By: Nicole Marie
Our winter in the Midwest has felt like the planet Hoth - a mix of slippery ice, an abundance of snows and negative-degree temperatures. We are missing Tauntauns and Wampas or we would surely be on Hoth. Blustery days like today my thoughts drift like the snow to warmer climates like the Forest Moon of Endor.
Endor is known for the Battle of Endor. Since the Battle, the Redwood and Pine trees have returned in vast amounts. Endor is quilted with mountains, deserts, native flora and forests. I think today calls for an adventure through the deserts and forests of Endor. Grab a speeder bike and let's go. Our main destination is Bright Tree Village.
"Home is beautiful. There are mountains few and trees are endless. My people are peaceful gatherers, weavers and builders" – Treek, an Ewok, describing the Forest Moon of Endor.
You might catch a glimpse of remnants from AT-STs from the battle as we speed through the Desert of Salma towards the forest. Salma Desert has dry lakes and acid pools. The Gorax inhabits a home in the tall mountains of Salma Desert. The Gorax can be 30 meters in height and covered in heavy, matted fur. They generally keep to themselves in caves infested with spiders. The Gorax is known to be aggressive. Keep vigilant and let's cruise past Yawari Cliff towards the Desert of Simoom.
The Desert of Simoom is hot and dusty. I promise we'll be in the shade soon. Some Ewoks used to inhabit the Desert of Simoon before fleeing the area. I see Bright Tree Village in the distance, and we might need a cool drink to quench our thirst after our travels.
"A village in the treetops! Isn't that splendid? Wooden bridges in the air and homes carved from the tree trunks. Oh, how quaint, that Ewok's traveling on a swinging vine." - C-3PO
Bright Tree Village is a majestic Ewok tree village. I'm in awe of the breathtaking native flora, plants, pine and redwood trees. Beautiful Endor blue butterflies fly among the village. Be observant of the wealth of the various species that occupy Bright Tree Village and surrounding areas on Endor. Endor has a plethora of Endorian creatures like Endorian rabbits, Endorian goats, chickens and birds of many. There is an amazing horse-like species called Orbak. They mostly inhabit the Ocean Moon of Endor but they have been domesticated for hunting and transportation. Ewoks began utilizing the Orbak as mounts for hunting, as well as other horses called "pulga" and "guapa" in Ewokese. The Ewoks take great care of their pulga as they are known to be swift and brave.
The setup of Bright Tree Village is very precise and serves purposes for Ewoks. I have included a map so you may see the layout. Ewoks have huts in both the air and on the ground in the tree trunks. Huts vary for:
Chef's Hut and Village Meeting Place
Elders
Family
Unmarried Females and Unmarried Males
Food Storage
Shaman
Place of Sickness
Visitors
It would be amazing to stay in the Visitors huts - a dream come true to sleep in a tree house! Bright Tree Village has a variety of activities like gathering berries, herbs, hunting, fishing, pottery, singing, dancing or enjoying some spiritual time at the Great Tree. Ewoks have a fantastic set up!!
Ewoks look adorable! They are covered in fur and have bright eyes. For one meter in height I wouldn't mess with them. While they are quite small in stature they are mighty! The Ewoks assisted some of our greatest Star Wars heroes during the Battle of Endor. After the Battle of Endor a few heroic Ewoks became "therapeutic Ewoks." They assisted Rebel veterans and those who suffered from the battle. What brave Ewoks to love and care for a Rebel that dealt with the horrors of war.
It has been a lovely adventure. Before you go let's mosey over to the Visitor's Hut. I'd like to enjoy an adult beverage, the Yub Nub, and share the recipe with you. Feel free to omit the alcohol so your whole family may enjoy a Yub Nub together.
Yub Nub Cocktail
1/2 C Mango Juice
1/2 C Orange Pineapple Juice
1 1/2 Oz Pineapple Rum
1 1/2 Oz Spiced Rum
1 Tbsp Passion Fruit Simple Syrup
Passion Fruit Simple Syrup
1 cup Passion Fruit juice and 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions: Add contents in a shaker mix and pour it into a glass over crushed ice. To make the passions fruit simple syrup add the sugar and passion fruit juice into a small saucepan. Mix and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Allow mixture to cool before using it. Add to drink.
Thank you for joining me today! I hope you enjoyed the adventure. May the Force Be With You.