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inal straightaway, Drew opened the
throttle all the way. When the tach indicated red-line revs, he
shifted into neutral and idled the engine. They coasted the last
mile or so to the unpaved turnoff.
Madge Nation, and Manami's husband Tar Nation lived in the ranch-
style house a couple miles down the well-maintained gravel road.
Madge was in the driveway when Karen and Drew arrived at the head
of a rooster tail of rising dust.
Madge greeted Manami's guests and led them around back and down
the path to the sweat lodge.
The domed, one-room structure was crafted from a dozen
willows. Timbers demarked the cardinal and minor compass points.
Half a dozen paces from the lodge, Tar tended rock loaves on
a metal grill. With hands protected by heavy padded gloves he
turned the hot rocks above low blue flames. He waved as they
approached.
Madge stopped at the gazebo which had been fashioned entirely
within the interlocking branches of five bushy trees. Benches,
hooks, and baskets were available for clothing and personal
articles.
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