Roosevelt Elk Calves Navigate Chuckanut Ridge

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Roosevelt Elk Calves Explore the Chuckanuts

Our third outing of the season was an exploration of the Chuckanuts via the North end trailhead through Arroyo Park. The Chuckanuts are a favorite location with many options for exploration and discovery. Late Fall is a particularly interesting time to explore this area since Chuckanut Creek often has salmon spawning upriver from bellingham bay. On this cold clear day the groups excitement was high and we quickly gathered and began moving.

We quickly hiked the steep switchbacks up to a trail junction where chose to take the trail that would take us down hill toward the creek and the potential to see spawning salmon. Once down at the creek we quickly saw the dorsal fins of several large Chum salmon making their way up stream. The group quickly dropped packs and headed to the bridge and shoreline to look at the salmon. It was truly impressive to see the powerful fish making their way through the swift current of Chuckanut creek. The Roosevelt Elk Calves all marveled at their movement and made keen observations of their activity. We had a great discussion on the bridge about how these fish spawn thousands of miles sometimes back to where they were born. The boys were enthusiastic and we spent a good chunk of time watching the salmon.

Soon we decided it was time to keep moving so we began to pack up in preparation to leave. As we packed up part of the group took off down the trail while the other part of the group was still packing up. We called the boys back from up ahead to wait for the rest of the group. After waiting for a while again the group began to spread out and not wait for everyone. Again we called the boys back and this time had everyone get into a circle. Tim and I told the boys what we expected and why it was important to stay together. The boys listened acutely as we expressed this and asked them what they needed to stay together better today. The roosevelt Elk Calves were able to really clearly articulate what they needed and where this urge to spread out was coming from. It was a really great discussion and highlighted the growth this group has gone through in the past year.

Once back on the trail we hiked upstream in search of more salmon and adventure. We soon reached a small sandy river bar with a large log to cross the creek on. One by one we made our way across the log and into the upland forest above the creek. The boys decided we should look for a good spot to drop packs, carve, and maybe play some games. We found a great flat spot between two sections of steep hill where we could set up a little basecamp. Everyone spread out and took the time to eat some lunch and adjust layers after the steep climb.

We spent the next hour harvesting cedar for carving wood, exploring the landscape and working on carving skills. The Roosevelt Elk Calves have shown an almost insatiable curiosity and drive to carve. Many of the boys have really been challenging themselves and their dedication has shown in the quality of their carving projects. After about an hour most of the boys had transitioned from carving and had found a sandstone outcropping on top of the hill with many fossils in it. The boys were totally content carving or exploring the fossils in this area.

As most of you know from our brief discussion after the outing one of the boys was hit in the head by a rock knocked down from above him as he climbed up the hill to investigate the fossils. The injury turned out to be OK. Tim and I quickly responded and took care of the injury. The rest of the boys showed a lot of maturity in how they handled the situation. They quickly responded to the directions Tim and I gave them and even packed up the injured boys gear to help us get out even quicker. We made our way down to the parking lot for an early pick up.

Luckily everything turned out fine and we were able to get the injured boy down to the parking lot and to the medical attention he needed. In our closing circle the boys brought up very insightful questions and observations about risk management, assisting others in hard situations, and what it means to be a cohesive group. Again I was really impressed by the Roosevelt Elk calves Maturity and insight when discussing these topics. The whole experience was not only a great learning opportunity for the boys but also for Tim and I. Our forefront priority while on these outings is to keep all of the boys safe and incidents like this help us solidify and reinforce our own risk management procedures.

Thank you Roosevelt Elk Calves for your growth as a group and thank you parents for your support of our program. Please be sure to look at our photo gallery for more pictures from the outing.

  

Roosevelt Elk Calves Explore the Chuckanuts

Our third outing of the season was an exploration of the Chuckanuts via the North end trailhead through Arroyo Park. The Chuckanuts are a favorite location with many options for exploration and discovery. Late Fall is a particularly interesting time to explore this area since Chuckanut Creek often has salmon spawning upriver from bellingham bay. On this cold clear day the groups excitement was high and we quickly gathered and began moving
We quickly hiked the steep switchbacks up to a trail junction where chose to take the trail that would take us down hill toward the creek and the potential to see spawning salmon. Once down at the creek we quickly saw the dorsal fins of several large Chum salmon making their way up stream. The group quickly dropped packs and headed to the bridge and shoreline to look at the salmon. It was truly impressive to see the powerful fish making their way through the swift current of Chuckanut creek. The Roosevelt Elk Calves all marveled at their movement and made keen observations of their activity. We had a great discussion on the bridge about how these fish spawn thousands of miles sometimes back to where they were born. The boys were enthusiastic and we spent a good chunk of time watching the salmon.

Soon we decided it was time to keep moving so we began to pack up in preparation to leave. As we packed up part of the group took off down the trail while the other part of the group was still packing up. We called the boys back from up ahead to wait for the rest of the group. After waiting for a while again the group began to spread out and not wait for everyone. Again we called the boys back and this time had everyone get into a circle. Tim and I told the boys what we expected and why it was important to stay together. The boys listened acutely as we expressed this and asked them what they needed to stay together better today. The roosevelt Elk Calves were able to really clearly articulate what they needed and where this urge to spread out was coming from. It was a really great discussion and highlighted the growth this group has gone through in the past year.

Once back on the trail we hiked upstream in search of more salmon and adventure. We soon reached a small sandy river bar with a large log to cross the creek on. One by one we made our way across the log and into the upland forest above the creek. The boys decided we should look for a good spot to drop packs, carve, and maybe play some games. We found a great flat spot between two sections of steep hill where we could set up a little basecamp. Everyone spread out and took the time to eat some lunch and adjust layers after the steep climb.

We spent the next hour harvesting cedar for carving wood, exploring the landscape and working on carving skills. The Roosevelt Elk Calves have shown an almost insatiable curiosity and drive to carve. Many of the boys have really been challenging themselves and their dedication has shown in the quality of their carving projects. After about an hour most of the boys had transitioned from carving and had found a sandstone outcropping on top of the hill with many fossils in it. The boys were totally content carving or exploring the fossils in this area.

As most of you know from our brief discussion after the outing one of the boys was hit in the head by a rock knocked down from above him as he climbed up the hill to investigate the fossils. The injury turned out to be OK. Tim and I quickly responded and took care of the injury. The rest of the boys showed a lot of maturity in how they handled the situation. They quickly responded to the directions Tim and I gave them and even packed up the injured boys gear to help us get out even quicker. We made our way down to the parking lot for an early pick up.

Luckily everything turned out fine and we were able to get the injured boy down to the parking lot and to the medical attention he needed. In our closing circle the boys brought up very insightful questions and observations about risk management, assisting others in hard situations, and what it means to be a cohesive group. Again I was really impressed by the Roosevelt Elk calves Maturity and insight when discussing these topics. The whole experience was not only a great learning opportunity for the boys but also for Tim and I. Our forefront priority while on these outings is to keep all of the boys safe and incidents like this help us solidify and reinforce our own risk management procedures.

Thank you Roosevelt Elk Calves for your growth as a group and thank you parents for your support of our program. Please be sure to look at our photo gallery for more pictures from the outing.

  

Navigating the South Lost Lake Trail with the Roosevelt Elk Calves

Arriving at the Clayton Beach Parking lot the Roosevelt Elk Calves circled up for a day of excitement. There had been some changes from last season; there were a few new members to the group! After we learned each other’s names we revisited the Explorers Club culture that is so vital to our outings. While discussing jobs, safety, and a general plan for the day some of the Explorers started to lose focus and derail the group’s conversation. Since We Are All Leaders it is important that each of us recognize that we have power within the group. When we interrupt others while they are sharing we misuse our power while taking away others. The boys are grasping and engaging in forms of circular leadership. This style of leadership is a vital soft skill necessary for working within our communities. Within the group’s circle there is an open space to work with these experiences and challenges and grow from within.

Hiking up the South Lost Lake Trail the group quickly headed into a grove of healthy second growth Cedar, Douglas, and Grand Fir. Under the tall canopy the forest was damp and cold. The group stopped to admire a stream that flowed directly on the side of the trail. Spring in its abundance is the perfect opportunity to view how water shapes the landscape. Tracking the land over the course of the seasons allows us to build a relationship with it and see the story it tells. Looking ahead the group saw large cedar limb that had come down in last snowfall. Working together and synchronizing our movements we carried the giant branch to the side of the trail.

It only took a few moments until someone shouted Hide! Explorers went diving under the Sword Ferns and downed limb. Moving a little farther along Dave took a step off the trail and called the group over. Dave suggested to them that we head down to a grove of large cedars a little ways off trail. Excited the group started forward, stopping them the Mentors explained to the group that walking off trail requires awareness. The Explorers were tasked with the challenge of navigating to the grove without stepping on anything living. Engaging their fox feet the boys walked with intention and caution. Getting off trail with the group is important as it engages our relationship with the land. The forest is not a static entity but rich and vibrant. When we move through with curiosity and care we stubble upon the landscapes mysteries and beauty.

Arriving at the Cedar stand the group snacked and wandered about. Combing thickets of Salmonberries, Swamp Cabbage and fallen Alders adjacent to the grove the group looked like a family of Raccoons. Searching out a little farther we walked across a forest floor thick with Cedar bows. Taking a little break the group rested on a soft bed of Cedar branches on the forest floor.

Coming back together at our lunch spot the Explorers encountered another opportunity to engage in a group process. Feeling the call to move the boys had to bring their minds together to decide which direction to head next.Collaborating and Compromising the group decided to explore one more spot and then navigated back up the main trail.

Throughout the course of the outing the Explorers had been gathering sticks. This stick gathering had caused some arguments over ownership and misuse. Feeling the need for triangular leadership Dave and I stepped in and fielded a discussion on stick culture. Revisiting our motto A Tool Vs. A Weapon we asked the question once again what is the difference? A few of the Explorers answered ‘you’. In Explorers Club we use tools and it’s about the intention that we put into tool that cultivates our respect and appreciation for them. After agreeing to some basic guidelines for stick use the group was ready to use their best intentions moving forward.

As we hiked Dave mentioned a couple of caves that he had found in a pile of glacial erratics at the bottom of a steep ridgeline. Anxious to explore the caves the group hiked with focus until we found the spot. Circling the group up again the Mentors had them commit to exploring the caves with awareness of the imprints we leave.  The last time a group explored here they slid down the rock faces and took some of the established moss with them. The group swore that they would climb through the caves but would not slide down them. As the Explorers crawled and maneuvered through the holes they would pop up twenty feet elsewhere on another side of the rock.  As a group of Pikas darted in and out of the rocks one of the Mentors started heading up the steep ridgeline towards a glacially carved shelf with a prominent sandstone cliff line. The rest of the group followed in suit. Climbing the shoulder of the ridgeline the group moved like Black Bears, climbing over boulders and wading through waist deep Salal.

Reaching the shelf we found views of the Puget Sound and sturdy Madronas leaning out over the cliffs edge, reaching for the light. Behind us was an open valley full of Huckleberries, Salal, and Douglas Fir. The spirit of adventure off the trail had provided the group a pristine and scared place of solitude. It was time for a sit spot. The boys spread out over land finding a place that called to them. Nestled under the Salal and forest canopy the Explorers got quiet and listened to the land. The sound of birds calling through the canopy, the rustle of Salal leaves as an animal moved close by, the sound of the wind as it moved through a tree; it is these moments that fill us with wonder and delight.

Coming back in for a closing circle on our vista the Roosevelt Elk Calves gave thanks. We thanked the spirit of adventure for showing us mysteries and challenges, the power of water to change our landscape, the gift that sun brings to a cold and wet forest, the damp and dark cave rocks that hold in spaces places below the soil, and for the ability to work as a group and get to know one another. The Mentors are delighted to share another season with the Explorers and want to give a big thanks to all the parents and volunteer staff that work tirelessly to support the Explorers Club. 

Please visit our photo gallery for more pictures from the outing.