. While at the same time, rapid firing away with a free arm trying to connect your fist with the opponent’s head and body. The idea was to knock the other person down first. Next, landing on top and many times still pounding away, hoping to bloody them and make them quit before they did it to you. Once in a great while, resulting in a knockout or one the combatants’ head hit the ice first because the ice surface is at least as hard as cement.

Even if you do not get knocked out, the non-padded and exposed parts of the body can get bruised or injured with the resulting pain to follow. Some of the damage is visible to the average fan and some is not. Some is short-term and there are long-term residual effects as well. Mind you, all of this on thin blades and skates. The whole thing is that the Arctic Warrior was very adept on how to execute his past instruction into present action with authority. He was also familiar with the ultimate manual published in 1950 Championship Fighting: Explosive Punching and Aggressive Defense by Jack Dempsey. This book is available online and has been used by many top boxers, fighters, martial artists – mixed and otherwise, such as Bruce Lee.

The big Irishman never knew what hit him and absorbed the heavy blow by Mekkar. He landed with a great thud on his butt, right in the middle of the hallway floor which shook the nearby rooms and brought a few onlookers to the scene. Colin had a surprised, but dazed look on his face. It was as if he could not believe what had happened. He seemed in a state of shock that the smaller Mekkar was able to do what he did to someone his size and stature.

Colin didn’t know that the native from the Arctic grew up around wild animals and had to deal with them, at times, with his bare hands. Mekkar had even stupidly slugged a bear, near his back porch back home, in the face. Fortunately, instead of responding with aggression in return, the beast retreated into the distance. This was just how Mekkar was. The Arctic Warrior has really never stayed intimidated by anyone’s size, man or animal, including a polar bear – but, that is another story already on this site.

Now, the larger neighbor received the message, loud and clear. After this episode, Colin never uttered a negative comment at Mekkar again. They both eventually became good friends in time. The consensus of those around the situation was that Mekkar took the risk to gain respect, despite the fact that it was in a physical manner. But the question is how could the warning given beforehand by Mekkar been misinterpreted?

THE CUP IS THE REAL STAR

For events where Lord Stanley’s Cup is the main attraction, even among famous people, Mekkar says that he has no desire to be near the Cup. People around Mekkar notice that he avoids the Cup like the plague. Even when other people go right up to it to take photographs alongside or kiss the Cup like players do. He has mentioned in the past that because he competed for the Stanley Cup as a player, not a coach, he is unable to ever touch it or be photographed with it since he didn’t win it himself.

During the time of Mekkar’s playing career, there were minimum standards such as number or percentage of games played during the regular season and playoffs. Those were factors determined, along with being part of the Championship squad, which individual names were etched on the Cup. He is not sure if those standards still apply.

Mekkar was also a coach for one year, but that team was not in a league to compete for the Stanley Cup, far below it. The native from the Arctic for the most part didn’t like coaching because execution of the plan doesn’t always match the game preparation. Plus, his younger players, their parents, and the league administration grew to resent him. Even though the squad won the Championship; all felt that Mekkar was too intense for coaching and he employed a very hard-driven style. He never returned to coaching after that one season. This especially showed in the training regimen he oversaw regarding his players. Mekkar’s ideas were seen as too strict and tough.

The Arctic Warrior considered what he put his players though was a watered-down version of what he endured as a player. Years later, Mekkar commented that there was a reason why one of his star players rarely seemed to get tired in the third period. It was the case even as that player was later involved at the highest levels of the sport. The former coach credited it to his previous installed work ethics and team training methods. The player was not so sure. Still, almost all on that particular team refuses to speak to coach Mekkar to this day.

ON THE TREK & SURROUNDINGS - PART 1 (A)

[This story is an improved version from mini cassette recordings of Mekkar’s actual voice in 1990 while hiking and walking as a University student; Then, it was converted to a Windows Media Audio File and transcribed in 2011. Mekkar’s spoken English skills are nowhere near as polished as Saavo’s are.]

Ansetti proceeding to tell Mekkar, “Now that I have taken you under my wing, there are a couple of other important things to mention. First, the wolves will be back because the dead animals will attract them. Usually they are not that extremely aggressive when there are so many of us around.” The trek chief imparted further insight to Mekkar, “They usually wait to pursue individual animals that wander off, get lost, or are separated from the main herd. The reason for the aggressive action was probably starvation on their part. They seemed to me they have not eaten for quite some time. Thus, the pack became more desperate than usual.”

He continued on explaining to the young boy about the event, “The horde knew the risks were high, but sadly carried out their operation fairly effectively against us. We, on the other hand, did not do our jobs as well as I had hoped. Also, the wolves took the chance of a frontal assault because they felt emboldened by the extra help they received. The odds suggested a more favorable outcome on their part, so they acted upon it.” It was revealed to Mekkar that wolves are smarter creatures than they are given credit for. They normally attempt to pick the best conditions for them, while at the same time a bad predicament for you as the guardians of the herd, to conduct a raid. In other words, very favorable situations for them to storm, overpower, and extract an easy feast.  

“The majority of all in the group seems to believe those same wolves will be back again.” Ansetti told the youngest member on this trek. He mentioned this while they were in the sauna tent. It was setup so that the herders could relax from the recent activity. Plus, the leadership could take time to think more clearly and process the plan for the rest of the journey. Mekkar thinks it is ironic that one goes into a restrictive hot area to relax or cool down. Yet, this is a normal daily ritual for his tribe at home or away on a journey. It was only setup for a short while, and then they packed everything up and got ready to go on their way.

Mekkar was confused by the decision to temporarily rest there. He thought to himself we have just been attacked and soon afterward told that the raiders are probably coming back for another round. Why not get out of here and not waste any time in doing so. Responding with irrational thought is not the native way within Mekkar’s tribe. The common method is relax, take your time, do things right, and minimize mistakes. Well, at least, not make the same mistakes as before. This is totally the opposite mindset and very different from the hurry, hurry and rush everywhere lifestyle of the average person in other more modern societies.

After the aggressive incident, the herd leaders collectively made the decision to stop and assess, Ansetti lead a more extensive investigation of the collateral damage done. On the other hand, Mekkar was focused solely on when the pack would return. Still Mekkar was a kid and engrossed by his narrow experience and point of view. Many of the adults understood that younger ones, especially ones such as Mekkar, are antsy in certain circumstances. It was normal to have ants in their pants and want to escape the scene as quickly as possible when encountering danger. Their vast experience, as compared to Mekkar, involved seeing the big picture with more factors involved. This is the way the trek leader Ansetti represented the veteran trekkers view. Young Mekkar didn’t completely agree with him, but was unable to fully understand why. Mekkar’s mind panicked with thoughts of this is ridiculous, why are we waiting around?

The boy’s fear of the wolf pack’s return grew as time passed. Concerns flooded his youthful intellect. What if they came while they were stopped right now and with a greater number of wolves? In the end, Mekkar kept his lips sealed and did not voice the racing chatter within him. He had to trust that Ansetti and the other leaders had done this for many winters and many summers. A time period that included quite a few full moons and no moons and they knew better of what to expect than a first timer.

When the group finally set off, back on the trail, Mekkar was more relieved than anything. He felt it was good that the raiders did not reappear again in that particular area. But, how could the young boy have predicted a no return engagement, due to the state of mind he was in? The group column shuffled through the night mile after mile. The weather was clear outside and the lack of cloud cover contributed to the brisk cold air. Mekkar fancied the notion that a cloudy sky would have held in some heat to possibly help speed up movement on the ground. Ansetti continued to lead the herders and the flock. Being the smart, wise, and experienced commander that he was, he appeared to accept input from many sources without making rash decisions. The chief even listened to suggestions on occasion made by Mekkar, even though Ansetti realized Mekkar had a kid’s limited knowledge. Ansetti was an effective captain without having to be very vocal about it. There were some other rare time times when a point needed to be made and he could be forceful in that manner also, when needed.

He was one of the individuals with the most seasoning on the trek, but Ansetti was not the oldest or the most experienced tribesman on this journey. Not even close. Still, he was uncommon in his wisdom, very wise and consistently level-headed even in the face of danger. The trek skipper seldom got riled up. Mekkar considered that Ansetti’s past angered reaction to the earlier loss of animals was very out of character for him.

The adolescent admired these qualities in the overseer of the trek. Mekkar saw the he was unlike Ansetti and also had a different personality compared to a few of the other leaders. Mekkar was not like the very mellow Juhani in his personality, as well. It meant that the boy was developing himself in a unique way and not completely copying someone else. Mekkar felt that he was distinctive from all others, that he was special. The growing boy was convinced that he had features, no one else had. Of course, this was reinforced by his frequent discussions with the tribal spiritual guide, Aslak. The problem was that it might go to Mekkar’s head and could give him a complex as he headed toward puberty and later adulthood. To keep the ego in check others around the boy, as well as himself, believed he was still very unaware of many of those special traits. It was only a matter of time before those features would be discovered within him and the subsequent outward rapid growth development. Whether he realized it or not, there were certain expectations of Mekkar fashioned by others around him. Possibly due to the fact that the youngster was a quick learner and had already shown himself to be very resourceful. Unknown to all, except maybe Aslak, there was still more to come.

Anyway, the clan pushed on and continued along the route until they reached another small town. As they got closer Mekkar took a good look at the people there. He was of the opinion; the townspeople here also dress in the same type clothing with similar markings like those in the last town. His little mind churned with more questions than answers. What is so special about this place? Why are we stopping so soon? Let’s go further away from where the earlier assault happened. At first, Mekkar didn’t notice until he looked at the other herders in his group. Their faces and less spirited movements revealed widespread fatigue. It was pointed out to the young one the reasons why they needed to stop here and set up camp. A distance just far enough away from danger.

Mekkar listened in on the discussion regarding the chosen area’s benefits such as a better protective layout and more available people close by to assist them, if necessary. Mekkar began to believe that the decision to stop was not decided by Ansetti alone. Instead, by the head committee of the trek which included Aslak’s input. It is true, as in any work environment, politics play a part in determinations regarding managing reindeer, supplies, and personnel during a trek. This was not a dictatorship, but more like a representative republic with consensus being the goal so all will buy in to make the journey less troublesome. This place was selected to assemble camp to take advantage of the terrain with maximum defensive purposes in mind. The hope was to avoid another attack, but if they encountered one they were could be better withstand it with fewer losses. Other positives were brought up by Antti and others regarding the subject about how organized the nearby people were. It was pointed out the town had some hooved creatures of their own and the herders were adept at driving predators away. Mekkar thought, at least visibility would not be an issue here. The camp was organized in such a way to use the increased open area to spot an enemy coming from a greater distance away.

The air was chilly and crisp. They pitched camp about 1 kilometer (0.621 miles) outside of the town. Mekkar saw other tribes and trekkers leading their reindeer herds there also. He figured it must be some type of hub or meeting point of quite a few trekking routes. They began to set up the tents. Some of those in the party commented how this was odd since it was still in the middle of the day to camp. One band from the herd began an inventory of supplies that had run low and confirmed a restocking was in order.

There was another small group, led by Juhani, that went back to cover their tracks to harder for the wolves to follow them. He had a few tricks up his sleeve to distract any potential predators. Sprinkling of blood or food in the snow was used to lead the wolves off the pathway. There are many disguises and materials one can use to prevent getting lost in the middle of nowhere or used for anti-detection purposes. Good use of sights and physical points to mark spots, paths, and locations can be the difference between life and death in this environment. While at the same time, not completely destroying your fragile surroundings as you might need them in the future. This is what Juhani was great at. He and Antti were the best scouts in their group. Both of them had carried out these types of tasks as part of military operations. Mekkar was convinced that Antti and Juhani could survive almost anywhere, against anyone as they had done this so often previously. Only in the field experience develops and adapts these survival skills as needed in each situation.

So, after the camp was in place, Mekkar sat around soaking up the stories in the middle of the camp from Ansetti, Antti, Juhani, and the other veterans. Juhani had almost as much experienced even though he wasn’t near the same age as some of the others in the group. Juhani received his wealth of experience by getting an early start and journeying on many treks even with other nearby tribes, not just his own. This time Mekkar didn’t hang around as long as usually does but went to lie down and rest in the sauna tent instead. Trouble was Mekkar didn’t like coffee, which is considered a staple in his culture, and even detested the aroma of it. Thus, he tolerated it but never immersed himself into the accompanying scene that went along with coffee. To this day, you will almost never see him in any environment where people just sit around and drink the stuff like in your local. That is, unless he has to be there for another reason. As he grew older Mekkar preferred his alcohol straight up on the rocks rather than as a supplement to be added to another liquid. Everyone else in the area seemed to always add a shot of booze to their coffee every time it was consumed. To Mekkar, it appeared as though the whole region had their morning shot of liquor to their caffeine beverage for a daily pick-me-up. It gave Mekkar the impression that there was never an alcohol impaired driving violation given before noon because the entire police force had the same routine also.

Ansetti’s tent was another spot in the camp that resembled a happening gathering place that revolved around the pick-me-up drink, especially among the leadership group. The boy wondered if the veteran herders ever slept. If that was the case, he wanted to have that ability for himself. Ansetti’s temporary residence, as the trek leader, was the most elaborate one besides the sauna. It stood out with drawings of many reindeers and other auxiliary and appropriate symbols directly woven into the fabric of the deer hides that covered the outer layer of his tent. There was even had a wide strip around near the bottom of the top one third to signify, okay, he is the boss.

The easily transported shelters used toughly treated and formed winter hides. There were additional personal designs that marked each individual tepee also. Since, Ansetti was the leader of the trek he also had the largest quarters because he would need to entertain others. There, or in the sauna, was the place to discuss a specific strategy or change trek tactics if need be. In desperate conditions, it was required to make major changes to the whole plan. One must adapt and prepare to meet all of the needs of the trekkers and herd to the benefit of all.  

Aslak had a different role, than Ansetti, as the spiritual leader. According to public knowledge, outsiders, and non natives these mediators and their practices no longer exist officially. In the current day, there are pretender greedy wannabe neo-pagan shamans that just want to make quick money from unsuspecting tourists. However, those fake individuals have no real power because they are not the real deal.

It is said that this role and belief system died out long ago. Mainly, it was kept hidden and secret below the surface due to persecution, religious witch trails, and gruesome murders. These actions were brought into the region by new “masters” and their sense of justice carried out upon individuals who conducted these shamanistic activities in the old native ways. The foreigners were supported by torturous corrupt authorities along with religious priests too. The native rituals and methods were condemned as what was seen as pagan traditions and a backward people. Aslak told Mekkar he thought the outsiders saw shamans as a possible threat and competitor to the power of the dominant Christianized culture. He went on to comment to the boy that the intruders desired to wipe out all resistance to the forming of a nation-state. Thus, the newcomers respond with forced assimilation of all native peoples to eliminate all that is contrary and make the people easier to control or dominate. Similar to past history and the present time, a common theme is to divide and conquer all that are different.

Aslak had emblems and items such as drums, altars, related utensils, wizardry, magician type stuff, as well as other designs, drawings, and symbols as prominent features on his tepee skins. It was easily distinguished from all the others to identify him and his role. Only he had true extraordinary power as the mediator between the physical and spiritual realms. Both of their quarters were decisively different from the rest of the herder tents. Most of the teepees had more basic images and figures along other less elaborate ancient drawings.

 

Ansetti and Aslak were both very wise and it was not in their personality to go beyond their official leadership duties and lord it over anyone else. Industrious and led by example, but definitely not control freaks. They sought other opinions and advice among the herd leadership crew. Savvy in their intelligence to know they did not always have all of the answers. Ansetti was chosen as the leader of this trek because of his vast experience in herding reindeer. The final decisions rested with the chief, but Ansetti usually had a committee of individuals there involved in the process. He greatly respected his peer’s judgment and alternative perspectives, along with Aslak’s input. Before coming to a particular key decision the shaman would be consulted beforehand to look into the future. He could look where no one else had that ability in their tribe. Everyone else relied on the physical world experience which involved trends, predictions, possible outcomes, and current technology. Aslak could perform regular herder tasks as well. He also previously helped perform as a doctor to oversee the birth of Mekkar on an earlier journey. That delivery happened out in the snow. He is the source, where the boy gets part of his full name. It also explains the advisory relationship of Aslak to the boy, where Mekkar could ask him about any subject and if possible went to him first for answers. 

Some suspect that Mekkar might have gained a few special powers as a result of the encounters with Aslak or as a factor related to his name. If so, they were are fairly dormant, unexercised, or the boy was not very aware of any unique capabilities within him. No one in the tribe was in the category of Aslak with abilities that appeared to be outside of this realm. Talents that could only be learned through practical experience with specific insights and unreal mental deductions the shaman would share freely with the leaders. Aslak would attempt to teach others to recognize certain things that he could see very clearly. It took other people much training to recognize even a small portion of items or similar situations that could arise. This is where Aslak was very valuable and he was a healer as well.

For example, if one of the wolves directly attacked and injured Juhani, Mekkar, or another herder earlier on the trek that would have been a big deal. Normally the most vulnerable would be one of the individuals far in the rear rounding up stragglers. That is the preferred place packs of wolves usually target their attack. Antagar, his apprentice, would direct the injured person to be cured by Aslak’s special powers, whatever that may entail. Aslak was the main medicine man and a constant presence. Despite being truly mysterious, Aslak had an aura of mysticism about him and was still a mellow person, very laid back. Yet, nobody can completely figure out the many facets of the shaman. The spiritual leader sees what others only think about in their conscious mind. The insights and revelations are incredible. The understanding and perception regarding the topics the medicine man speaks about is hard to fathom or comprehend for most. Aslak also gave the impression that he travelled in a different sphere while his physical body was still in the same place. Mekkar describes this trance-like state as fairly spooky and eerie at times and would attempt to avoid Aslak at those particular occasions.

A local slogan says that many opinions and common statements spewed by people are like voices. They are everywhere and everyone has one. The fact is they are usually full of ignorance. Anyone can talk a big game and go on about various things, but unless an individual experiences it or physically goes to that place they have no idea what they are speaking about. It is a matter of having a full knowledge of some aspect. This is the kind of background that the shaman brings to the table with a background in more than one dimension. The medium can never be easily dismissed with regard to any situation the group could face.

Mekkar noticed a couple of things and he had to ask Aslak for answers. They had a discussion. The young boy directed a few comments toward Aslak and remarked that the children here in this small town were not like the kids they saw at another stop in their journey. They are just not the same and don’t seem to play as much either even though it is still the same region. Mekkar asks, “Why the great differences?” The interaction between the two included an education about many contrasting locations in the arctic area.