Kwahadi Dancers European Tour 2009

Up and at em! Pow wow photos taken on May 15th

2011-05-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

A photo taken by Judy, of my good friend (Kenneth - KP- Poole) and I at
the Comanche Little Ponies Pow Wow, in Lawton, OK, May 7, 2011 in Lawton, OK.

KP is wearing the black baseball cap and there is a young man between us.

We are Gourd Dancers ( http://library.thinkquest.org/3081/gourd.htm )

My first outing since surgery last year.

The black shoulder strap is for a "wound vac" that helps heal from
surgery.

It was a good weekend.

Ahoe,

John

I'm still standing!

2011-05-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

Hello from the depths of my Heart,

Pre surgery photos at the Kwahadi Kiva, Sept. 2010, Amarillo, TX.

I'm a Gourd Dancer and so very Proud to still being one.

Thanks to so many and their prayers I'm Still Kicking n Raising Hell!

Life IS GOOD !

John

Thank you!

2009-09-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

A final posting to thank so many.

* Philip Sheeran, in Calway (this is where my family original came from, I was very happy to be there and had hoped to find Madden coat of arms pins, patches and anything else having to do with the Madden name - just didn't work out that way). for the use of his house for my update. He gave me time to figure out what I was going to do, gave me a snack to make it through the night, and took me back to the Scout Hut. This was my first experience that WiFi was not everywhere and I would need the help of wonderful people/Scouters like Philip.

* Tim Shaw (Group leader of 2nd Davylme Scouts - we stayed at their headquarters) for his wonderful email, kind words, offer to help me get a Manhester replica player's shirt with Wayne Rooney's (MVP) name on it for my grandson Harrison, and his friendship.

* Carol Thompson (Quinn?), for her technical help in trying to upload a posting, her email to my good friend, Steve Douglas, in Amarillo with the photos I couldn't get sent; her magical personaility; working on the photos I wanted to get to Steve, from her home; her kind words (May i send best wishes from us all at The East Centre! You were a breath of fresh air for us all! and HUGE MEGA HUGS TO YOU ALL); her humor (Crikey I am tired!); the great food and wonderful people who helped her.

* Chas from Manchester and his email (Way back in September 2007, I got an email ....... Wednesday 29th July 2009 was the magical result.

As one of Bob Spoors band of merry men and women (AKA idiots) I think I can speak for all of us - THANK YOU ALL for a wonderful evening.

There are more thanks due to you for the exemplary attitude and behaviour of the young people who portrayed "the Scouting way" to perfection. We felt greatly honoured to have you among us.

If young people are the future of the world, then our world will be in good hands. Thank you, again.

B....R....A...V....O....BRAVO! )

* Carol from Prudhoe email (Saw the dancers last night in Prudhoe, they were amazing. The energy!!! and those fabulaous costumes. Just looked at their itinerary and see that they are going to WINGS, so am I so will try to say Hi).

Ben Hodgkiss from Carlisle sent us a newspaper article; (Hi from Carlisle!!

Thought you might want to see the newspaper articles (if you haven't already seen it!)

Thanks for a great show!
Ben)

* Linda Covington's email (To bad you did not take any beautiful pic's NOT.. wish I had been there too, so thanks for letting me in on the great trip.
LINDA )

* Kara Gibbs and her humorous email (I have patiently waiting all day for this. I needed to see a picure of Truett to make sure you still had him.

Thanks John)

* Steve Douglass, whom this blog would not have been possible had he not taken my idea and made it a reality. (Great post John! Glad to hear from you. Seems like you are getting your second wind. Great snaps too!)

See some of his photography at Panhandleskies.blogspot.com . He's working on publishing a book and I wish him all the success and luck.

* Dr. David Hutchison, our host in Belfast who provided the Belfast Opera House as our stage. It's magnificently beautiful.

* Amarillo Globe-News: Margaret Meyers, Features Editor and Brad Newman, Reporter for their story and notices to watch our blog.

* ProNews 7, The Panhandle Spirit: Steve Pair, News Director and Lucas Jefferson, Assignment Editor for two telephone interviews.

** There were numerous emails sent to Kwahadi.com with wonderful comments and we thank each and everyone one of them.

We had so many host, Scouters and new friends,

The words "Thank You" just aren't enough, but they are deeply felt, meant, and appreciated.

Pat Hollings was our host in Dublin.

Brian Mulvihill was our host at Mount Melleary.

Brain, thank you for the fast trip to the Monastery.

His staff and helpers treated us like we were special.

The staff at National Scout Campsite near Crawforsborn, outside Belfast, for the use of their facilities so I could post an update; got NO sleep that night, ate their snacks, drank their juice and enjoyed the comfort of their building.

Don McCutheon in Galway, England and our performance at the Ratlingate Campsite. A special thank you to Don and his Mother for giving the gift of a artist package of pencils and supplies to one of our dancers.

At Prudhoe our host was Sue Charlesworth.

I was so busy trying to post an update that I didn't see our performance but I did get a photo of this youngman Sue is attached with.

Thank you both for the cots. They were great and extremely appreciated.

I didn't get this Scouters name. He was at Brownsea Island and told us the history of the Brownsea. He was very informative and we enjoyed his knowledge of this historical site.

At the Davyhulme Scout Hut Bob Spoora was our host.

His helpers treated us to wonderful meals and again, we were treated special. We can not thank all these people enough.

Alistar Henderson was our host at Brownsea Island and church service at St. Mary church.

Paula Memory was our host at the Mount Tamar School.

Our performance was outside the building and the evening was wonderfully cool.

Bet you didn't know it's HUMID in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK!

Very HUMID and WET.

Tolmer.

Camp Fryland's Wood was another attempt to do the WiFi (everywhere or at least internet - however the internet was down). This kind couple of Barry and Penny, invited me into their home to try the internet and again the kindness we met on our tour, expect Paris.

That's Penny with their baby.

Kent Jamboree.

We thank all the wonderful Scouters who jumped in and picked up the ball to get us a place to sleep, perform, transport us to and from, get us fed and on our way.

Bob Spokes was our host at the Wings Jamboree.

It rained and rained but we still had a good crowd.

Thank you Jo (again I hope this is her name) who provided me access to their internet (another almost totally sleepless night) at Site Services.

By the way, she loaded me up with Oreo cookies and chocolate that I gave to Dennis. My question is. What happened to all those Oreo cookies? I got a piece or two of the chocolate, once we were on the way, but never got any Oreo cookies.

Just wondering. Have wanted Oreo cookies ever since.

Radlette Center was our last performance.

Verify MacLachian was our host and I did not get a photo of her. I apologize.

And our final "Thank You" goes to "Backup Tony."

He hauled us all over Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England. He's a British Gentleman, a friend, very safe driver and a lot of fun. Thank you Tony.

Herd Mug shots seen in the MW (Most Wonderful) section of any Post Office.
Caution, they'll give you a dance performance that you'll enjoy, so approach with caution.

Thank you from me to all of you, our hosts, new friends, parents, Scouters, drivers, guides, fellow tour members, Kosa Dancers, Sahawe Indian Daners, Big Red, Charles Ritchie, all the Kwahadi Dancers and finally my lovely wife, Judy, for a once-in-a-life-time experience.

Quoting the words of that world famous duck, Daffy Duck:

Thats, thats, thats, thats all folks.

John Madden

Himself in me Irish Madden, hertiage Kilt and Scotish bonnett representing my Scottish (can not believe no one from Scotland wanted us heritage and my Masonic membership.

Thank you coming up

2009-08-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Åfter rehab in Ruidoso, NW playing 18 holes of golf for two days, eating great food at Cornerstone Bakery (359 Sudderth Drive, in Ruidoso) several times. The food is wonderful but the pies are to die for. The crust! Out of the world.

Okay, back to my train of thought.

The more I think about it our tour would not be complete without a "Thank You" to and our hosts and the nameless helpers that gave us places to sleep, eat, shower (yes, that was a wonderful experience when it happened) and meals to go.

Might even throw in a few other thanks.

I'm in the process, be it ever so slow, of going back and putting a Thank You together for and to them.

Hope you are are rested, happy and our health is great.

Coming soon.

"Thank You"

John Madden

Thoughts

2009-08-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!

This trip has been a ball and I would like to mention to some of the things, people and events that have stayed with me.

In hindsight this blog was more difficult to pull off than I expected, much more time consuming, WiFi (McDonalds has Free WiFi- so I learned) was not as much a reality as I had been told, and thus generated considerable loss of sleep.

My goal from the get go was to:

A: Allow parents to make the trip with us thereby keeping up with what their children were doing;

B: Hoping people (in the countries we were going to) would find out about it and travel with us; giving people who didn't know about the Kwahadi Dancers the opportunity to find out and maybe want us to come there for them.

C: Generate some media awareness out there so maybe other Boy and Girl Scouts in our area would be interested in becoming a Kwahadi; and creating a journal of the trip for the Kwahadis.

That said,

First and foremost I want to thank Charles Ritchie.

He spend a couple of years putting this together by sending out more emails than most of us will ever know about. From what I understand, it started out with a parent/Big Red meeting two years ago discussing the idea of the trip.

As we moved from place to place and week to week, Charles would announce (to himself or anyone who might be listening/awake)what booked event we were going to next.

Everyday and everything was scheduled.

We can never say "thank you" enough to Charles and he wouldn't wanted us to (I learned he doesn't like the limelight or attention zeroed in on him).

Time provided schedules were made to be broken, but provided a backbone to build out tour on.

Still I had high hopes of finding something "golf" to take back to a friend (maybe that's not the right word as he's the bum who got me started playing golf after fending the fix until my sixty-fourth birthday). We drove past a couple "pitch and putt" courses (three hole par courses). That's about a close as I would get and we were in Scotland where it all started.

Did I mention no one in Scotland wanted us?

A reality we soon learned was "lines would become a way of tour life."

Taking the Kwahadi Dancers, their dances, talent, dedication, skill and numbers on a trip that will allow thousands to see something they've probably never seen and never would.

On a trip like this or any trip there are opportunities, adventures, challenges, ups and downs, personalities, schedules, schedules changes due to unseen events, sites to see, things to do, places to go, history to learn, history to make, time constraints, desires to see or do more, free time, not enough free time, and experiences of a life time all generated by long term and time planning.

While I'm thinking about it, the plane ride across the Atlantic waa long, tiring and very interesting. One the seats, in front of us, there was a screen. You could watch movies, listen to music and watch via a GPS our flight.

I've flown a lot but this was a first for me. Maybe it's a trans ocean thing. I've flown across both oceans, no not just before planes had jet engines.

Take a look.

Neat isn't it?

I'm more of a watcher, sit-back-and-observe person (a lot of it
comes from being raised in a military family and being in the military myself). I don't talk a lot, but enjoy what I'm doing now. Putting my thoughts, observations, experiences and life in writing (talk about my high school English teacher not believing this).

The people, things, and places following are not in any order than when and how they came to my mind.

Sign honoring Baden Powell first campsite.

A happy herd returns from Brownsea Island.

The sign explains the Wall of suitcases, we saw in museum.

Scouting for adults (18 years and older) is different in England. Don't know if it's the same in Ireland, Northern Ireland or Scotland. I do know, from growing up in Germany, that Europe looks upon drinking much different than we do. German scouts we camped with thought nothing of dranking wine or beer. It was no big thing.

The Scouter I talked to, talked about teaching moderation and being responsibile. He had coaster that boasted a ale called "Amarillo." I told him I was from Amarillo, asked for it and he gave it to me. Cool.

Manchester United arena. I still can't get over not being able to find a t-shirt for my grandson, size 6.

Thatched roof. We saw numerous of these and they are such a part of history.

Signs made me laugh and look forward to the next laugh.

Most of us have come under the "talk - as I refer to call it" from Janet Janzen. Those talks have not always left me with warm fuzzy feelings. On this endurance tour I saw her in a different light filled with respect and glad I wasn't having to do what she had to do. She's a wonderful cornerstone that supports the Kwahadis, Charles and everyone on tour.

Don't get me wrong, she still can deliver a "talk" that will let you know just what whats.

This was my first time to meet and be around Loy Halley. I like this Lady. She always had smile, was quick witted, fast on comebacks and ready to do what ever she could for anyone.

These two Ladies will move mountains if needed. They'll do what needs to be done. Theirs is a value that does more than most people ever see or know.

Denys Sanders is one of the strong right hands of Charles. I don/t know how long he’s been active but I know he’s part of the glue that holds it all together. He drives the bus (I voe for someone else to count antelope). He’s one of several right hands for Charles (he overseas so many aspects of a trip I wonder how he ever keeps them all straight in his mind). He always has a smile and kind word close by.

Jolene Sanders (Denys better half) is a lady who has raised a family of strong, talented and gifted children. Her quite strength reminds me of my Grandmother, who was extremely influencial in my rasing. Like my Mama, as I called her, Joylene is a tower of strength that bends with the wind but never breaks. She’s always there, solid, quite, strong, and with a helping hand. A neat Lady!

David, Dustin and Doanh are three uniquely different individuals who add their skills, talent and dancing to the Kwahadiis.

David is outgoing, quite strength and a past Head Chief.

I really like this shot. Talked to David before hand as I had tried to get one previously.

Dustin works hard at being Head Chief and takes it very seriously. This is not an easy responsibility. Being Head Chief is an honor, as it comes from a vote of the Kwahadi Dancers. He does the captured eagle dance as a result of being head chief and does an outstanding dance.

Doanh overseas the difficult task of herd accountability, food distribution and is a Shawl Dancer. She also gave me a friendly, hard time, trying to get a photo of her sticking her tongue out at me. One of these days, one of these days.

Neat young lady.

Judy Dahl and Linda Wislon are two other cornerstones of the Kwahadis via the Big Red. Not only are they Mothers to talented dancers, they are positive forces silently, but constantly, supporting and defining that unseen spirit that is the blood line of the Kwahadi Dancers.

They have smiles that light up any room they enter. These Ladies are tops in my book.

Mike Atkinson was another first time person for me, to met. A smile was his hello. He took care of all the gifts we gave and received. I enjoyed watching him interacting with people. He's an asset that is the backbone of Scouting and adds that strength to the Kwahadi Dancers.

David Adler is a former Kwahadi Dancer who Charles says has made every overseas tour with him. He quietly went about watching and silently honoring those he saw doing for others. He told and showed how the Comanches honor someone, especially at Pow Wows. They drop money or a gift in front of a person/dancer and that gift is then picked up by someone, not the one being honored. It is then given to the one honored.

I was privileged to get "The Archer" as I took so many shots (photos). It sits in one of my glass cabinets. Thank you David.

Chris Redmon carried a box for the whole tour. It was full of gift he gave everyone, honoring the tour. He's also a former Kwahadi Dancer and has carried the Kwahadi of visiting Pueblos in New Mexico. His gift was more than the present, it was his love, experience and knowledge of Native American traditions.

In addition to their gifts and personalities both David and Chris were singers.

Jim Fletcher was/is one of my favorite people. He always had smile, "hello John how are you?", and a quite strength. Get to know this man and you'll understand.

I've mentioned Neal before. Just from first glimpse, he reminded me of some one who might be full of himself. I was so wrong! Instead he's a fun loving, confident, extremely considerate, outgoing and full of life young man. I told him if he ever needed a letter of recommendation to let me know.

Nick Wilson is one of the best dancers I've seen. He puts himself totally into the dance.

He's a fancy dancer but also does the hoop dance. Many people look at a dancer like Nick and think he tries to steal the show. Not ture. He reminds me of a dancer called Comanche John. When you see Comanche John dance he's out front and you realize he's in a world of his own. It's not boasting when you are a dancer of that quailty.

Reed Wetmore is another outstanding dancer. He's also a fancy dancer. He puts his whole self into his dance and like Comanche John and Nick he's in a world of his own. He's not as out front as Nick, but he's of the same spirit. Not boasting, but being the spirit of the dance.

I really enjoy it when they dance at each other. Theirs is a dance of challenge and respect as they jump up and high five each other, with their chests. Pride and confidence are important no matter what one does in life.

Over the years I've been honored to judge dancers at Pow Wows and both Nick and Reed can dance with the best.

Collin Wilson is another dancer that brings his all to the dance. He's the yell you hear above the singers, the drum and the other dancers. He's good a painting his face and sharing that with any other dancer who wants their face painted.

Dylan Evans is the Head Chief of the Kossa Dancers. He's also a fancy dancer who gives his all. He's full of energy and his jumps are great. I never got a good shot of one of his jumps, but not from trying.

It's good to see so many young men, like him, in leadership roles.

Two exceptional young men are Matt Visel and Colin Lawson from Ulvalde, Texas and the Sahawe Dancers.

Caitlin Dahl is the head of the Maiden Society and an award winning Fancy Shawl Dancer. She's also going to Texas A & M this year. My wife, Judy, and I love to watch her dance.

A tower of strength and tons of possibility is Daniel Rigsby. He's chief of the Souix clan (traditional dancers) and an outstanding fluete player. This young man will go as far as he decides in life.

Dr Glenn Henderson.

One of the most interesting individuals I've ever met is Dr. Glenn Harrison. He's so full of that line of baloney, knowledge, wisdom, calm, tidbits, humor, questioning and a proud husband, father and grandfather. He spend many years in the Navy as a Dentist and as well as many years in Scouting. He made the trip more enjoyable just by being around him. I would like to introduce him to many of my friends so they would know a man of such great qualities.

He's a long time friend of Charles. If I remember right they were college room mates and his son was a Kwahadi. If I'm wrong, it's "sum-timers."

Steven Johnson is Mr. Quiet.

Steven is often in a world of his own, but when it comes to dancing he's all Kwahadi. He has that cowboy silence about him and having been a cowboy as well as Cherokee/Irish I notice it.

We danced before 6,291 folks.I know because I was the counter and had to use every ones toes and fingers many times.

We danced with so many.

My travel partners, Billie Jo Pettigrew (caution: do not sit next to or near Billie if she has a fresh cup of HOT coffee and you have new white sneakers on-trust me on this) and Melinda Wells. These ladies put up with me, worried about me and made my trip more interesting.

Thank you Ladies.

We danced for so many.

A smiling Charles at a successful tour.

Quoting his own words "check into rehab."

People (John Wayne use to say that in his movies) - it's been fun, it's been great and till our next adventure.

Thank you and enjoy the memories from my English Scouter friends, Tim, Simon (who stayed with Judy and I ten years ago when their Boy Scout troop came from England to summer camp in the USA. Their parents, Uncle David and Linda (both whom Judy and I have spent time with when they were in Texas) and Simon's girlfriend.

John Madden

Date

2009-08-24T21:24:00.000-07:00

Last post is below "FYI" as I have not figured out how to change the date to today.

Must be as a result of working on it ALL day...I'm computer goofy from working on it.

Will get with my friend, Steve Douglas, tomorrow and see if he can change the date.

Night...

John Madden

FYI

2009-08-21T17:28:00.001-07:00

I'm working on the last update so don't give up.

However, right now I'm doing what Charles said in his last itenary....his comment was "check into rehab"....so after an unplanned three day rehab when we got back I'm doing my rehab in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

I played 18 holes of golf today with my good friend, KP (Kenneth Poole). We were suppose to play with some of my high school classmates, but none of them showed up. We didn't think we smelled bad, we took showers before leaving our lovely wives (Judy for me and Carolene for KP) this morning.

No we did not play good, but as they say...at least we played. Yea, but playing good is better.

The ladies shopped and said they had a great time. Wonder how much their good time cost us?

We're going to try another 18 holes tomorrow.

Yes, the ladies are going shopping again.

Looking back on our tour, I tried to find a Manchester United t-shirt for our grandson, Harrison. He had a little time in the hospital getting his tonsils out, so Pops (that's me) thought - He loves soccer and I'll get his a t-shirt.

Strange by everyone must of had needed a size 6 t-shirt, as I could find smaller and bigger. So I had to settle for another team and I don't even remember the name.

So I'm thinking I'll look for a soccer t-shirt in Ruidoso. Maybe that'd be okay.

Had as much luck finding that t-shirt as I had on the golf course. Must be some kind of Karma at work.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to share my thoughts, our trip, our experience and photos with you.

Thank you to those who have made comments.

Just wanted to let you (hopefully there are still some of you out there wanting to see and read the last posting) that I'll get it donee as soon as I/we get back/out of rehab.

John Madden

Lueve

2009-08-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

My Waterloo.

After the Eiffel Tower I had mixed feelings about the Lueve.

Would it be the attack of junk hawkers like the tower or the cultural, artistic, historical museum I had always heard about?

As the bus entered an underground parking place my mind hoped it would be the later.

No junk hawkers anywhere in sight, but we still had to exit the bus. Our long walk up stairs (have I mentioned I have developed at hate for stairs?), walking along an ancient wall and into an area of modern I felt a relaxation and an additional wonder.

Modern in the Lueve?

It was only a passage of shops reaching out to tickle your interest so as to dig into your credit card.

Suddenly you're in a room with an upside down pyramid. It's beautiful!

So many times during our tour we were struck with awe, beauty, amazement, surprise, mouth-dropping sights, and more historical reality than we had ever seen.

We were about to take that step again. Into the Lueve. History awaits us.

I'm an artist. Many people don't look at photography as an art form, but it is. If I had penny, no make that a nickel, for every time someone has looked at my work, asked about the price and then said "I have a camera, I can do that." I'd be a lot closer to being rich.

I smile and say something like, great or good and let it go at that. Sometimes I'm asked "How long did it take you to take that photo?" and I say "All my life."

When pushed into a probing conversation, I tell them to go find that place, wait for that scene, capture that moment, frame it before you take it, composition is vital, remember the rule of thirds, lighting, background, depth of field, horiznal vs vertical, see what no one else sees, lead the viewer into the piece, take more photos and then take more than that, travel to as many places as possible knowing you're probably not going to make any money on most trips, expenses will be greater than income for years, and spend your life developing your eye.

Somewhere, very early in the conversation, I lost them cause they have a camera and can take that picture.

So going to the Lueve was high on my "yes, list."

The herd moved forward. We had our tickets, went through security, and milled around tilled it was decided to divide into three groups of twenty.

Volley number one.

My new - good friend (whom I will talk about in my last update called "Thoughts" Doc and his grandson Lance) stood ready like a race horse to fill his mind with the Lueve.

Unknown to me this photo was very important. Why?

I'm in the Lueve, art is everywhere, it's an artistic Christmas, an artists holiday and my camera battery says "Sorry dude but no more go juice." What, this can't be, I'm at the Lueve and photos are allowed and my battery is dead!

Then I remember I didn't have a chance to recharge my battery last night. Surely this can't be happening. I look and it has captured 894 photos and apparently that was over my time limit.

Volley number two.

Okay, no problem, not the best choice but I have my iPhone and it has a camera. Drawing it out like an old west gunfighter I raise it as I frame a photo.

Click. No picture. You guessed it dead battery. Again my speedy brilliant mind puts two and two together that it if I didn't get to charge my camera battery I also didn't get to charge my iPhone.

Volley number three.

As these frustrations flood me they are joined by the responsibility of trying to herd a group of 20 plus, an interpreter that was hard to understand, from point A to point B in a given time frame.

Much like trying to push a rope uphill or herd cats.

Volley number four.

As our guide moved us through the Lueve our group began to spread out like spilt
milk and as interested as staying together as the two warring armies. No they were not warring, just tired, wanting to find a place to sit (note: chairs and or places to sit in the Lueve are far and few between). They wanted to find some air conditioning and just have time that was theirs to do what they wanted.

Volley number five.

I talked to our guide and agreed to one more exhibit. The Mona Lisa.

Of course, why not after all I didn't have a camera to capture one of the most
historical pieces of art work in the world. Let's go and see it.

The crowd around it was akin to bystanders watching something you could only see from the eye in the sky. It's breathtaking, small, and awesome.

Some of my small herd try to part the crowd and get a few photos. Finally I get our guide to take us back to the upside down pyramid. We have some time before the whole herd gathers so our small herd gets time to do what ever they want.

Billie, Malinda and I grab a bite to eat, something to drink (there were THREE pieces of ice in my diet-coke: ICE!) and find a table to rest our bones. Slowly the herd begins to gather and before to long we start the journey back to our bus.

Walking down more stairs (I hate stairs) my left knee pops like a gun being shot.

Volley number six.

Helped back to the bus I focus on "tonight we're at the Radisson--a hotel, bed, shower and time to recoup."

Neal offers to gather my luggage train of three, backpack, and get them to my assigned room. We find it and he offers to come get them in the morning so I can board the bus to the airport and home.

He tells me "John, you've made it this far, you can do it." I smiled, thanked him for his help (did I tell you Neal was always watching and helping anyone at anytime and I don't remember hearing anyone asking or telling him to do so). This young man has been raised in a very good way.

As an adult - an elder aren't I suppose to be giving him a pep talk and encouraging him?

I spend the evening recovering, repacking, showering, not leaving the room so I wouldn't risk any more knee surprises and sleep.

In the morning my knee is better. I make it downstairs with my repacked luggage train, find a chair and focus on two bus rides, three airports, two planes and home.

As we ride to the airport we see history.

We arrive at the airport.

After we unload from the bus we begin what we know and do so well. Wait, move luggage, wait and move luggage.

The Lueve was my Waterloo, but I was still in the game.

These are the last of my 4,500 plus photos of our tour. We danced before 6,291 people, sharing our dances, talent of our dancers, support of our adults, prayers from parents, family and friends at home, made new friends, saw things, places and sites most people will never see, while being part of a chosen family.

My last post will be a combination of thoughts and other worthless things. Hope you stay with me to the end.

As before I invite anyone wanting an outstanding performance by outstanding Boy and Girl Scout to contact Charles at Kwahadi.com.

John Madden

Paris

2009-08-15T15:06:00.001-07:00

On the train ride, I looked forward to the ride under the English Channel. It didn't take long and for some reason all the photos I took in the dark came out black/blank.

Wonder why?

To get something to eat or drink we had to walk through several cars to one that had a place to order and buy food or drank. It was like standing up in a roller coaster as the train speed towards Paris.

We were traveling over a hundred plus miles an hour so taking pictures of the landscape was out.

Then we're in Paris.

We step out of the train, not knowing what to do, which way to go and for some reason the signs are not in English.

The herd figures it out and we start moving, hoping our suitcases made the trip with us. We find our guide and she and Dennis start the exploration of locating our suitcases.

Finally we move towards our suitcases, find them, try to help this French dude unload them (don't know what he keep saying but it boiled down to NO help wanted) and found our bus.

Notice I said bus...being one not two. There's sixty-one of us an most have three bags, we had chartered two buses, but the French (in their wisdom) decided their 61 passenger bus could take care of us and luggage.

Charles stayed with the luggage and waited for the other bus. In doing so he missed the Eiffel Tower but caught up with us at the Lueve.

This bit of French thinking comes under the "Here's your sign."

Our plans are to see the Eiffel Tower, the Lueve, the Arch'd Triumph, view Notre Dame Cathedral and walk the Riverwalk on the Siene River.

Our lodging is at the Radisson Airport Hotel. Yes, a hotel. That should mean BEDS, BATHS, AIR CONDITIONING and some down time. Talking to a couple of old timer tour, past Kwahadi Dancers, a hotel stay is a one-of-a-kind stay.

Sounds great to me!

I've been in Scouting since I was eight and that was several life times ago. In those years I've hiked, camped, visited, and Scouted all over many states, countries and have loved ever bit of it.

It's been a wonderful experience and those years have given me the privilege to have forty scouts to earn their Eagle Scout, numerous to earn their religious awards, lots of Order of the Arrow members and many other Scouting gifts.

In the process I find I've gone from being able to do anything, go anywhere, climb any peak, hill, mountain or challenge and all with a great feeling of strength and independence.

My how time changes things. In my Native American travels I have come to view the "elders" with a greater respect and honor. They have had their time and their lives are filled with memories, accomplishments, adventures, and pride.

All of a sudden I seem to have stepped into their circle. When did it happen, how did it happen and why did it happen?

So why this message?

I have found out camping in a tent is not my thing anymore. Sleeping bags are great, but my bed is better. Coffee in the morning makes me a happier person. Sitting down at a table to eat, fits my body better. Cots over air matteress and backpacker foam. Air condition is a wonderful invention and privilege of comfort. TV is optional, but enjoyable. Showers are gifts from the Greek God of water - Poseidon. Music is nice and it fills my mind which has a tendency to take a temporary vacation as to why I'm where a am and why am I there? Brushing me teeth makes me feel human and washing my hair (the little I have left - when did it leave and where did it go?, not just getting my hands wet and wetting it down) is a luxury I enjoy.

Stairs....I have learned to hate (maybe that's do hard of a word, but it's close enough) stairs. Give me an escalator, moving sidewalk, elevator/lift or something that will transport me upward or downward. Especially when I have three of the heaviest suitcases, a camera bag, computer bag and me to get from point A to point B.

So here we are on another bus, going to the Eiffel Tower. I have no idea if there is a lift, but walking is fast falling into the same arena as stairs. I've already decided if their is no life - I'm going to pass going up.

The walk from our bus to the tower wasn't very long, only about ten miles in my mind. It was hot, humid and there were more people than live in a ant colony.

We had advance reservations so the wait was only suppose to be thirty minutes. It was longer. Two and a half hours if you walked up to buy a ticket.

The junk hawkers attach you like a swarm of bees. Walking through them is a kin to running the gauntlet.

Then you're there at the bottom of the tower. It was built by an man who got the idea from employees and took two years to build. It was suppose to last 20 years as he thought it would take that long to recover the money he spent (the vast majority of funds were his own) building it.

In a year he had recovered his investment and was a wealthy man.

Where are my employees with an idea like that?

Wait a minute - I don't have any employees. So I need to get busy on the one year to be wealthy idea.

It's magnificent and dirty. The grounds around it and all around it are full of trash. What a shock. Why?

All of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England we had seen were clean, the people were very friendly and almost postcard in appearance.

Here the people were not friendly, we had seen so many dirty streets, alleys, homeless with their belongings all over the place on our bus ride to the tower.

I had heard this before leaving, but didn't giver it much though.

Seeing is believing.

After a lift ride to the second floor Paris opened up to be seen from a friendly and more beautiful view.

The view is spectacular, even on a less than clear day.

Going down I looked around and noticed armed military and police. They were moving through the ocean of people slowly, as if they were looking for something or someone in particular.

Back on the bus and driving through Paris we saw some grand buildings.

More police.

From the tower we went to the Lueve. That is a reason to go back, but the Lueve became my Waterloo and that's for another update.

Our ride to the hotel was longer than my tired body wanted. I think I was getting tired.

Folks, people, Scouters, friends of Scouting and anyone else. Think about the Kwahadi Dancers coming your way. As one of our hosts said, "It'll be the show that is taken about as having missed and they'll wish they had come to see these magnificent dancers."

Contact Charles Ritchie at Kwahadi.com

John Madden

Radlette

2009-08-15T09:00:00.001-07:00

Today we get to see the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. This is history with a capital "H". The Buckingham Palace!

This is the royalty of England and the British Empire.

Tony, our driver who is family, dropped us off fairly close on the side of the palace. All around it is a rock, wired, camera searching and very guarded wall. As you come around it you see trees, lots of trees. Must be a beautiful back yard with flower gardens and places to sit. All we can do is let our minds wonder into a vision of wonderment as to what it looks like.

There were some places you could buy tickets and go into this wonder world, but as usual our time was limited and that just wasn't an option. Unless you didn't want to see the changing of the guards.

We walk, actually work our way through a maze of people to the front of the palace and are met by an impressive fenced and gated view of the front of the palace.

When we finally found the front, we saw a sea of people across the street waiting for a glimpse into history as were we.

Malinda, Billie and I had teamed up to keep an eye on each other most of the trip, so we started out together. Somewhere along the way Malinda got separated. Most of the time it was Billie who would talk to anyone, anywhere and always.

Looking for a viewing place we saw and visited with some German Scouts. This was extremely neat to me, as I grew up in Germany and did a lot of my early scouting there.

Billie and I happened upon a man, named Michael, who told us "stand here, you won't see everything, but you'll see eighty percent." It was behind a guard rail and he told us "they'll make everyone move if they're not behind a rail."

He was right and police constantly worked at keeping the "public access" (a sidewalk) that runs the length of the palace clear. At first it was just walking police but after a time it was walking and mounted pressing the stubborn (I do mean subborn as 90% tried to go where they were not allowed, wanted to stop and take photos or just try to stay where they stood-mostly people who you could tell were from foreign countries)crowd to clear the sidewalk.

Micheal was a walking-talking-breathing history channel of the British.

He was 78, had been one of those evacuated from London during World War II, didn't have or ever need a car, had a new TV that it took him a month to figure out how to turn off (he unplugged it till he learned how to turn it off on the set), someone had given him a cell phone some time ago and he had no idea where it was, loved the royalty, a deeply routed pasifist saying "all we need to do is talk to each other" (life is wonderful in a bubble with rose colored glasses--reality is there are and will always be those who are just evil and want what others have), was very proud of it and told us more history than a tape recorded could have keep up with.

He was an interesting and enjoyable person to meet and he made our multiple hour wait behind the railing very enjoyable.

Finally the bands started coming from the barracks. Then marching and mounted guards. One thing for sure...they sure know how to put on a show with regal flair and ceremony. It was thrilling for this elder to stand there, take photos, live the event, and bask in the breathtaking drama taking place.

Once inside the majestic gate the band played, new and unknown songs. No matter what they played I was lifted up by their sound and walked around on their notes. It was so cool (I know I use this word a lot, but I'm a 60's person and John Denver fan so that word and phrase are a part of me - and as my sons say in jest - "deal with it.")

We watched the pom and pargetory play out behind the gate as the guards where changed and ready to leave the palace. Then the enormous gates were opened and the last act of the drama began to march out in front of us.

Bands, marching guards, mounted guards and history passed in front of us.

Far out!

You know you can read about something, watch it on the history channel or local news but nothing prepares you for the real thing. Nothing!

Let my photos speak their best.

We loaded the coach and were off again. Our destination was the Radlette Center for a performance and lodging at Wellend Campsite. Our host was Verify MacLachian and a
team of outstanding helpers.

If my memory is correct and if not please let me know. We visited the Tower Of London that day. Not to long into the tour I lost track of what day it was and it just roller coaster after that.

I had always thought the Tower was one of the two towers, at either end of the bridge over the river. I was wrong. It's a castle with a history of its own. We toured the Tower and again were blown away by all the history, buildings, and grandeur of England.

All through our tour we have seen the most beautiful stained glass, in churches, castles and even places to eat.

This one is in one of the towers in the Tower of London.

How many years of history have walked on these stones, this walk way in the Tower of London? Sort of makes one feel like a speck in time.

The herd waiting for all to be accounted for after the Tower of London. "Never be the last one" as Charles said more than once.

As we left the tower we came up period players about the share history with the crowd. Our time didn't allow us to watch it but I did get a shot of them.

They fed us a wonderful meal at the Girl Guides hut. They have a signed photo of Lord Baden Powell and Lady Powell. WOW. I worked at getting as good of a photo of it as possible.

What a piece of history and it was just hanging on a nail, covered with dust and almost to high for most to see.

Clean up, as always found Charles washing dishes, Jerry, David, Dennis (one of the strongest links in this chain), Neal (one of the finest young men many of us have ever had the opportunity to met) and a host of others pitching in.

Our performance at the Radlette Center was one of our most difficult.

Why?

We had time (that golden thing everyone takes for granted) to dress, not just 15-30 minutes, but over an HOUR. We had a nice room with chairs or things to sit on, vs standing or hooping around on one leg. We had some type of circulating air, not just the heavy hammer of humidity that makes the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex humidity seem like childs play, laying on us from all sides like a elephant. We had several toilets near by, not a race or sprint away. We had a stage, big enough for all dancers to stand on without having to hold their breathe so everyone could be a part of the show.

Time, room, toilets, space...never take what you have for granted.

The crowd was great and they spent considerable time meeting, visiting with, taking photos with and enjoying the dancers.

Yea, it was a difficult performance. NOT.

Here come the Kwahadi.

We dance for food.

All the dancers in the Eagle dance are either Eagle Scouts from the Boy Scouts or Gold Award holders from the Girl Scouts. As an Eagle Scout myself, this is one of my favorite dances.

Comanche dance.

Challenge dance.

Hoop dance.

Fancy shawl dance.

Young warrior dance.

Sneak up dance.

Artistic blur. Have to keep trying different things to keep ones mind sharp.

The chiefs.

Airborne fancy dancer.

Catching a dancer airborne is a neat trick. It takes lots of tries with more failures than successes. The trick is to keep on trying. Like Charles says, "Never stop trying."

This is David Sanders on the way down at an earlier performance.

Every performance ends with the captured Eagle dance. Dustin Sanders, the Head Chief of the Kwahadi has the privilege of dancing as the captured eagle and he gives the crowd a dance to remember.

The chiefs made a presentation to Charles, thanking him for everything he's done. Folks this man is awesome. I've known him for some 30 years and have wanted to be a part of the Kwahadi Dancers for many years. He's totally dedicated to these kids, their lives, experiences, and future. He never wants the limelight, attention or glory. He's always fades into the woodwork, so to speak, and wants all the attention to be 100% on the kids.

I'm proud to know him and to finally be a small cog in the Kwahadi Dancers.

We want to thank our driver, friend and family member Tony. He make our trip more than just a tour, he made it enjoyable, educational, an experience, and an adventure. We are extremely thankful we were blessed with "Backup" Tony.

At the end of our performance I noticed people looking at the stage, with their cameras, and turned to see why. In the middle of the stage was a pair of mocs. Sitting there all alone.

They belonged to Eric.

Eric at a friendship dance at Mount Tamar School. He was always very gracious to make sure whom ever he was dancing with looked at my camera and got a good photo taken. You could tell he loved dancing and sharing the experience with as many as possible.

He had left them there as a way of saying this was his last dance. His last dance!

Eric is a outstanding grassdancer, young man, married to a wonderful and beautiful lady, very well respected by all the dancers, full of life and humor, a strong presence and a vital human being.

I've Pow Wowed all over and this was my first real experience with a dance/performance/tour so I've never seen anything like this. It was a somber moment that reached out and touch every heart in attendance.

They sat there like one of the many majestic statues we had viewed on our tour. They represent a young man and his contributions to entertainment, education, dance, awareness, dedication, and character.

Thank you Eric from all who have seen you, who know you and personally for the opportunity to know you.

When we arrived at Wellend Campsite we were happy. Some cots, showers, food, and no stairs. Will talk more about stairs in another update.

It was time to figure out what we needed, what we could do without and how we were going to get all the things we had bought into our allotted suitcases. For me it was time to leave my sleeping bag, camper pillow, some clothes, European plugs that never worked and anything else just to see if I could get everything home.

Everyday of our tour I had been looking for a place that had golf things, like golf balls, nice golf shirts and anything that spoke of golf. My very good and dear friend Kenneth Poole (KP) had gotten me into golf. I've played about 12 rounds and enjoy it more everytime. So I wanted to find him a golf "thank you."

The husband of our host, Verify, told me he'd take me to his golf club after our performance and when we got set for the night. That happened to be around midnight and it never happened.

Golf started in Scotland and that had been my goal, to get us both a nice golf shirt from Scotland. Did I mention no one wanted us in Scotland?

Anyway that's something for another time. No hard feeling Scotland, even if some of my ancestors came from there.

Okay enough about not getting anything golf.

Tomorrow we would head for the train, early, very early, and venture to Paris. I was excited and looking forward to photographing Paris.

We are an exceptional group of young kids, talented dancers, outstanding Boy and Girl Scouts and if you would like to have us come your way, contact Charles Ritchie a Kwahadi.com

Still more to come.

John Madden

PS: If I haven't gotten photos of your son or daughter in the blog, it's not on purpose. It's a matter of positioning. I had no boom to get me over the dancers, didn't think it would be fair, right or smart to get in the middle of their performances or get in front of the crowd anymore than for a moment. Hence I could not get photos in the middle or back, so the vast majority are of the dancers up front.

If you think some dancers got more exposure than others, you're probably right, again...up front and position.

Best I could do.

Wings2009

2009-08-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

It’s a cold, damp British morning. That seems to be more common than not. At least since we’ve been on our tour. If the places we’ve been, on our tour, had this weather brought in just for us, thank you. However, most all the time when they ask us about our trip, the weather comes up, we tell them it’s rained everyday.
They smile, laugh and say “Welcome to Ireland, Scotland or England” so I don’t think they did it just for us.

I’ve mentioned several times how many wonderful people we’ve meet and how great they’ve been to us.

Today,after arriving at Wings, we toured Windsor Castle. It's another historical, impressive and overwhelming view of England and its tradition of grandeur. The views are so many that this photographer was a wash in trying to capture each stone, rock, step, angle, height, view, artistic design, gothic design, and so many other things my limited word supply showed up way before my camera battery pleaded for a time out.

One of the things we've (the herd) learned is never to pass up the opportunity to check out the plumbing of most of the establishments we come come close to.

Today I was given a "sign gift" that made me laugh and I knew I had to share it. It may not be that unusual for many outside the USA, but for this fairly well traveled Kwahadi Scouter it was.

I've mentioned that I love the signs on our tour. Over my life time I've been in many bathrooms/toilets that had an attendant. They would stand, or in some higher end places sit, and clean up, hand out towels and or soap. It's not uncommon for something with a sign on it saying "tips" to be near by.

To my knowledge this is the first one with an office.

As we wandered about the shops near the castle I met some Scouts from Scotland.
In talking to them I told them who we were Their leader said he remembered something two - 4 years ago about inquiring about sponsoring some dancers. He said he wished they had.

Personally I don’t see how no one in Scotland wanted to host the Kwahadis. Folks you really missed out on a great show, good scouts, and an opportunity to see Native American dancing that honors a culture full of tradition, history, and honor.

The castle has many guards from different regiments of the British empire and they are majestic to see.

At times the herd looks like a slow taffy pull and other times it looks like the 300 Spartans preparing to defend their ground.

The tour of the castle offered two glimpes of England that we hear about on occasion so I felt gifted again when a Bobbie wandered into view and we passed a bowling club.

How cool is this. I've seen these in movies, i.e. James Bond I think, and to see one in person was outstanding.

Last night was another example. I was told by our host to get touch with him after our presentation and he’d get me to the internet.

Rain ruled again and our crowd started out small, but soon grew. As a result we had to dance on a stage.

The lightening was not the best for trying to capture the show for a photographer, but created some unusual photos.

One of the most important and often overlooked part of our show is the singers. They provide the music the dancers need to perform. Charles drums and sings and has a changing group of singers that give so much depth to our performances. We thank them and appreciate all they do.

As always the Kwahadi Dancers reached down and gave it their best. It was a challenge that always seems to bring out the best of the Kwahadis.

Every show ends with introducing the clans and the chiefs. It's a great opportunity for the crowd to know a little more about the dancers.

After the show I tired to find our host, Bob Spokes,

and luck was not on my side. In the process I met a security man and asked for his help in finding our host. We were not successful in our quest, but this gentleman stayed with me, in the rain, and did his best to find were I could get internet connection. Our journey lead us to a man on the stage, who was working with a cast for another production. He took me to Site Services, still raining, and they said “come on in and got me on the internet,”

I was there for several hours and during that time they offered and gave me coffee numerous times. The lady, I think her nane was Jo and if not I appologize as she was beyond wonderful, asked if we’d like some Oreo cookies and of course I said “we dance for our food so we’ll take anything.” She loaded me up with Oreo cookies and chocolate.

All evening they checked in on me, asking if I’d like more coffee or anything else. They didn’t have to do anything and they were offering anything. We have been blessed with so many wonderful people and we want to sincerely thank each and everyone of them.

A Kwahadi Dancer great big - THANK YOU!

Last night was a good show. People stood in the rain to watch and enjoy the Kwahadi Dancers. The dancers reached down deep in their hearts and responded with an excellent show with very limited floor space.. Even with a light drizzle some of the dancers still went out in the crowd, met people, shook hands and spread the magic of sharing time.

Today we embark on our last performance, It’ll be like we started, a small community show. Then we begin the count down to Paris and home.

A couple of things that keep drawing my attention.

One,again was the wearing of uniforms, or better described, the lack of wearing uniforms. Here is a group waiting to go in the staff tent to eat.

Another was the ability of some of our group to find a way to entertain themselves, be it hackysac or what ever.

After another night in tents, we got up, packed up, ate breakfeast, loaded up, boarded our bus and most of us feel alseep as we drove towards Radlette.

There will be several more postings, don't give up yet. I had a slight detour for a few days. Any commemts are always apprecited. Thank you David Sanders for you kind words and correction.

Hope everyone is rested and enjoyed our tour as much as I did.

John Madden

Kent

2009-08-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

August 4th found us in London. Did you know it was actually started by the Romans? That's what the guide on our river boat tour up and down the Thames told us. So it has to be true.

Our day started out at the Globe, a re-creation of Shakespear's original theater. It's very impressive.

He was quite a playwriter and as it turns out quite a businessman. His theater held thousands (hope I remember that right).

While we were waiting for our tour Bobby Coyle, from the Kossa Dancers, gave everyone laugh after laugh when he was the guinea pig for showing how ladies dressed. He had fun and it was also a great relaxer for everyone.

The floor in front of the stage was not the most expensive seat (actually there were no seats on the floor) in the house.

There were no bathroom/toilet facilites and the floor recieved any and all recycled beer and food.

Okay, that's not the greatest thing to know, but it's interesting in the fact that the Globe was across the river on the rough side of town, so to speak. As a result
it might not always have the highest in society viewing the plays.

The Globe was rebuit some time ago and actors, citizens, companies and groups contributed funds. One of the most interesting things was I looked down and I was standing on the sqaure with the name: Roswell, NM (New Mexico) Shakespear Society.

I grew up in Roswell and had no idea there was such a society. Apparently I grew up on the other side of town but was pleasantly suprised to see Roswell, NM right where I was standing. Made me proud.

Our arrival at Kent Jamboree found us without our host, as she had to leave just about the time we got there. She had made all the arrangements for our sleeping and eating and no one knew what, when or where.

Thankfully the managed to find us lodging and food. We have come to depend upon those two things, among many others. Such as a coach (bus to all us in Texas), rain, humidty (we thought we had humidty in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex before we left), but we didn't compared to what we've had on our tour.

If my memory is right, we've only had one day that it didn't rain a lot or most of the day. Guess we're doing a rain dance and not knowing it.

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We had to be taken from our sleeping (tents) and eating area to where we would perform. Try moving sixty folks, 40 plus dressed in regalia, some time. They did and did a great job of it.

The crowd was wonderful. We do a friendship dance where we ask people in the crowd to dance with us. More often than not they're shy and it's not uncommon for some of our dancers not to have partners.

But not here! Constantly we hear: "ME! ME!" and had the most enthusthic dancers, all full of smiles, laughing and having as good a time as we've had on our tour.

After another short night, we're up early, packing, eating breakfeast, loading up and off again (or as Willie Nelson once sang) "On The Road Again,"

Charles refers to it as "herding" and we've done it so many times we're getting pretty good at it.

On our way to Camp Fryland's Wood we rode the London Eye. It's a giant wheel over the river that towers over more landscape than you can see unless you're in a airplane. It moves very slow, so slow in fact that you don't realize it, unless you're looking at the landscape, which is the whole idea behind it.

It starts out with you stepping on to it as it moves. Yes, it's moving and you're stepping onto it.

Sort of a dizzying feeling grabs you as you go from a solid platform to a moving glass bubble.

The mechanics of it are fantiastic. You start out with your glass bubble on the bottom and as you rotate up, your bubble stays level but changes with the angle of the wheel. By the time you're on top, your bubble is on top and nothing but blue sky is above you.

I don't do ferris wheels well and did my best to suck it up to step into that bubble. The view is awesome and you can see into next week or last week, I think.

After the London Eye we got on the London Eye sightseeing boat, another great experience. We rode up and down the Thames River. Our guide told us about points of interest than our brains could absorb.

We also had the opportunity to do a little more shopping.

Just what we needed, to buy more stuff to try and find a place or way to pack for home. Being the troopers we are, some of us reached deep down into our wallets and managed to contribute some cash to the London economy.

Our hosts at Fryland's were Barry and Penny Warden. They were great and we enjoyed our time with them. Especially since we had buildings, with beds, bathrooms and showers.

Talk about luxury touring...beds, bathrooms and showers are on top of the list. No matter their age or condition, they're inside and that really makes a difference.

That evening, our performance was in a small grassy scenic area, located in a kind of bowl with the crowd sitting on the ground above us.

Mother nature gave us a break from the rain, the evening was very pleasant,and the crowd (while small) was very appreciative.

They fed us a wonderful supper, then breakfeast and wished us well on our way. They're a very nice couple with a beautiful baby.

Today we spent more time in the London area by touring the Windsor Castle. It's where the Queen spends most of her time.

If the flag is flying she's there. Not today.

It's a sureal experience this display of royalty, splender, luxury, tradition, history, the pride of the English people. The royal family rooms are so elegant.

Armor, history, art, and beauty fill every room, hall and knock.

You could spend weeks there and never see everything.

If you ever get the chance to come to England, Windsor Palace is a must see.

It's another addition to our bucket list.

Prior to our tour of the castle we checked in at the Wings 2009 Jamboree. It's much bigger than the Kent Jamboree. From the stage you are suppose to be able to see the castle. It was cloudy so we couldn't.

Our performance was the main event for the evening. They had a huge stage and it rained.

Still we performed and the crowd (standing in the rain most of the time) were very appreciative.

At all of our performances we liked to meet the crowd, visit and spend time with them. Unfortunately we couldnt' this time due to the rain.

Back in tents again! Another early morning coming up. We then loaded up on three buses and its off again.

Tomorrow is the last day of our "Black Pearl" as Charles calls the bus. Our bus has to go to the shop.

As a result we're getting two buses to haul us around untill we board the train for Paris.

Tomorrow we visit Buckingham Palace, see the changing of the guards, and go to Radlette for our last performance at the Radlette Center, We'll be lodging at the Wellend Campsite. Don't know if that means tents or not.

We are constantly making new friends.

Check out David Sanders doing his airborne routine.

Every group/tribe/association has it valued elders.

I don't know if we'll get another chance to update, but if we do, I will. I want to thank Site Services for the use of their computer, their internet. Without them it wouldn't have happened, but then, on the other hand I would have gotten several hours more sleep.

I will update more photos when we get home, as I've only taken a little over 3,000 so far. The ones from tonight are different as we were on a stage with limited room to dance and lots of back lighting.

Personally I think they're some of the most interesting, but that's just the artist in me.

A couple of interesting things we've noticed are:

When our coach is traveling on one of the many very narrow roads, traffic must stop, pull over and let us pass.

This seems to be very difficult for those drivers to comprehend, as they continue to speed towards us. They can't pass (due to our transports size) but once they are on us,, it is too late and they have to stop and back up.

Another oddity is we've only seen one troop of scouts in a uniform.
A neckerchief seems to surfice for a uniform. They wear it with shorts, campo pants, and anything else.

As Kwahadi Dancers sometimes we have to make do with what we have. It makes us stronger as it teaches us to value the little things. Such as dressing rooms.

As a Harley-Davidson rider I've found a lot more "wanta be" bikers on this tour than any where in the USA. Total Harley riders has been fifteen.

This has been a once in a life time experience and I've enjoyed it to the fullest. My aging body on the other hand is still undecided.

I know I can speak for the other "gray hairs" (as Charles refers to us) thatt we are feeling the effects of our long tour.

Don't tell him but he's one too.

Hope you enjoy our blog, tell others, think about inviting us to perform for you. Contact Charles Ritchie at Kwahadi.com.

John Madden

Tolmer

2009-08-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

This is great. It's 10:20 PM at camp Tolmar, just north of London and I have WiFI. I got to start a couple of hours ago, uploading photos ( 15 minutes to upload four) then take photos of most of our performance.

This was our biggest crowd and I estimated it was 1,100 plus. I counted several areas of the crowd and did some Texas wind gage guessing plus very technical logical
analysis, then threw some dirt up to the wind and came up with 1,100 plus.

Yesterday we drove to Studland Beach, rode the ferry to Poole, and rode another ferry to Brownsea Island.

Persently twenty-eight people live on the island and most work for the Natioal Foundation or the company that owns the small castle.

We went to church at St. Mary's church. What a great experience. It was a service that I'll always remember and appreciate.

Our day included a short walk down to the area of the first campsite.

Baden Powell started Boy Scouts here. Another step into history for us. This tour has allowed us to walk where history was made and lives. Not just a couple of years, decades, or hundreds of years, but thousands the of years.

Thousands of years. Think about that. It blows my mind.

Two scouters talked to us, one about Baden Powell and the other about sea scouts in England.

Charles talks about Tony White Cloud giving the greatest gift, to a young scout many years ago, that we have to give. Time.

As if in reverse we're being given that gift of time, historical time, not only by the two scouters but by this tour. We are being given the gift of historial time awareness and influence.

We had another wonderful meal, at Mount Tamar School, thanks to host Paula Memory and
her helpers. Those in attendance gave back as much appreciation for our performance as we gave them in doing our best.

Sleep was a welcome friend. The men/boys/adult folks had the dinning room floor while the ladies/girls/women had a building next door.

Showers were welcomed, well the one shower for each group, was welcomed. But when you're on the run, ecxcuse me, the road, like we are any shower is a luxury.

Up and at it at 6:45 AM, mis'cue as the women were told 6 AM, breakfeast, load the coach, head count and away we go.

Our stop was Stonehenge. You know you can hear about something and read about it you think you know something about it. In this case that's the case. This is a "you have to see it to really see and or know it."

You look at the landscape and find yourself asking: How did they get these huge stone here, from where, why, what does it mean and how long did it take? The whole thing is unbelievable and at the same time poetic in its beauty.

Was that their object? A piece of artwork! Either way, for what ever reason, that's what it is. Art.

Signs, I love all the signs over here. I've uploaded a few. They are so funny to me.
As we drive along, I try to keep my camera close by, just to sneak up on another sign as we zoom by. Not an easy trick.

A funny comment from Charles today referring to the weather: They use to have a ground hog day over here, but they were all the same, so they forgot it.

Bournemouth

2009-08-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, internet access, a big room to work in, real chair, lots of lights, only two days since the last update and it's much earlier than other updates.

Life is good!

The Catherdral Cloister is beyond belief. In case you don't know part of Harry Potter was filmed there. Go see the movies if you haven't and you'll get a glimpse of the majestic catherdral, which really won't give you a real feeling for it's grandueur. However, it's better than not having that glimpse.

As a writer, how do you start writing about one of the most magnificent places/buildings you've ever seen?

As Charles Ritchie would say, "get er done." something he got that from American icon.
LARRY THE CABLE GUY!

Our hosts Neil Harden, Mark Stapleton and the Forest of Dean Explorer Scouts met us and guided us to the cathedral.

When you turn the corner and first see it, it actually takes your breath away.

It's so big, the design is from a fairy tale you read about as a child, you expect to see Knights of old, clergy in their black robes with their belts being rope, the clamor of armour, the people milling about from shop to shop, horns in the distance calling men to arms, dragons flying overhead, dragon slayers scanning the sky for an opportunity to put a notch on their weapon of choice and more mental illusions from your childhood readings - all in front of you.

The halls are long, high ceilings and I know I heard singing/chansting (in fact a choir was practicing but I didn't know it at the time) and the floors were worn stone from thousands of footsteps walking before you. The floors were uneven from all the wear and it felt like you were in another time.

The stain glass windows...WOW. I love windows, especially stained glass ones. Each has a story, a history and you could spend days just trying to read, look at and absorb each. They were a museum within themselves.

The marble for it came from the quarries near Bournemouth, where we're at tonight. During the 1100 to 1400 century the "Purbeck Marble" was shipped all over Europe for catherdals.

Red shirts, kacki pants/shorts, red coats and Kwahadi Dancers were everywhere. We only had a few hours to inhale a week of not being able to see everything. Time passed faster than allowed and everyone who entered left different, even if the didn't know it.

It has that effect on you. It reaches out, touches you, embraces you, fills you with the history of it and allows you to walk away a changed person. You have walked where history lived, was made and grows.

It's on my bucket list.

We performed at the Wilderness Center before a very apprecitive crowd. It was the smallest place we've had to perform and I think it was one of our best shows.

Why you ask?

The smallness made it necessary for us to put on a shorter show but at the same time we were extremely close to the crowd. Charles was able to walk up and down the twenty or 30 feet, maybe 6 feet wide and that afforded him the opportunity to get the crowd, especially the children, more into the performance.

He invited several to come up and learn how to dance. As is always the case, some came, many were shy and one adult stood up to be counted. They learned some basic dance steps, our dancers use, and recieved a reward of applause from those in attandance.

This was an especially good performace for me, as two English scouts, Timothy and Simon Brain, who had stayed at our home ten years ago, in Weatherford, Texas came with their family. Their uncle, David and his ever beautiful partner, Linda, whom we
had spent time with in Texas were also there, as were their parents and Simon's girlfriend.

I was waiting for a ride up to the Wilderness Center, when I hear Dennis say, "John you're in trouble now." When I turned around this stout young man was marching towards me in a very determined manner.

What had I done? I was just standing there and it appeared I had done something wrong. When he was a few feet away, he said "Simon" and my concern went to happy in a mili-second.

But wait, that little scout was bigger and taller than me!

He said "Tim" is in the car and out popped another giant.

Before to long the entire party was around and hugs were given out like candy at a celebration.

Scouting gives us so much: skills, opportunities and friends.

How blessed we are and it's up to us to pass those blessings on to other scouts.

As usual the food was good, there is something about ham, sasuage, and bread that seems to be a staple in every breakfeast we've had.

Eggs show up on occasion and are gulped up as quick as they are placed in front of us.

Coffee is always a must. It's made a lot STRONGER over here. Tea is becoming a valuable part of our meals too.

Today we rode and rode then rode some more to Bournemouth. The weather was not our friend, as it rained too much for our tastes.

Dr. Harrison remarked, "this is the only place you've wear a wetsuit to get a suntan." His reference was actually in refernece to all the people that were suppose to be going to the beach for sun and fun.

There was no sun, there was no fun in the sun and rain ruled the day.

Because of that the roads were jammed with traffic, at one point we figured we were averaging thirty miles an hour. Most minimum speed limits back home start at 55 mph and in some places 75 is crusing speed.

The rain took care us out of seeing Corfe Castle, and riding a steam train to Swanage.

Our host is Alistair Henderson and we are very grateful for a wonderful place to rest our bodies, take showers, sleep on beds (with sheets, they don't want us to se our sleepiing bags...talk about first class for Scouts) and get a good nights sleep.

We were scheduled to do two shows today and it looked like the rain was putting a damper on both of them.

At the last moment we loaded up, after unloading, riding into Swanage and putting on a short show at the Fair. It was our biggest stage, so to speak as it was outdoors, and our largest crowd.

Have you ever tried to count poeple watching something at a fair? I lost or gave up at five hundred and twenty.

After that we loaded up and returne to the nightly port in any storm, so to speak. We were given a BBQ supper, which was very good and greatly apprecited.

The dancers burn up a lot of energy so refilling their systems is critical.

Especially tonight as we put on another performace before calling it a day. Two in a day is a lot of dancing. Our mocs are wet, leggings are wet and anything that hit or touched the ground is wet.

However, the Kwahadis take it all in stride, we dry out what we can, get some sleep, pack up, load up and head out every morning with a new mission. Sharing our dances with those we haven't meet.

Tomorrow we vist Brownsea Island, the original campsite Baden Powell started scouting at and memorial with a talk by a Baden Powell expert. We'll be ferried to and from Brownsea Island by the Tsunami Explorer Scouts in thir own flotilla and attend church at St. Mary's Church.

We'll visit the Mayflower steps on the Barby in Plymouth and then put on a performance at Mount Tamar School, were we'll also spend the night.

Sounds like another full day.

We have some really interesting people in our Kwahadi dance group.

Eric Henderson, from the Kossa Dancers in Lousiana, loves to pursue and embrass whomever doesn't want to dance. He'll tell them, "I'm going to follow you, you can't get away from me." Once they give in and after the dance he gives them a braclet he made and thanks them for the dance. It's all in good fun and they wear their new gift with a blushful pride.

We're on a buddy system and my buddy is a 74 year young grandmother, five foot nothing named Billie Joe Pettigrew (she's quick to tell you it's a Scottish name).
Like my Judy, Billie talks to everyone and anything about everything and nothing. If I have her energy when I get her youthful age, I'll be happy. Oh, one other thing about her, she's nearly always the last one on the coach, which gives me the opportunity to stand up, again.

A slight detour in thought....many of the bananas we've gotten and or seen must come from a premature sorce, as they are so small.

It's getting late, no it is late and I still have to download photos from my camera to notebook, sort through them to find some to download, put them on a memory stick and transfer them to the computer I'm using.

Why...it's that WiFi is everywhere thing again. It's not so we make do and hope they download faster.

Enjoy our tour, spread the word, invite us to dance for you and share with others.

A BIG thank you to Steve Douglas (my friend, fellow photographer, writer, web designer and jack of many trades), back in Amarillo, Texas. None of this blog would have been possible without him, his input, ideas and work. He also checks for all my mistakes and tries to make me sound like I'm the writer I think I am. Since it's 12:01 PM it'll be tomorrow before he takes his magical computer white out and does his best to give you readable updates. Thank you Steve.

John Madden

PS: What a great newspaper article from Prudhoe. Thank everyone at Prudhoe, you were so good to us and now what a great review. Our first!

Newspaper Article

2009-07-31T05:58:00.001-07:00

Hi Steve

Thought you might like to see this and possibly upload? Its from our local Northumbrian newspaper, The Hexham Courant http://www.prudhoelocal.co.uk/american_indian_troupe_camps_out_in_prudhoe_1_592503?referrerPath=home/search_results_2_4942

Regards

Carol

Prudhoe Local
American Indian troupe camps out in Prudhoe

By ROBERT GIBSON robert.gibson@hexham-courant.co.uk

Last updated 09:48, Friday, 31 July 2009

AS TEXAN dance troupe, The Kwahadi Dancers, continue on their UK tour, it’s unlikely they’ll get a repeat of the glowing reception they received in Prudhoe.

Before their stunning performance at the town’s high school had even begun, they were made to feel at home with a barbecue and welcome from town mayor Jennifer McGee.

Prudhoe’s youth club The East Centre also helped out with proceedings, allowing the 63 dancers and support staff to camp in the charming, if smallish, building.

Naturally ‘elfin safety’ requirements – possibly not a big deal in Amarillo – had to be rigorously enforced, but youth worker Carol Quinn said it was worth it.

“It’s the first time we’ve had a sleep-over here, but we thought it was a really good opportunity for our young people to meet those from another culture,” she said.

The Kwahadi Dancers, who present a pageant of song, dance and stories of the American Indian, originated in the 1940s, when a group of Scouts put on what was supposed to be a single performance.

It proved a hit, however, and a whole movement grew out of it, sparking 4,000 further shows and making the group known throughout the world.

On organising the tour, the dancers contacted Scout groups throughout the UK to see any if any were interested in hosting them.

Leader of 1st Prudhoe Scouts Sue Charlesworth certainly was – and it’s unlikely she’s regretting her decision.

Taking over not only the stage, but the majority of the main hall at the high school, the dancers provided a memorable evening for which the term ‘something different’ does not quite suffice.

They certainly looked the part, for a start, with elaborate, colourful costumes and headdresses, composed of everything from hide to feathers to the ancient, mystical...CDs, it seemed.

With vibrant expressions, notably lacking the faintest trace of cynicism, the young people dazzled the audience with complex moves that were not only visually beautiful but rich in history and meaning.

We had the Old-style Ladies’ Traditional Dance, which the females traditionally performed in a circle outside the men, and the more modern Fancy Shawl Dance, which is essentially as close to feminist empowerment as American Indian culture comes.

Other delights included the Old Time Sneak-up Dance, in celebration of the skilled hunter, and the Friendship Dance, which saw members of the public making a mess of the simple act of shuffling.

The most inspiring aspect of the show, however, was the story-telling and words of wisdom passed on to local young people from tour organiser, Charles Ritchie. He has the rare gift of transmitting moral teachings without drifting into moralising, and of addressing young people’s concerns without being tempted to preach or patronise.

On paper, the themes read like cliches – being yourself, learning from mistakes, making the most of freedom – but he was able to a bring a freshness to them that made one stop and think.

Mr Ritchie was also consistently humorous, which – whether in Amarillo or Prudhoe – always helps to keep an audience.

And the Kwahadi Dancers certainly did that.

Manchester

2009-07-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

Rain, did I mention it rains in England?

Did I mention there are three cycles to the day?
No rain....raining.....going to rain.

We last left off at Prudhoe and our wonderful host Sue Charlesworth.

What a wonderful bunch of people. In fact we have been treated so
good by everyone and we can never say thank you enough.

We visited the "Deep" a "sub" aquarium that gives you a eye to eye view of marine life and its beauty.

If you get the chance to go to a subaquarium, go and see this amazing world of beauty.

That night we camped at the Raywell Scout Acitivty Center.

I hate to admit this but I'm beginning to forget the many names of our lodgings are as we spending so little time in them.

They have all been good with the most important things being the showers and beds. You'd be surprised how much a hot shower and a bed can give you the energy we need to carry on, but still, the reality of this long tour is beginning to take it's toll.

Lack of sleep is a constant, and as a result everything becomes a blur. N We go too bed late, get up early,, throw down some breakfast (usually some cereal) load the bus, get on and then most of us go back to sleep while going from one gig to another.

Charles did send everyone an email tilted: "Can I talk you out of going"?
He talked about how hard trip like this is and he was right. It's one of those things that brings out the truth in "when the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Here a a few more photos for you to enjoy:

We passed up on touring the Leeds Armor (time is either your friend or not) and today, it was not our friend.

On this tour the old, "hurry up and wait" adage has it't truth, as we hurry up there is always the wait part usually due to traffic,
weather, or some other time-consuming obstacle placed in our path.

As a result we seem to always be a step or two behind the plan.

The Davyhulme Scout Hut was our next point of hibernation.

Bob Spoora was our host and we greatly appreciate him, his staff and all their help.

We just can't say enough about how wonderful everyone has been to us.

We're deeply appreciative of their kindness and consideration.

The Imperial War Museum was on our schedule today and if only more people would visit places like that, see the horror and trauma of war, maybe we could learn from history and stop repeating the cycle of madness.

It's a magnificent museum with many things to see, absorb, reflect on and gain an awareness of the insanity of war.

Our performance tonight was at a Maoonic Hall. This was especially meaningful to Mac, Tim and I as we are all three Masons. The crowd was great and for the second night we got to see, hear and enjoy the 3rd Davyhulme Scoutg and Guide Band of Manchester.

I've downloaded abut 700 photos from the last few days and picking just a few to upload is difficult.

Again I have ben blessed with a Scouter who has Internet access enabling to make my rather limited posts.

My host just went to bed (it's 2:55 AM) so I'm going to stop this feeble attempt of writng, try to upload some photos and hope for some sleep before we have to get up this morning, way too early.

Tomorrow we head to Gloucester and I'm really looking forward to it.

If I rememberw right, two young English scouts (Timothy and Simon) who stayed with my Judy and I, when we lived in Weatherford, Texas will be at our performance.

Their uncle David and other members of their family (including their parents) will also be there. It's been at least five years and I have a feeling they've grown.

Remember if you'd like to have the Kwahadi Dancers come your way, contact Charles Ritchie at Kwahadi.com.

Now off to bed - at least for a short while.

John Madden

PS: The internet connections we have been able to make are extremely slow, so a lot
of the photos I wanted to post never made it. Sleep thrumped photos.

Another post from Prudhoe

2009-07-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

-Carol

A post from Prudhoe

2009-07-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hello,

My name is Carol Quinn, I am a Youth Worker at The East Centre in Prudhoe, Northumberland, England-across-the pond ( :))

We were privileged to host The Kwahadi troup, yesterday and today. I am not quite sure of the time diff from here to Texas, but to quote a Bruce Dickinson (he from Iron Maiden " Americans are Behind ") Teehee. In time only, no offence intended. I have lots of friends in PA and the tri-state area and want to move there! Now we are fortunate to have made even more friends from Texas! What splendid people you are! I have to say a few tears were shed by my volunteers as we waved the stars and stripes to say "Byeee"

I am absolutely shattered following a sleepover at my youth centre with our scouts and your most splendid folks! So forgive my wibbling!

Have spent quite some time with dear sweet John Madden, attempting to upload some pics for you to add. Our computers at the centre are to say the least, a tad outdated and I am not sure whether you have been able to pick any up online.Could you please let me know the best way to send to you. I promised him I would send, scouts honour and all that! Don't want to let you guys down.

The visit was just so cool. The dancers surpassed excellence! It was a breath of fresh air to our Northumbrian way of life!

Will be lurking around on the net for a while, so please stay in touch

Kind Regards

Carol

More photos!

2009-07-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge

Here area few photos from the tour that John sent me to post.

-Steve Douglass

Photos

2009-07-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

Okay,finally got it figured out, I think.

Here are some photos after Belfast, Ireland.

Look for the beautiful handicapped angel we were blessed to meet.

John Madden

Prudhoe

2009-07-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

Since our last update we've traveled many a mile, seen lots of folks, danced and traveled from dawn to dusk.

We left Northern Ireland via a ferry across the Irish Sea and then on to Galway, England. To do this we had to rise and shine at 4AM to be at the port by 5:30AM. The ferry left at 7:30AM and it took a couple of hours.

To say it was a BIG ferry is an understatement. It was huge. Once the bus was aboard we had to depart, as it was against safety rules to stay on it while on the sea.

We had the opportunity to eat breakfeast. I've never eaten where you were limited to the number of things you put on your plate, but we were limited to seven items. Must have had something to do with a group eating.

We met other scouters, including Big Ted Jensen with Big Teds's Real American Cookies. Big Ted was big, about 6'8" I think. He's lived in Northern Ireland for twenty years and recently got involved in the Scouts. He'an assistant and the scouts were on their way to a jamboree.

Many of us used part of the time to catch up on sleep. We've learned to catch a few winks when ever we can. Kind of a survial thing.

After landing we bused to Galway,England for an evening performance at Ratlingate Scout Campsite, thanks to our host Don McCutheon.

A side note about the scouter/gentleman Don McCutheon: one of our dancers was visiting with him, last night, and Don asked him about the leather bound book he had. Our Kwahadi told him he was an artist, he had gotten the book in Edinburgh so he could do some sketching.

Don asked to see his sketches and was told, "I haven't done any yet because I don't have anything to sketch with."

This morning Don presented the Kwahadi with an artist package of pencils and such. Our Kwahadi was taken back, offered to pay for them and Don told him his mother (I think) was an art teacher and wanted him to have them as a gift.

Such kindness and given.

Thank you Don and your mother for giving of your time, consideration, encouragement and the gift, not only of the art supplies, but the gift of thought.

We have been blessed to meet so many wonderful and friendly people.

At our evening performance we blessed with meeting a handicaped young angel. She's beautiful and gave us a smile and laugh that filled our hearts with happiness and at the same time thankful for meeting her.

Her grandmother asked if we would mind if they took pictures of us with her, so that someday she might be able to see and here about the evening?

We were honored and seveal of us got to hold her. At first she started to cry but when we talked to her and rocked her in our arms she relaxed, smiled and laughed.

I don't have her name with me as I write, but will give it later when I post her photo. At that and now, please take a moment to say a prayer for her.

As of that performance we have performed before 1,001 people, with more to add to that tonight.

At Ratlingate we were fortunate to stay in another building, with showers, bathrooms (toilets as they're called here) and in a few cases beds. The older we get the more those little things increase in appreciation, especially beds.

Sunday, July 26th we had a day of rest, touring for fun and we went to Edinburgh, Scotland to see the Edinburgh Castle. Words pale in trying to descibe the castle. It sits on a volcano in the middle of town and towers over all below it as if it were a Giant Lion watching over his pride.

The views from it are magnificent. We only had a few hours and it would be easy to spend days just trying to see and take it all in. It's powerful, majectic, strong, overwhelming, inviting, cold, warm, forbiden, welcoming, and it seems to wrap it's self into your being like a protective parent. You feel secure,protected, confident, and a part of history all at the same time.

It's one of the most magnificent structures I've ever seen or been in and I've traveled all over the world. Put it on your "bucket list." If you don't know what a bucket list is, it's a list of things you want to do before you can't do things anymore.

Several of the Kwahadis bought kilts and put them on over their clohtes. They looked good, cameras appeared like magic, and the gents modeled with great pride their new atire.

The evening we returned our Kwahadi and the English Scouts in camp played "rounders."

For those who play or know baseball, it's sort of like it but not
really. Each person gets to hit or swing at a pitch (slow pitch) and no matter if the ball is hit or not the person runs after swinging and or hitting the ball. There is a home plate, where the hitter stands, first, second, third and a fourth base, not home plate (where they run to score a run). The hitter/or not runs to first and the other team tries to put a runner out. If a ball is hit and caught by one hand, the whole team is out, if it is caught with both hands, only the hitter is out.

It was great watching so many have so much fun. Sharing, laughing, having fun and enjoying each other, isn't that what we're all suppose to be about?

Today we stopped at two places to see Hadrian's Wall.

At the wall I met a couple of old English Scouters. They're not active anymore, but as all Scouters we shared stories and wished each other good times, safe travel and great adventure.

Another interesting observation: people travel with their dogs a lot and being a dog lover I really enjoy that as I/we got/get to pet and know them as well as their owners. Dogs are great conversation makers.

Part of Scouting that is great is meeting other scouters from all around the world. No matter what country we're all one big family and the Kwahadi Dancers are Boy and Girl Scout Ambassadors that represent our home of Amarillo, Texas, the Texas Panhandle, as well as Ulvalde, Texas and Lake Charles, Lousiana in the best way, spreading Scouting and friendship.

As I write we're in Prudhoe, England at the Youth Center and Sue Charlesworth is our host. The Mayor, Jennifer McGee, is presenting us a plague. The newspaper is here photographing the Kawhadis and local scouts.

They had a BBQ ready for us, a place to stay, with showers, electricty, and internet!

Tonight we perform at the Community High School.

Tomorrow we depart for Hessle and a visit to the Deep Subqquarium before an evening performance at the town hall. Our host there is Keith O'Brien. We will stay at the Raywell Scout Activity Center in Cottingham.

Our adventure continues and we have learned to grab a few minutes or longer of sleep when ever and where ever can. Who knew a bus (called a coach over here)would not only be great transportation, but also a great mobile bed.

I'm going to try and upload more photos. Word of caution. Due to lack of WifiI have not been able to update and/or upload photos, so when I get the opportunity the photos may be without explanation just to be able to get some on.

Then, when and if I'll try to ID the photos with places at least.

Thank you for checking out our blog. Keep the faith and we'll update when and where ever we can.

The photos below below to the previous post called "Update."

John Madden

Posted by John Madden at 11:24:00 AM 0 Comments

Update

2009-07-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a few days and we just now have internet access. We're spending a very short night at the National Scout Campsite near Crawforsburn, outside Belfast, Ireland.

First, it's late 12:50 PM and if I make any spelling or grammer errors, maybe you'll understand. Second, so far I've taken over 800 photos and there is no way I can upload all of them, put ones of family or all Kwahadi Dancers in, so I try to find photos that show us, what we're doing and going.

That's my discalmer as far as trying to show all.

We left Galway and headed for Dungarvan, a mere 130 miles. However the highways are not four lane, folks drive on both sides, often they're not wide enough for two vehicles to meet and pass, so one has to give way to the other (which they do very well), they have lots of "roundabouts - a circle where you enter, and either go 1/4,1/2 or 3/4 around to the road you want and did I tell you the roads are NARROW?

A 130 mile is an outing! Do not figure what we would normally drive 130 miles in Texas or the USA as a standard. Add an hour or two and you might be closer.

The people we have met, have been wonderful, outstanding, happy to see us, anxious to learn about our program, American Scouting and how it's compares to theirs, full of energy, and treated us like royality. We can not say enough or thank them enough for our receptions.

We had to pass up on the Blarney Castle as we had to recover two ladies bags, Janet being one of them.

Where we stayed at Mount Melleary was a school at one time and in 1976 the Scouts of Ireland took it over on an long term lease. We had BEDS and showers!
The food was good and our hosts were, well great just doesn't cover it.
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Our host was the most wonderful Brain Mulvihill. He was full of life, funny, a talker, wanted to show us more than we had time for. I sort of got in the dog house with Charles,as I became a "hurd breaker" - you know like being a part of a hurd and needing to stay together. Well, Brian asked me if I wanted to see the monistary and he said, "It'd be a shame to be this close and not see it", plus he was the host and I am a photographer.

The photographer and being a polite scout I couldn't say no. I left with him and took a few dozen photos.

In the morning we boarded up and headed for Dublin One hundred and thirty-five miles later, not sure of how long in minutes and hours, we arrived.

What a city, it's a port and water was such a pleasant sight for our eyes. Oh, did I mention it's rained EVERY day to some degree or the other? But a body of water, now that's different.

We've seen so many beaautiful sights, places and things, that there is no way I can tell you about all of them, except to say. I think most of us would agree we'll like to come back and visit, tour and take more time to enjoy the
beauty of Ireland it's people.

I'm going to try and upload quite a few photos and let them do the talking for me.

After our performance at their Scout Hut we left foe Riverdance.

We were running a little late and they held the show for us. That was very good of them and we greatly appreciated it.

WOW...what a show!

It's a must if you haven't seen it.

I've seen it twice, once when it came to Amarillo and not in Dublin. Hands down Dublin is best. The theater is awesome and it makes their show even more powerful.

Today we left and headed north to Belfast, 140 miles. We stopped to see Bru' na Ba, eat lunch their after buying the makings on the way, slight delay due to traffic and next thing you know it took us 6 hours.

Our host is Dr. David Hutchinson, the first response Charles had about 2 years ago when he put out an inquiry on the internet about this tour.

The Belfast Opera House is so beautiful, old, massive, very colorful, and we had the most room to dress yet. That's a big deal, believe me.

We're at camp, all tucked in (cept me) getting a few hours of sleep before we get up at 4 AM (it's 1:30 AM now, think I'll skip sleep tonight or should I say today, till later),we to leave be at the Belfast Stranraer Ferry by 6:30 AM to cross the Irish Sea to Troon, Scotland at 7:30 AM. It's a two hour trip.
Sleep time!

Enough, time to try and upload photos.

Hope you enjoy, keep checking our blog, they tell us more places, to get internet, lay ahead.

However, I was told...no problem, internet access is everywhere. I don't know where everywhere is, but I know where it hasn't been.

Amarillo and area, we're suppose to have a interview with KVII Monday afternoon and we hope it'll be via Skype so they can show it.

John Madden

2009-07-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

We’re flying high to Shannon Ireland.

Well not just yet, as the first leg was a “Road Trip” (in our bus) to
Camp Wisdom. it’s right in the big middle of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

The first thing that we got was the unwelcome and uninvited reality of humidity Texas style. It embraced us with its heavy arms of “Hello welcome to my den” around us and started to wring the dry West Texas out of us. It worked on me.

In no time I looked a drowned rat.

Most of the others faired much better or at least their t-shirts didn’t look like a they had just come out of the wash.

After a night in the humidity den we boarded our bus and headed for McD’s and breakfeast. Coffee was on most of the adults minds and we needed it to kick start our hearts.

As 99% of the youth I’ve ever been privileged to work with ours, took everything in stirde and never missed a lick. These kids are the cream of the crop and all their parents should be extremely proud of them.

On a personal note, my brother and sister-in-laws, Bill Don and Vicki came by to see me, give me a hug and wish us goodbye and a wonderful trip. Family is wonderful.

We procceded to DFW and our search for Continential Airlines. After circling the roadways,we decided we had missed ours and headed back where we came from. Don't know if we There were more suitcases, backpacks, duffle bags and such than most armies travel with.

Making our way up the escalator holding on to our bags was a test in human determination, at least for me.

The unwanted humidity found us, again, and we had to pay homage to its demands. So much mositure esaping just doesn’t look good on me, especially when it bleeds through my new gift-travel t-shirt from Kristi Russell, Virgina Garland and Linda Wilson. “Dancing Our Way Across the UK” with every ones names on it. How cool is that? Thank you Ladies!

“Passports, give me your passports" Dustin said and we did. So they could start processing our tickets.

Hey, hey, this is about to be real.

We passed inspection and all were passed on into the inter sanctom of the airport. Our gate, #8, was right in front of us and all we had to do was wait. This four letter word will get a lot use before this tour is over.

Food, some wanted and found food. Some stood around knowing sitting was going to be our mode of travel for many a day. Others had things to read, games to play, people to watch and time to wait.

We boarded our flight, pilot got the okay to taxi, we moved into line to wait our turn. Before too long the roar of our jet threw us into the air as if we had been shot out of a giant sling shot.

It’s interesting that when you’ve done something many times you forget the thrill of the first time. I had the opportunity to sit with Ryan and Colin on their first flight. It was neat seeing them so full of excitement, wonder, and enjoyment as we flew.

Everything was new. When was the last time you saw that in someones eyes or felt that feeling yourself? It made, no gave me, the opportunity to enjoy the flight even more.

As we flew into Newark, NJ we saw the skyline of New York City, the Empire State building and the Statute of Liberty. What a picture and I was as transfixed as everyone. My camera was resting below my seat! I’m a photographer and suppose to capture moments like that. I did, but only in my memory.

Two gates later we boarded and started our long flight across the Atlantic. It was dark when we flew over it and games, movies, sleep and no sleep keep every one busy.

Ireland....we landed. This is real!

It is so beautiful and I'll post more photos later. This is the first time
we've had internet and thanks to Philip Sheeran it's happening, from his house. Thank you Philip.

Tony is our bus driver and after some anxious times he finds us about the same timed we find him. What a bus. A double-decker and it has air conditioning.

We saw the cliffs of Moher and they are fantastic. It started to rain, not much but enough to round up our herd and head them back to the bus.

The Renmore Scout hut is in sight.

We unloaded, they feed us, we changed into our regalia (the weather was a concern--as we've learned it rains in Ireland).

A man told Mike "This is a passing shower, but it may take a day or two to pass." Tis true.

The Spanish Arch, which is 500 years old, on the bank of the Corrib River was the site of our first performance. It was as they say, "a grand show" of over 200 plus people of all ages.

All the tired, lack of sleep and jet lag didn't keep the Kwahadis from giving more than 100% and the crowd loved them. People stayed and visited, Kwahadi Dancers handed out collector photo cards, thanks to the Big Red, and many an autograph was asked for and given.

Another great step in people knowing the Kwahadi Dancers.

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It was a great way to start our tour. The crowd was wonderful, the Kwahadi put their all into it and friends were made, fans were made and photos were taken.

What a great day, we're tired, got some showers and most are asleep as I write.

Tomorrow we kiss the Blarney Stone and put on another show. If we can find access, we'll post, if not we'll have to wait to find a place like now.

Hope you enjoyed our days, our travels and tell others about us. We love to be talked about.

Dancing for Food we go forth.

John Madden

Today is the day!

2009-07-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

We leave on a wonderful experience TODAY! It seems like it was just yesterday that this day was a year and a half away. Time has flown and now it's double down day.

We had full house for our last summer show last night with three Boy Scouts troops spending the night, a group of Lion Club Exchange students, representatives from Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, family, friends and many others.

You should have seen it. The hoop fire dance was "Wow" and we had more hoop dancers than I've ever seen at the Kiva. Everyone danced their hearts out and the crowd roared with appreciation.

Early this week, Monday night, we danced at Pilmont Scout Ranch, in Cimarron, New Mexico. Their were over two hundred people in the audience. One of the guest was Native American and we saw her singing and moving to the songs. One of our Chiefs asked her to dance with him in the round and two step. It was so cool to see her and know that she felt at home with us.

If you've never been to Philmont. You need to go. It's my favorite place, not just in Scouting but in feeling, atmosphere and beauty. I took my Woodbadge there at Zastro Lodge, three treks as a scout and 2 as a Scoutmaster. I have wonderful and long time friends there, including Doug Palmer on staff, Buddy Morse a long time Cimarron resident, brother Cherokee and scouter and more memories than I can relive in several life times.

Brian R. Gray, Director, Philmont Training Center has been a long time friend and supporter of the Kwahadis. We can't thank him enough for all he's done for us.

Philmont brings out the best in all who hike its trails and has the greatest people working there. GO and see for yourself.

We/I want to thank the Amarillo Globe-News ( check out Amariillo.com for stories on our tour), Margaret Meyers, Features Editor; Brad Newman, staff writer; Steve Pair, New Dircetor at KVII Pro News ( we hope to have Skype interviews along the way on KVII) in Amarillo; Lucas Jefferson, Assignment Editor for KVII Pro News; Mike Wilhelm, The Net Works; and Steve Douglas, fellow photographer, writer and web designer ( this could not of happend with Steve ) for all their help, support and encouragement.

Okay, I'm out the door and off the Kiva.

Come along with us and see what we see through our eyes and words.

John Madden

Winners

2009-07-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

Caitlin Dahl won first place in the Texas Indian Hobbyist pow-wow and competition recently, in the Ladies Fancy Shawl. Caitlin is the Head Maiden of the Kwahadi ladies.

Matt Visel (on the right ) won first place in the Northern and Southern Fancy Dance and Colin Lawson won second place in the Southern Fancy Dance. Both Matt and Colin are both former Sahawe Indian Dancers who are going on our tour.

Come and see all three of these champions and all the outstanding dancers.

We leave Sunday for Dallas, Texas and fly out of Dallas, headed to Shannon. Ireland.

Time is racing and we look forward to entertaining, seeing, meeting and getting to know you.

John Madden

Updated Itinerary Posted

2009-07-15T18:41:00.001-07:00

Those interested can download the updated itinerary HERE.

You must have Adobe Acrobat installed to view file.

A few from last night's dance at the Kwahadi Kiva

2009-07-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

We (Mike Wilhelm & myself) had a wonderful time last night watching the dancers. It was our first visit and won't be our last.

Mike and I were amazed by the intensity of these young men & women, not to mention the beauty of the choreography, the amazing colors and driving it all the deep pulsing drum. If last night's show was any indication, I'm sure the Europeans will be thrilled by what these youngsters can do. We also enjoyed the humor, the narration and the important message behind the stories that every child should hear.

Thanks John! Here's hoping you all have a great trip, come back safely and serve as great examples of what the American youth are really like, driven, creative, patriotic and amazingly talented.

-Steve Douglass

Fire Dance

2009-07-11T07:29:00.001-07:00

Video of the Fire Dance taken at the Kwahai Kiva last night. Thanks for the invite John. It was just great. The European Tour should garner rave reviews.

The Buzz on the Kwahadi European Tour!

2009-07-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to KZBZ the Buzz and KFDA News Channel 10.

Opportunities for Kwahadi Dancers are everywhere!

2009-07-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

The following is an email sent from Charles Ritchie (Advisor or Venture Crew 9 and long-long time advisor/champion of the Kwahadi Dacners).

-----

Dance opportunity:

The Lone Star Ballet is looking for a few Kwahadi Braves or Chiefs who would like to perform in a production this fall entitled Rainforest. You would be involved in a few rehearsals, learn choreographed dance steps of the production, and portray an Amazon culture hunting scene.

The production is planned to be presented in several venues, including the Kwahadi Kiva.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity to perform as part of the Lone Star Ballet, contact Kwahadi alumnus, King Hill, ASAP at 680-7720.

The lead teacher of the production is visiting from Chicago this week and would like to meet with interested Kwahadis this Thu or Friday at a. 2:00 pm. Mr. Hill will arrange the meeting for those who would like to participant.

Think about it….and respond quickly,

Charles

----

With all the television shows about dancing, Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys wining the "Dancing With The Stars" on ABC and how much dance has been a part of life this opportunity comes knocking at the door for a new adventure.

Do you like to dance? See the Kwahadi Dancers.

The Kwahadi Dancers are a unique blend of talented, dedicated, hard working and enjoyable young people you'll ever see.

Time is getting shorter and the Kwahadi Dancers European Tour 2009 is getting closer and closer.

Come see them.

John Madden

We left yesterday -- in two weeks!

2009-07-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

Times racing by. As if this writing we, the Kwahadi Dancers, left yesterday ( in two weeks, thanks for reminding me Charles - I was just getting in the mood and my mind didn't stop to check what I wrote), Sunday, July 19th at 1 PM from Amarillo headed towards the Redbird Armory in Dallas. We will have spent the night, had a healthy breakfast at McDonalds, near DFW, check in at Continental Airlines and leave on flight 1136 ( Boeing 737-500 is the bottom photo ) at 12:45 PM for Newark, NJ.

A mere 3 hours - 45 minutes and 1,372 miles later we'll land at Newark. Wonder what the movie will be? Wait, what about the meal? What will it be?

At 7:25 PM we board Continental flight 24 ( Boeing 757-200 is the top photo ), depart Newark and head for Shannon Airport in Ireland. Do you know it takes 6 hours - 35 minutes to fly that 3,096 miles? So a movie, a sleep over and we're there? Well kind of.

Okay, check you watch and move it FORWARD 6 hours.

Finding food at the airport will be our first European adventure. This will be important!

Nine AM finds us boarding Marshall Coach Company and departing for Galway. On the way we'll visit the Cliffs of Moher (and another test of finding food), depart to see The Burren before arriving at the Renmore Scout Den in Renmore, Galway. Our host is Eamon Hartley.

After an evening meal we'll perform our first show at the Scout Den.

This is going to be such a blast, so much fun, work, opportunity to meet new friends, see so much of the beauty of Ireland, Scotland, UK and Paris.

How can you not join us for a tour?

Come on aboard the Kwahadi Dancers European Tour 09.

John Madden

I Stand Corrected, Thanks Matt

2009-07-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

Howdy

I got an email from Matt Visel concerning my posting of the Sahawe Indian Dancers today and wanted to pass it along.

Thanks Matt for letting me know.

So, folks go see the Sahawe Indian Dancers, you'll see an outstanding show, have a great time and met some talented kids.

John Madden

Howdy Mr. Madden,

I am writing this email out of appreciation and to notify you of a misunderstanding.

The Sahawe Indian Dancers are not going on the European tour. However, Myself and Colin Lawson, both former Sahawe Dancers, are. There has been a wave of misunderstanding on this subject spreading through our small town.

Actually, while Colin and I are touring in Europe, the Sahawes will be holding their feature performances for the year, The Annual Sahawe Summer Ceremonials, back here at home.

I do appreciate you taking the initiative of notifying the media of our upcoming overseas adventures, I just thought it would be well to let you know of the miscommunication.

I'm looking forward to meeting you and Joining all the Kwahadis again for a great adventure!

Sincerely,
Matt Visel

Ireland, Scotand and UK come see the Kwahadi Dancers. Bring your cameras and be ready to be entertained.

Sahawe and Kossa Dancers joining Kwahadis on Tour

2009-06-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

The Sahawe Indian Dancers were originally founded in 1950 as the Comanche Club Indians by Scoutmaster of Troop 81 in Uvalde, Texas, Joe W. Williams, as a program for older boys in scouting. Mr. Williams had read about a similar program in La Junta, Colorado, known as the Koshare Indian Dancers, and their Buck Burshears. Mr. William and Mr. Burshears corresponded for some time about the possibilities of starting such an Indian dance group in Uvalde. The name of the group was changed to Sahawe Indian Dancers in 1952.

Their first performance was a three minute dance for a Boy Scout Camporee held on the Nueces River, south of Uvalde,Texas. The group had no idea that it would grow into a full time project. Following that performance, they received calls to dance again and again. Several months after that first performance, they were invited to represent the Concho Valley Council, BSA, at a Scout Circus in Ft. Worth, Texas in the Will Rogers Coliseum before 14,000 people.

During the past 50 years several hundred boys have gone through the Sahawe program performing over 2000 shows. They have been designated as Uvalde’s “Ambassadors of Good Will” and were selected as Uvalde’s #1 tourist attractions by the Texas Travel Writers.

The Sahawe organization is made up of boys and girls ranging from the 5th grade through high school and beyond. Many former members still perform with the group when their schedule permits.

Along with their Sahawe activities, the boys are also active in their schools, churches, and other activities. Many excel in athletics, band, scholastics, and 4-H, winning local, area, and state awards. It takes great dedication to juggle all of these activities.

They have danced at the 2007 and 2008 Comache Homecoming Pow Wow in Walters, Oklahoma. at Sultan Park.

The Kossa Dancers began in 1969 as West-Cal Chapter of the Order of the Arrow Dance Team. Over the next few years, the team grew, produced 27 state champion dance teams, two bi-state champion dance teams, and placed in the top three teams in the United States twice. The team was voted the most authentic team in the nation at the National Order of the Arrow Conference, the first team to ever win this award.

In 1983, the decision was made to form an Explorer Post, for youth who wanted to study and perform in more depth. Kossa Dancers will perform for any area organization for a nominal fee to cover expenses. Over the years, the group has included many Eagle Scouts, a number of whom are still active within the organization.

In December 1991, Kossa Plaza was opened, giving the group its own dance theatre for youth. The Plaza, located in Sulphur, La., features a large oval stage. At one end is a wide stair way and wall, modeled after a kiva of an actual pueblo. At the other end is a pueblo village of several stories. Dancers can enter the performance area from the stairway or from ladders down the pueblo wall. The building also includes a Trading Post and numerous works of art done by natives of the Southwest.

The year 2003 brought the introduction of the Red Cactus Flower Dancers into the Kossa organization. At the Winter show in February 2005, a training team was formed of younger boys and girls, to begin getting them ready to move into the dance team when they progress and age enough to be able to dance and travel with the older members.

The Kossa's have traveled nation-wide to perform with their friends the Koshare, Kwahadi and Sahawe Indian Dancers.

Come join us, take the tour with us and see Ireland, Scotland, UK and Paris through our Eyes.

John Madden

Meet the Leaders

2009-06-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

The Kwahadi Dancers are a group of dedicated, talented, hard working and fun loving youth. This is truly "A Place Where Children Are The Stars."

They were honored by being given the name "Kwahadi" by the Elders of the Comanche Nation.

They were also recognized with the Texas Commission of the Arts Youth Award for Excellance and chosen to represent the United States at the International Festival of the Arts in Ammon Jordan and to represent the North American Continent at the TreX Games in Busan, South Korea.

The Kwahadis have performed at the Boy Scout Jamboree, the Canadian Scout Jamboree, and for over 30,000 youth and parents at the Milennium Jamboral near Ogden, Utah.

We are proud and invite you to know our leaders.

Leadership positions among the Kwahadi Dancers are elected annually for the Kiowa and Souix clans and every six months for the Maiden Society.

Based on their performance, attendance, their rank and other criteria, these young men and women are elected by their peers as leadership of the group.

Come along, join us, sign in at the blog and follow us on our journey. If you try hard enough you can hear the music and feel the enjoyment of watching the Kwahadi Dancers.

John Madden

Another day, another dance, another night and return home

2009-06-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

The Kwahadi's made another trip to Philmont to dance at the PTC (Philmont Training Center).

They presented their program, including a wide variety of dances, and asked those in attendance to dance with them in the "round dance and two step."

It is not our intent to pretend to be Native Americans. The most valuable use of the wonderful gifts of our Indian friends is that our knowledge be used to benefit our scouts and young people everywhere we travel.

So often people will come up to the Kwahadi's afterwards and say, 'I have Native American in my family, I've never seen such beautiful outfits (regalia), or enjoyed a program so much."

That's what we're about. Sharing, tradition, honor, heritage awareness, respect, and "Dancing for food." We say we dance for food (helps us pay our way), which helps us to share the wonderful dances of a proud nation.

Since 1944, sixty-five years, over 1600 boys and girls have gone through the Kwahadi Dancers. We have been to 48 states, including Hawaii, foreign countries and put on over 4,000 shows.

We are proud and privileged to do what we do.

The PTC offers organized programs for every member of a family, from little ones to spouses. All this while spouses are receiving training in many areas of Scouting.

Serving as the only national volunteer training center for the Boy Scouts of America since 1950, the Philmont Training Center (PTC) provides a unique environment for the training of volunteer and professional leaders. Each year, more than 6,000 Scouters and family members attend PTC.

Each conference features the latest tools and techniques, audiovisuals, discussions, idea sharing, and activities led by a faculty of experienced Scouters. Invitation to these conferences is upon recommendation of the local council or a national committee.

Prior to dancing they visited the Villa De Philmonte.

The Villa Philmonte is a large ranch manor located outside of Cimarron, New Mexico.

Philmont Scout Ranch is a large, rugged, mountainous ranch located near the town of Cimarron, New Mexico covering approximately of wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico.

The Villa was built in 1926 by oil magnate Waite Phillips who used it to oversee his 300,000 acre (1,200 km²) cattle ranch in northeast New Mexico.

In addition to the Villa, Phillips built several other retreats on his ranch’s property, including Fish Camp on the Agua Fria Creek and a Hunting Lodge near Cimarroncito.

Phillips donated the Villa, along with of land and the Philtower office building in Tulsa to the Boy Scouts in 1941, supplementing a 1938 gift of that had created the Philturn Rocky Mountian Scoutcamp. The Boy Scouts of America retained
control over the property since that time. opening the Villa to Scouts and visitors alike as a museum; it is open for regularly-scheduled tours during the summer months.

Furnishings
The Villa is lavishly furnished, and retains many of Phillips’ original furnishings and collections, including particularly notable displays of antiques and weapons. The building features a large courtyard with a fountain in the center, large columns, and numerous porticoes. The interior was decorated using an eclectic mix of European, American, and Southwestern furnishings.

Call us, come see us, spend the night at our Kiva, and let us know if you are interested in having us come to your part of the world.

Charles (Ritchie at the Kiva) loves to talk and you'll enjoy talking to him.

Hop on the blog and go with us.-

John Madden

Steps towards European Tour

2009-06-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

Step by step the Kwahadi's get ready for their European Tour.

Planning and lots of practice bring outstanding results. This season their theme is "Song of the Eagle." It includes dances from Mexico (Aztec dances) and traditional plains Indians.

The shows are presented at the Kiva June 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 20, 26, 27 and July 2, 9, 10, 11, 17 and 18. Not only can you catch a show, but visitors can also spend the night at the Kiva. It has showers, bathrooms and plenty of room to spread out a cot, air mattress or sleeping bag. How often can you "Spend the night in a Museum?"

Isn't there a couple movies out about that?

On the nights of show you can also get a meal. Check with Charles Ritchie through ( www.kwahadi.com ).

Prior to the shows they have a Parent night and dress rehearsal. It's a great experience as parents, family, guests and fellow Kwahadi's see their efforts coming together for a wonderful presentation.

The dancers, parents, family and friends work so hard and are extremely proud of their results. So will you!

Four times (June 8, 15, 22 and July 15), before leaving on tour, the Kwahadi's travel to Philmont Scout Ranch, at Cimarron, New Mexico to dance at the Training Center.

The June 8th trip was the 107th (we're fairly sure) to Philmont for the Kwahadi's and my first with them. We dance the day we get there, spend the night, load up the next day and return home. It's a fast but very scenic trip.

We saw over 200 antelopes both going and returning. Leaving we saw a small herd of Buffalo, If any herd of Buffalo is small, so to speak.

Philmont is my favorite Scout camp and place. I've been to Philmont on six treks and Woodbadge for a total of seven times.
Any time I can come up with an excuse to be in that part of Northeastern New Mexico, Philmont finds its way into my trip. Must be some kind of Scouting/Philmont magic that makes that happen.

If you're on your way to Philmont and traveling through Amarillo, call Charles about spending the night at the Kiva. Maybe you'll be there for a show.

Or if you're traveling back, stop by, spend the night, check out the museum, visit the trading post and feel the energy of the Kiva.

Step by step we move towards our European Tour 2009.

Join us on our adventure. Join the blog at "SIGN IN" and travel with us.

John Madden

Waiting to dance

2009-06-03T12:33:00.001-07:00

Howdy. That's a West Texas greeting. I'm John Madden, proud associate advisor for the Kwahadi Dancers. My dress (we call it regalia) is a Straight Dancer.

The Straight Dance, sometimes referred to as Southern Traditional, is the formal and original dance of most of the Oklahoma tribes, including the Ponca, Osage, Kiowa, Comanche, Kaw, and many others. It is a dignified style, where the men who dance it keep a steady, flowing pace that is not interrupted with fancy moves or extra footwork. Because of its slow place, some people believe that it is an old man's dance, but this is not the case. There are many fine Straight Dancers in the Oklahoma area, ranging in age from ten to eighty. Some of the best places for Straight Dancers to go include the Ponca Hethuska and the Kiowa Tia-piah Society's Dance. The Ponca Hethuska is held twice a year in the town of White Eagle, Oklahoma, once in April and once in October. It is a formal war dance, meaning that it follows the old ways, and has many strict rules that must be adhered to. There, every dancer is required to dance every dance for the duration of the war dance, which is very tiring. The Kiowa Tia Piah Society holds their annual dance at Carnegie, OK over the Fourth of July. This dance is also excellent place to see Gourd Dancing.

I'm also a Gourd Dancer and will tell you about that later.

I'm Cheokee, adpoted into the Comanche, Tewa and Lakota, plus Scots/Irish.

Come see the Kwahadi Dancers. You'll have a great time, get to take once-in-a-lifetime photos, see outstanding dancing and meet extremely wonderful young men and young women.

The KWAHADI DANCERS.

Thank you,

John Madden

The Burren in County Clarke, Ireland

2009-06-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

What a trip, we'll visit The Burren in County Clarke, Ireland.

The name Burren is from the Irish - bhoireann meaning a stony place. Its formation has lain unspoiled since the ice-age and is composed of karstic limestone, the largest area of such in western Europe.

It is a place of surprise and delight to botanists, archaeologists and ecologists alike and occupies an area of approximately 300 sq. kilometres. The area itself is very bleak in appearance with glacial soil loss at a maximum. However is does have sufficient soil to grow a wide variety of the most unusual and rarest of plants, many of them strange bedfellows.

This area has some of the finest archaeological megalithic tombs in Ireland, if not in Western Europe. There are relics of human habitation dating back almost 6000 years and the most famous is the vortal tomb, or portal dolman, at Poulnabrone. In this area alone there are more than 60 wedge tombs and the densest concentration in Ireland. There are also numerous examples of raths (earthen ring forts) and stone cashels. This area is also rich in historical ecclesiastical sites

Come along and travel with us, see what we see, go where we go, do what we do, see how kids, Boy and Girl Scouts, from West Texas and The Panhandle of Texas represent the area, region, State of Texas, family, Scouting and themselves. You'll be PROUD!

July 23, 2009

2009-05-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

We'll be in the Dungarvan area, near Waterford, Ireland for the second day. Check out: www.abbeysidessoutgroup.com. You'll see Baden-Powell. Who's that? Check out the site and see. He's the reason Scouting is Scouting.

Know anything about Brownsea Island? It's where Scouting started.

The 23rd will be our fifth day out and 4th in Ireland. I'm looking forward to Ireland so much. My family came from there and it'll be a unbelievable thrill for me to step on Irish soil. How about, you? Any Irish in your family? What is your heritage? Find out and keep up with it. The next day we'll go to Belfast. Wow, how cool is that!

Check us out. Keep up with us.

Cliffs-Moher

2009-05-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

The cliffs of Moher are located just south of the Village of Doolin in Co Clare Ireland. Rising slowly from Doolin they ascend to over 700 feet (213 metres) stretching south for nearly five miles (8km) to Hags head. Make a stop at the Cliffs of Moher part of your Ireland Tour.

We visit the cliffs Tuesday, July 21. Check out the site (http://www.cliffs-moher.com/index.php), see what we have to look forward to and hop on the blog to follow us.

http://www.john.maddenphotography.com

2009-05-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

Head Chief of the Kwahadis

2009-05-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

Dustin is the Head Chief of the Kwahadis.

John Madden

Shawl Dancer

2009-05-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

This was taken in Amarillo at a presentation for a dedication to for a Steam Engine.

Welcome!

2009-05-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Kwahadi Indian Dancers European Tour 2009 Photo Blog.

Here you'll find photos and information concerning our upcoming summer tour.

We'll put on seventeen performances in our 23 day tour. There will be sixty-three people going on the tour which includes dancers, drummers, singers, and show assistants. We will travel by plane, bus, train and ferry. It will truly be a experience and opportunity of a life time.

Hop on the blog, travel with us, see what we see through "My Eyes" and enjoy sharing the adventure with us.

John Madden

Amarillo Kwahadi Dancers

2009-05-13T16:08:00.000-07:00