Lookout Mountain Exploration

The sunshine was already warm as the Townsend's chipmunks gathered for their final outing of the Spring season. June can be such a mixed bag of weather; sun one day and full on rain and cold temperatures the next. I felt lucky to have such a nice day for our exploration of Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve.

With the hot weather we all decided it best to hike a short ways into the forest's canopy and cooler temperatures for our opening circle. A small grassy patch along the side of the trail presented as an excellent spot for the circle. We dropped packs and began to the customary tradition of deciding on jobs and making plans for how to spend our outing. Most of the boys were ansy in the circle and held little focus on the decision making process; thus dragging this circle into a long and slightly arduous process. After a few debates the group at last laid a framework for the day; hike into the woods first to play games, then explore the falls.

Our trail threaded it’s way through thick stands of salmonberry and elderberry with punctuations of tall alders and a few coniferous species. Once we were a good way into the forest we had the boys split up into two groups for an activity called a Song Line This is a traditional tool used for route finding used amongst many indigenous people. (Ask your son to explain it to you. This is not only a fun activity in explorers club but  also a great activity on a family hike!). The two groups parted ways in separate directions to create a song line.

Once back together the groups took turns sharing their song lines and letting the other group try and follow it back to a bandana. Each group ended up being successful in finding the bandana, but not without a few wrong turns along the way. It was really great to see the boys working as a team to decipher the clues and problem solve their errors. In the debrief we talked extensively about the various components to a song line and how we could improve in the future.

With the afternoon upon us it was time to make the trek up to the falls. I could go on and on about the playful energy of the boys, the enthusiasm with which they explored, the curiosity at all the things they found, their courageous leaps from one rock the the next, their numerous discoveries, or how their laughter filled the whole ravine, but I will leave those stories to them. I will say that when I think of Explorers club it is moments like these at the falls that come to mind.

Our closing circle was excellent; the boys showed an amazing amount of growth from the way that they had conducted themselves in the morning circle. Everyone was focused on listening to what their peers had to say and gave some very heartfelt gratitude for the day. It was pleasure to explore with your boys and spend time in such an amazing spot! Thank you Townsend’s Chipmunks for your growth as a group and growing maturity as individuals, we look forward to future adventures with you!

Towsend's Chipmunks Explore Along the MIghty Nooksack

The Townsend Chipmunks met at Cascade Montessori on a rainy day for their first outing using the Wild Whatcom bus. Now that this group has been exploring the various parks and forests in and around the greater Bellingham area, the mentors decided it was time for these boys to get out into a little more of a wilderness setting. Loading up the bus we cruised out Mt. Baker Highway to the Deming Homestead Eagle Park located alongside the mighty Nooksack River. The inside of the bus buzzed with excitement and enthusiasm as we made our way east and soon we had arrived.

Unloading our packs the boys quickly took shelter under the trees beside the parking lot to escape the dreary drizzle. Holding our opening circle among the shelter of the trees we had a bit of trouble focusing and forming a circle. It seemed everyone was rather excited to get out exploring and a bit distracted by the rain. Finally getting into a circle the mentors made sure to cover a few important things that popped up during our first few minutes on the land. Nothing to serious arose, but it was important to discuss two topics in particular: respectful interpersonal communication and how to properly dress for rainy weather. Reviewing a few topics of conversation we discussed some techniques to help avoid conflict and escalation and improve interpersonal communication among ourselves. We often forget about the emotional side of risk management, but managing emotional risk can be just as important as managing our physical risk. Speaking of physical risk, the mentors noticed a couple boys who were wearing denim jeans in the cold, drizzly weather. Remembering the old saying “cotton kills” we discussed what we could do to help us stay warm; primarily this means keeping cotton dry or even better, not wearing cotton at all. Getting rain gear on was the best we could do, but next exploration the best way to avoid this scenario is just leaving the cotton at home if it is looking like it may rain that day.

Now that we had discussed the importance of respectful interpersonal communication and how to keep ourselves warm and dry we were ready for some exploration. Heading out we soon hit our first obstacle; a strong side channel impeding our access to the flood plains and beyond those the Nooksack. Traversing eastward we took notice of a few wooden boards someone had put in place to be used as a bridge to cross the side channel. One by one we crossed and found ourselves in a flat, mossy flood plain full of young Cottonwoods and head high Japanese Knapweed. The broad leaves of these plants made it difficult to see much more than fifty or so feet in any direction. Despite our proximity to the park and Mt. Baker Highway, we were immersed in a wild setting, off trail, and needing to find a way to the river. This was much different from what the Townsend Chipmunks had experienced in the past. The flat gravel or packed earth trails of the parks and forests around Bellingham make it easy to confidently trek off into the woods knowing there is a highly developed and heavily trafficked trail to guide us. Out on the flood plains all we had to go off of was an old footpath that looked to be used more frequently by deer and coyote than human. Yet the Townsend Chipmunks took off confidently down this trail. The mentors decided to let them get a bit of true exploration in and let the boys lead the way.

After a few minutes of trekking it became apparent the Townsend’s Chipmunks assumed the trail would take us right to the river. Putting full faith in this forgotten footpath was a reminder to the mentors that these boys are still honing a greater awareness of their surroundings and the ebbs and flows associated with moving through a wild landscape. One must take note of everything around them; the level of the land, the plants growing around you, the micro-climates you are passing through, the tracks of other creatures and where they may be going, the direction of the sun and the time of day, the sounds and sensations around us and off in the distance. There is so much to track and so much to pay attention to. Of course this was the Townsend’s Chipmunk’s first outing in a wild place like this, so after some trials and tribulations the mentors stepped in and refocused the group. We had hit a second side channel and it was time to pause and re-evaluate our situation. People were getting hungry, thirsty, and energy was waning. Despite a few Explorer’s motivation to press on, the group always comes first. We backtracked to a clearing and settled in to eat some lunch, drink some water, and make a new game plan to get to the river. One benefit of tracking is that not only can you follow tracks of animals and where they went, but you can find your own footprints and follow them back if you ever get turned around in the wilderness. We tracked our path back to the trailhead and the mentors took a route that they knew would take us down to the river. Despite a little frustration and confusion, this first taste of wandering in the wilderness was exactly what the Townsend’s Chipmunks needed. Not to mention anytime you wander off trail in the wilderness you are bound to encounter a little frustration and confusion from time to time.

Finally breaking out of the Cottonwood saplings we hit the sand, rock, and silt of the banks of the Nooksack. Immediately the boys found a bounty of tracks from canine to ungulate to avian. The Explorers scattered across the landscape pursuing the natural wonders that called to them. After we got through the initial excitement we gathered our packs and made it down to the river. Here we spent the next few hours lost in free play. Splashing in the side pools, discovering new tracks and natural curiosities, and even building a bridge over a side channel to a log jam, there was so much to do and so little time! The mentors found it deeply gratifying to finally see the Townsend’s Chipmunks out on a vast, expansive, wild landscape like this. It was exactly what they needed. As if to mark this moment the clouds burned off and the sun shone brightly for the last part of our outing. Drying out, except for those who decided to wade into the water, we were warm, dry and happy. Fulfilled by exploration and free play we headed home feeling rather satisfied with what we had accomplished. Although we still had to review how to listen respectfully in our closing circle, there was a great step in growth taken today by the Townsend’s Chipmunks. This group is really coming into its own and after a successful day in the expansive wild lands along the Nooksack they will no doubt have many more exciting explorations like this in the future.  

Make sure to check out the rest of the photos from this outing here!

Townsend's Chipmunks Track at North Chuckanut Trailhead

Townsend Chipmunks - N. Chuckanut Trailhead - 03/12/16

Meeting up for the first time this season the Townsend Chipmunks and mentors arrived at North Chuckanut Trailhead. While a few of the late arrivals trickled in, the rest of the boys were immediately drawn to the pond beside the parking lot. Obviously eager to explore they scampered about the logs and if not for the mentors calling them back would have likely ended up quite wet and muddy before our outing even began! Gathering up for opening circle we welcomed a new mentor to the group and shared all our names and favorite animals to familiarize ourselves with one another before hitting the trail. We also took some time to discuss our earth skills focus for the season; Tracking and Bird Language.

A little ways into our hike we reached an intersection in the trail yet no one seemed to pause to ensure the group was together before moving on! The mentors crow called and got everyone to regroup to debrief what had happened. It may seem like a tedious task to pause at every intersection, but when these boys are old enough to go on backpacking trips in a few years, getting separated from the group while taking a wrong turn down a trail could be the difference between making it home safe and sound and being lost in the wilderness. But enough of the lecturing, time for a game of HIDE!

While we played a quick round, our EMA (Explorers Mentor Apprentice) headed off to begin a game of Stick Drag. The Explorers were briefed that the EMA would drag a stick along the trail to leave a track, picking the stick up from time to time and perhaps even trying to trick them a bit with his trail. It was their task to track in down and find him. Hurrying along they quickly picked up the drag marks and were in hot pursuit. Due to the nature of the trail it was pretty clear which direction the EMA went so some of the boys ran ahead, however the majority of the group really took to tracking. Getting down and examining the various skid marks and scuffs along the trail made tracking a bit difficult, however, looking ahead of us we could spot muddy sections and puddles that would provide excellent substrate for finding signs of the EMA. Picking up the pace we caught up to the EMA right at the bridge that crosses the creek into Arroyo Park.

Enamored with our surroundings it was impossible not to get sucked into a session of exploration. Scampering up and down the creek bed we made numerous discoveries. First of all there was a funny looking structure of sticks that upon further examination appeared to be some sort of hut constructed by whomever was here before us. We also found a variety of colorful stones, some blossoming Salmon Berry flowers, and even an adventurous WinterWren (who has one of the most complex songs of all the birds in our area!) that was residing beside the creek. Continuing upstream we practiced our tracking skills through some muddy sections of trail before arriving at an ancient Western Red Cedar that had fallen across the creek forming a magnificent land bridge. This was our gateway back across the creek and into the depths of the forest.

Pausing to eat lunch and explore our new surroundings for a bit, we regrouped and talked a bit more in depth about tracking. One of the best ways to hone your tracking skills is to get into the mind of the animal you are tracking! What better way to do that than embodying the animal’s locomotive techniques through Animal Forms. Taking turns we each practiced various gaits and strides pretending to be different animals from bears, to deer, to otters, and even a “crazy pig” which looked much like a fish out of water. All this body movement made us crave a good game of Spiders Web.

Hiking up the hillside we settled into a bit of a valley filled with chest high sword fern and a deep ravine cut out by a babbling brook. The thick forest canopy cast a dim light on the landscape evoking the sneaking and stalking mindset required for success in Spiders Web. We set up the game and were underway in no time. While the game was taking place one of the mentors held back to harvest some cedar for carving before jumping back into the game. Skirting around the edge of the field of ferns, dropping into the ravine to cross the creek, and snaking his way back up the other side the mentor was feeling pretty good about his chances. Suddenly he heard some rustling in the brush and hit the deck. Slowly but surely an Explorer came sneaking his way towards the mentor. Noticing he was there the Explorer calmly flashed him the food source bandana before continuing his way back to the web for a victory. The mentor was left in awe of this group of boys who in previous seasons couldn’t manage to sneak quietly through the underbrush, yet today they utilized the landscape, maintained constant camouflage from the Spider, and swiftly returned to the web without detection. In all honesty this was quite an impressive feat for a group of boys this age and was a great indicator of the growth both as individuals and as a group.

Gathering in circle one last time we broke out the apples and cutting board for a circle of gratitude. It was emphasized throughout the outing to hold a strong focus in circle, not to interrupt others, and to truly listen and not just wait to speak. This was the final test of the day. Could we get through closing circle without losing our focus and falling back to goofing off? Much to the amazement of the mentors the Townsend Chipmunks held their focus, listened to one another keenly, and shared deep gratitude for one another, the land, the animals, and all the fun we had during our outing. The mentors thanked the group for stepping up to the challenge and marking yet another step forward in the growth and development of this group. What a great way to start of the spring season!

Make sure to check out all the photos from our outing here!