And as the shroud of tedium suddenly lifted we looked up and noticed just how beautiful the Indiana scenery truly was.
After a series of uncertain maneuvers through anonymous roads and nondescript corn fields, we at last arrived at the parking lot. With our gear strapped on and maps in hand, we radioed home then headed in. .
Our first encounter was with some friendly tradesmen. Upon exhibiting our orders signed by the General himself, the leader welcomed us and granted us access to the grounds. Within steps of the entrance, the group came upon a sprawling, bustling marketplace. Row upon row of tent housed establishments of every kind, and period merchants solicited business from the passing crowd. Some sold artifacts such as pottery, artwork and jewelry while others promoted more useful items like furs, weapons and cookware.
A few yards along our journey, the group came across a clearing surrounded by trees. There were human figures all around - some standing, others squatted on the ground. As we got closer we realized these were Indians, apparently gathered in story-telling. So as not to be discovered and possibly captured by the natives, our group remained within the outer periphery of the crowd and listened to the tale being told. As we stood there we noticed a little village the Indians had built - straw, concave huts surrounding a central fire pit. .
Once it was apparent that the Indians were not hostile towards us, we approached one of the natives who seemed to be weaving. I asked the Indian to what tribe he belonged and he confirmed our Captain's suspicion that he was of the Miami Nation. I further inquired about the work he was performing; it was a sash, common among all members of the tribe, and consisting of a standard length, width and coloring. The Indian informed me that I could purchase a similar sash from one of the stands in the market nearby, then returned to his work.