Chapter 12, November, Gray Skies and Cold Rains Summary and Analysis

The thin ice moves over the forest in November and creeps into the lake. If you have properly prepared, November will find you content. When late rains freeze, you can stay indoors. The Chief enjoys telling stories to pass the time, and one can hear the wolves howl in the night. Jim has a profound sense of contentment in November, a sense of security and happiness. The ice storms are slow and dangerous at first and so snowshoes are needed, as are bear paws. Jim also has a permanent toe strap on his show shoes, and he notes that snowshoeing generally is difficult. One time the Chief reversed his snow shoes as a joke and on another evening told him about old-time Indian games. The games varied across tribes...