Red-Tailed Eyas traverse from Pine and Cedar to Arroyo

Our first outing of the Fall season fell on a September day that felt much like a summer outing; clear blue skies and mild temperatures. The idea for this outing was born from numerous hikes I have been on in the Chuckanuts and a desire to connect two of the major trail systems that climb the North side of Chuckanut Mountain. The landscape between Pine and Cedar Lakes trail and Arroyo park is full of deeply furrowed ravines and steep ridgelines. Knowing the Red Tailed Eyas to be a capable and strong group, both physically and in their group cohesion it seemed the perfect first outing for these guys.

We began climbing the Pine and Cedar lakes trail in search of a good location for an opening meeting. At the opening meeting we handed out jobs, talked about our Summers, and took a look at the topographic map of the Chuckanuts. We spent a good chunk of time looking at the map and identifying the easiest route across the slope and deciding at what point we would leave the established trail to start our bushwhack. A handful of the boys took initiative with reading the map and selecting the ideal route for the group.

As we left the trail we circled up one more time to make sure that we were all clear on the plan and felt up to the adventure of traversing this much ground without the aid of a trail. All the boys felt confident and expressed their interest in continuing the traverse.

The first part of the traverse proved to be easy travel along an obvious flat bench that traversed the hillside. Sword ferns as tall as our chests, towering hemlock and douglas fir trees provided the perfect ecosystem to travel through. As we traversed further along the hillside the terrain steepened and we spent more and more time closely examining the map to find the best route. At this point in the traverse we talked about Acceptable risk (or risk we can mitigate) versus risk we were not willing to accept as a group. It was a fruitful discussion for those involved and provided clarity on what kind of terrain we were will to travel through. We all decided that the hillside we wanted to climb fell into the category of acceptable risk that we could handle safely as a group.  

After a steep climb up a hillside we found a nice flat spot to take a break and eat some lunch.  Looking at the map we could see that from here we had to descend into the main drainage that separated the two trail systems. The topographic lines on the map indicated both a steep descent into creek and a steep climb back up the other side. The Red Tailed Eyas looked down into the creek and planned out and excellent route that would lead us through this section. One by one we all scrambled down the hill toward the creek and began the trek up the other side.

At the top of the hill we all grouped up and congratulated each other on our effort. From here we trekked the short distance out to the hemlock trail. As soon as we hit the trail all the boys celebrated  our completed traverse and expressed their enthusiasm and sense of accomplishment.

Unlike many of our outings with more of an emphasis on wandering and and following our inspiration on where to go and how to spend our time there, this outing was a much more directed traverse. Both types of exploration are important and teach us different lessons about the places we go. I was really impressed by the boys that were committed to learning how to read the map and plan a route across unknown terrain. Beyond the lessons of reading maps and navigating terrain I think the group learned a lot about approaching challenging situations and the value of working together as a group in these situations.  

Hiking Chuckanut Mountain with the Red-Tailed Eyas

The Red-Tailed Eyas arrived at Arroyo Park bouncing up and down with excitement. This was partially due to the fact that they had not seen each other very much over the winter season and partially because of the warm weather. A big thanks goes out to Brian Mulligan for stepping in as a Co-Mentor for the day. In the last year the Boys Explorers Club has been building a large volunteer Mentor community. Circling up I introduced Brian to the group and we talked a little about what it means to create community and how valuable it is to build social capital amongst your community members. After handing out jobs and sharing something fun that we did this winter the group was off.

Chuckanut Creek roared next to us as we hiked through the bottom of the valley. The Red-Tailed Eyas are really developing an eye for the natural world. One of the boys pointed to a Red Alder that had fallen over the creek. Investigating the hole that was made in the absence of the Alder roots one of the boys found a skeleton of a salmon embedded in the riverbank. Another Explorer asked if the group thought the salmon was fresh. Tracking that Chum and Coho Salmon usually run up Chuckanut Creek from October through December we knew that it must have been from the last salmon run. This was a great opportunity for Mentors to talk about the importance of salmon in our ecosystem. When the salmon die and decompose in streams the soil then becomes enriched with ocean minerals that are leached into the ground, creating a habitat that is able to support a richer diversity. Our question about the mystery behind this salmon carcass also led to the question of who might have eaten it. Was it a coyote or a Bald Eagle? Through our investigation we oriented to each connection that we make when we deepen our appreciation for the natural world and build a relationship with the landscape.

Looking at the forest it was plain to see that there had been turbulent changes throughout the winter storms. Downed Cedar and Alder littered the landscape. As a group we remembered back to the heavy snowfall we had received a few weeks earlier. The snow loading on the trees and the heavily saturated soil caused carnage. Starting up the steep switchbacks we came upon a piece of missing trail. An Alder had fallen, taking the section of trail down the hillside with it. Examining the Alders upturned roots it was easy to see how vital these root systems are to keeping the soil in place.

Just as we came up to our first trail junction someone shouted Hide! It turned out to be a very challenging game for the Explorers. With so many downed branches there was an abundance of great hiding spots. This was also a good time to talk with the Explorers about the importance of being aware of widow-makers and snags. Mentors explained that, “as much as we investigate on the forest floor we need to be aware of the potential hazards that lie above.” Sometimes trees and branches are weakened or only fall halfway. With this in mind we turned once again to our days exploration. As a group the boys worked together to Collaborate and Compromise on which trail they would take next. They chose to challenge themselves and take the high road. Learning how to flex with the groups needs while still listening to individual needs is a skill that is forming in the Red-Tailed Eyas. With each outing their leadership is tested and grows.

Starting back up the flanks of the Chuckanuts the group pushed themselves, mustering their energy. The Explorers were anxious to make it to a location that they had explored a few seasons prior, Cougar Rock. Cougar Rock sits on a shelf like ridge on the steep flanks of Chuckanut Mountain. This glacial erratic is not made of sandstone but of a much older rock that was carried by glaciers from the BC Coast Mountains. The Explorers climbed all over the rock; getting to practice the spotting techniques they learned last time they were here. While some of the boys climbed others stayed on the ridge shelf, carving with Brian. Providing the boys with the free time to explore and follow their inspirations is one gift we as Mentors can give them. I really see the creative side of the Explorers come out in these moments. As we were getting ready to move on one Explorer was struggling with the fear of jumping off Cougar Rock. It was wonderful to watch the boys support and encourage him in overcoming his fears.

Once we had our fill of climbing the group called for a game of Spider’s Web.The Mentors challenged the group to find a new location to play the game. This would mean hiking further than they had ever been before. They rose to the occasion and turned the hike into a trail game. Getting into our animal forms we played Cougar Stalks Deer. Halfway through the game the deer ran too far ahead leaving sound distance. This was an important time for the Mentors to talk about staying within sound distance even when were in the height of a game. This is the only way we can stay safe and be responsible for one another as a group.

Hiking further up the trail we came upon a cascading stream that flowed all the way down the valley to Chuckanut Creek. We listened to what Mentors and a few of the boys agreed to be one of the most soothing sounds, falling water. Just beyond the creek we came upon an old cabin sitting atop the ridgeline. This was the location that the Explorers had been looking for. The group scouted the land and came back to report on the best place to play. In the midst of deciding we heard multiple Barred Owl calls. Breaking our circle we crept over to the patch of trees we thought they were in. One of the Explorers spotted them and realized that there was a third. We heard a fledgling begging call and realized that it was most likely a pair and their fledgling. What a special moment to witness with the group. The Explorers decided that they should give the owls some space and this guided their decision on where to play.

After a challenging game of Spider’s Web it was time to start hiking down, but not before sharing a snack and having a closing meeting. Sitting in a circle we gave thanks for blooming Indian Plums and Nettles, for the owl fledglings and all the other signs of spring, for the chance to challenge ourselves as a group, for Cougar Rock, and for games and play. Brian and I encouraged the Explorers to continue challenging themselves in all aspects of their lives. Just as our challenge on this outing led to an animal sighting and new locations, challenges in our lives will lead us to finding our gifts and growing. The Mentors would like to thank all the parents and support staff that comes together to facilitate these wonderful outings. We look forward to our upcoming spring outings with the Red-Tailed Eyas. 

Be sure to checkout more pictures of the outing in our photo gallery.

Exploring Arroyo Park with the Red-Tailed Eyas

With snow having fallen the day before the outing, Red Tail Eyas reached the Arroyo Park trailhead prepared for any of the crazy weather that Spring was ready to dish out. They embraced the rain and were ready for a day of activities and connection.

Unfortunately, Mentors didn’t have the E.C. camera, so the pictures for this outing and blog posting are rather limited and not the best quality… please excuse us! Fortunately, however, the precipitation let up with every passing minute and only twenty minutes into our exploration, we were basking in sunshine! You know what it feels like.

Matt put us to the test immediately and engaged our observation skills. He picked out a blooming salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) and asked us a series of questions about the plant and its neighbors. It was a great way to sharpen our naturalist skills!

Leo eventually caught up with us and we had opening meeting down by the creek. Dave told the story of the Red-tailed Juvenile that Sam and his friends had found in Boulevard Park during spring break. He shared that it wasn’t a Red-tailed Hawk but actually a Peregrine Falcon, like Sam and his friends had said! That led our EMA, Kyler, from the Firestalkers, to share a story about an accipiter he saw in his yard last week and we discussed bird prey and predator strategies.

Explorers decided to use this new knowledge of raptors and hunting to create a game. It is still in the prototype version and remains nameless but it will take form in upcoming outings. Please ask your son if he remembers anything about accipiters or the “bird-killing birds.”

Our journey took us to the bridge at Arroyo Creek where we explored amphibian habitat. Though we didn’t find any slimy herps, we still had a chance to poke around in the forest and underneath logs. We even saw some young horses that quite obviously had never seen Explorers before!

Up the hill we went. We made it to the junction in the road and mentors warned us about the dangers in the area. One of the dangers had very sharp leaves and branches and goes by the common name of Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridus). Despite the scary scientific and common names, this plant has very strong and beneficial medicine for us. As such, we are going to refer to it more affectionately by calling it, Medicine Club!

We took a water break but pressed upwards and onwards… to Cougar Rock! Please ask your Explorer why it is called Cougar Rock and what they did there! During that time, we practiced our motto, Stretch Your Edge through many different activities: climbing a huge slippery rock, learning how to spot our friends, being cougars and stalking Matt (who pretended to be a deer), and carving chopsticks and other items with our knives.

Red-Tailed Eyas then felt the time crunch as Mentors moved them downhill quickly towards “Grandpa Douglas Fir.” Fortunately, we still had precious moments for a Sit Spot and we all had a moment to commune with nature on our own. As important as our group outings are for building community, we also value strengthening individuals’ connections with the natural world.

Boys found many Trilliums (Trillium ovatum), as they were blooming in the understory. Please quiz your Explorer about this forest flower- he should know how many leaves and petals there are in addition to how long they take to grow before they bloom!

Though time had gotten away from us during this fun outing, we concluded with a Circle of Thanks, practicing our motto, Attitude of Gratitude. We’ll conclude this blog posting with the same motto:

Thank you Explorers for getting involved in so many different activities today. From game designing to carving and climbing, you really inspired us with your energy. Parents, thank you for your support of this program and the encouragement and love you give to the Explorers. It’s really enjoyable to spend our weekends together and watching them grow.

We look forward to seeing you at our next outing on May 12th from 12-4pm as the Red-Tailed Eyas deepen their stewardship ethic. We’ll return to Larrabee State Park and toil to keep the English Ivy at bay. Please look at the photo gallery for other pictures from this outing and sign up for summer camp if you haven’t already. See ya!