The Roosevelt Elk Calves braved the drive up Cleator Road to
meet the mentors at the Lower Chuckanut Ridge Trail Head. Although we were
originally planning on traversing from Chuckanut Ridge down into Arroyo Park a
couple of weeks ago, we had to reschedule due to strong winds. Driving up the
road it was clear we had made the right decision as tree limbs scattered the
side of the road, and once getting further into our hike the carnage in the
forest was rather impressive to witness. However, before we could get going we
needed to have an opening circle.
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| Gathering for opening circle |
Although there were a handful of Roosevelt Elk Calves
present for our outing, we were missing a good portion of our group as the
newly opened ski area and fresh snow was too much to resist, and understandably
so. That being said, when there is a vacuum created that space is inevitably
filled and the mentors were happy to see those who were present fill the void
with their voices and energy. It just so happened that the majority of our more
boisterous Elk Calves were absent and the opportunity was not passed by for the
remaining Elk Calves to speak up, engage in our lessons, and get a little
goofy.
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| Inspecting a tiny mushroom |
Our focus for the day was the Art of Navigation. We began
with a discussion on navigation, what it means to use your “internal compass”,
and heard an incredible story of a thirteen year old girl who was charged with
navigating her families camel caravan hundreds of miles through the desert in search
of a well that was merely one-meter in diameter. Thinking about all the ways we
can navigate, especially when without map and compass, the group pointed out
that we could use the landscape, the sun, and other natural phenomena paired
with local knowledge to find our way around. Talking about it is one thing, but
doing it is another.
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| Gazing to the West and the San Juan Islands |
Hitting the trail we meandered a mile up to the Chuckanut
Ridge Trail stopping from time to time to investigate natural history
mysteries, let the mentors elaborate on teachable moments (Western Hemlock for
kindling bundles, tracking widow makers in the canopy), and even peer out
across the San Juan Islands at a view point. Things were pretty easy until we
hit our first trail junction and had to figure out which way to go. It took a
little bit of guidance from the mentors but this group quickly caught on,
looking at the signage, orienting to the landscape, and determining the
position of the sun we determined which way was North and headed out.
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| Trying to figure out which way to go on Chuckanut Ridge |
Cruising along the ridgeline we were met with multiple
viewpoints East to the Cascades and North into Bellingham. Although the views
were incredible, the wind really picked up and the heat loss from convection
forced us to carry on. Dropping down onto Lost Lake Trail, there was a checkpoint
with a map for us to utilize in making our next decision. While perusing the
map and orienting ourselves, we were interrupted by the clomping hooves of two
horses and their owners who stopped to say hello. After petting the horses and
feeding them a few treats provided by their owners we said our goodbyes, took
on last chance to internalize the information on the map, and got back on the
trail.
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| Looking out to the East and the Cascades |
Descending down towards Arroyo Park the Roosevelt Elk Calves
demonstrated a keen memory and ability to overlay their knowledge gleaned from
the map onto the landscape. Remembering distances, number of junctions, and
proper direction to take, we quickly navigated multiple intersections and were
down near Arroyo in no time. With our outing nearing its end we had to decide
whether to explore Padden Creek or try and squeeze in a game or two. Circling
up the group collaborated, compromised, and arrived at a consensus just like
they’ve been taught to over the years. It was great to see some quieter voices
step into leadership roles and help us decide to head back early and try and
play a couple games along the way.
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| Checking out the trail map and orienting ourselves |
Getting to our final destination of N. Chuckanut Mountain
Trail Head was a big accomplishment. With little to no direction from mentors
or use of a compass, this small group of Roosevelt Elk Calves navigated nearly
four miles of twisting, turning trails through the Chuckanuts. Not only did we
exercise our ability to navigate, but learned about various tree species,
discovered a multitude of unique fungi, and met a variety of friendly, human
and non-human, passersby along the way. The unique circumstances of the day; a
traverse outing with a small group, allowed for an environment that fostered a
strong level of group cohesion, plentiful focus for natural history lessons,
and an energy of positivity that made the miles fly by. This was a really fun
outing for Explorers and mentors alike and although we look forward to seeing
the rest of the group on our next outing, this was a great day that won’t be
forgotten anytime soon.
Check out the rest of our photos from the outing
here!
