The Plains tribes believed that winter weather was brought on by the “Cold Maker.” He was a spirit or being who caused the cold weather, snow, and ice. The People moved their camps to more sheltered areas in the winter to seek some protection from the elements. These two riders may be going in search of game which could be hard to find in the time of the Cold Maker. Experience has taught them that the ice across the stream is thick enough to hold their weight. We shall see… fortunately, the stream is shallow.