Red-Tailed Eyas Explore North Galbraith Mountain with the Gray Wolf Pups

All outings are exciting, but the first outing of Spring season always seems to carry a little extra excitement; Winter is long and the days have just started being long enough and nice enough to explore again. As the Red Tailed Eyas gathered in the North Galbraith parking lot it was fun to see the faces of seasoned explorers and share memories of past explorations and adventures together. Today was an unusual day for Explorers Club in that we had two groups gathering at the same location; both the Red Tailed Eyas and a younger group called the Grey Wolf Pups. As the groups arrived all four mentors quickly conferenced and decided to take advantage of this anomaly and that we should all meet up for a big game of Spiders Web.

Once everyone had arrived the Red Tailed Eyas hit the trail just before the Grey Wolf Pups in search of a spot in the woods for an opening circle. After a few minutes of hiking we found one and all gathered together to not only discuss our day but also the upcoming season. Historically the Red Tailed Eyas have struggled with efficient group decision making; A skill that becomes increasingly important as these boys mature and began backpacking and other trips that take them deeper into the wilderness. Last season the group made some gains in this skill through some long and committing traverses that required careful thought of the group and ability to make quick decisions. But today the Red Tailed Eyas were back to their unfocused ways as we attempted to frame the season and talk about our plans for today.

As we sat in our circle the younger Grey Wolf Pups had sat down for their circle and quickly came up with a plan and were now hiking down the hill to find a spot for Spiders Web One of the red Tailed Eyas Said “Why do they get to leave their Circle?” The mentors replied that the Grey Wolf Pups had probably talked about everything they needed to talk about. This was a moment where it is clear that sometimes the best mentors are not the adults in the circle but our peers.

With our opening circle done we hiked down to join the Grey Wolf Pups for a giant Game of Spiders Web. The game went off without a hitch. We found an excellent location and playing with so many boys allowed us to have three spiders and two food sources. (ask your explorer how this changed the game, they will be happy to share!) 

After the first game well game together to talk about what to change for the next round. With such a large group it was challenging to facilitate this conversation, but soon we all came to an agreement about how to play the next round. Hiding in ravines, getting stuck on the web, new nettles stinging us, lots of dirt, rain sprinkles, laughter, new friends, challenging game, running up hills. We all ended the second game feeling satisfied and tired from our day together. This was a day that is a good reminder that sometimes just playing in the woods is the most important way to learn from and experience the land.

With the game over it was time to separate the Red Tailed Eyas and Grey Wolf Pups so we could each have our own closing circles. As we sat in our circle we all talked openly about decision making and how we could all individually  help facilitate better group work. The Red Tailed Eyas were all sincere in their comments and spoke from the heart. The group as a whole is still working on their ability to focus and make decisions, but on an individual level many of the boys have grown and matured a lot over the Winter and there are some strong and capable leaders emerging in the group. Thank you Red Tailed Eyas for a great Outing!

To see more photos from the day please visit the RTE's and GWP's photo albums. 

  

Red Tailed Eyas Have Encounters with Reptiles and Amphibians

The san juan islands lay visible on the horizon to the West and the pull of the Chuckanut mountains was tangible as the Red Tailed Eyas gathered alongside the infamous stubs on Samish way. Our destination for today's outing was the far South Eastern end of the Chuckanut mountain range, the last part of this range before they flatten out into the fields of Bow and Skagit County.

 As usual the ride aboard Stubs was high energy and a nice time for the boys to get out some of their nervous energy before reaching our location. We pulled into the parking lot at the base of Blanchard mountain and made our way toward the large map display of the trail system. With the Red Tailed Eyas it can sometimes take them a while to come together as a group and make decisions but once they do there is always insightful and strong leadership that emerges. Today was no different, after a few minutes of unfocused energy the group was ready to look at the map and make some decisions on where to head and how to get there.

 We started up the road toward the Alternate Incline trail but before long we were stopped by a large gravel pit on our left. dropping our packs we began to clamor up the loose rocky hillside. Very quickly we found a Northern Alligator lizard hiding in the rocks. Carefully removing rocks from around the lizard we were able to get a good look at him. Seeing the potential to find life amongst this seemingly desolate landscape we all spread out in search of more lizards. over the next hour we found many snakes, two species of frog and two species of lizard including our first find. It was a good reminder that the wilderness is all around us and we don’t have to be in the middle of nowhere to have amazing encounters with wildlife. All the boys handled the animals very gently and I was impressed with the amount of care they took to insure they put them back exactly where they found them. We try to find a balance in Boys Explorers Club between minimizing our impact on the land but also recognizing that we are a part of the land and cannot learn from it unless we embrace this. Our time in the rocks with the animals was a perfect balance of this ethic.

 After leaving the gravel pit we headed up the rest of the road and ducked off onto the Alternate Incline trail. After a solid hike up the steep trail we reached a small flat spot to stop and eat some food. We spread out; some of us seeking the sunny spots in the forest while other sought out the shade of Cedars and Douglas Firs. After lunch we circled up to discuss what we wanted to do with the remainder of the day. After a good discussion on where the groups energy was at and how much time we had left in the day we came down to two options; either to continue up to lizard lake or head off trail in search of a spot for Spiders Web. We decided on Spiders Web and began to traverse through the sword fern and fallen logs to a ridge that lay just off trail. From this ridge a small valley flanked by sword fern and rolling topography was visible far below, the perfect location for a game.

After taking some time to explore our new surroundings we set up some boundaries for the game and began. The terrain proved to be challenging for both the spider and the flies. The boys were up to this challenge and we had a great first round of Spiders Web. After coming back together to discuss the game we decided to play another round, but to move the location of the web and food source. We explored North from our original location skirting a steep hillside. Running over logs and jumping down hills we found a Huge dead tree still towering above us. The Red Tailed Eyas milled around it investigating its rotting structure and looking for burrows or other openings at it’s base. Because of it prominence on this landscape we decided to make this the food source for our second round.

 A flat knoll next to a small creek mad the perfect location for our closing circle and giving some thanks. Though we were sad to leave this small valley tucked deep in the Chuckanuts the time had come to go. We decided to cut straight down the hillside to the road and forge the trail on the way back. We galloped, laughed, rolled and jumped our way down the steep bank arriving back at stubs just in time to get back. Thank you Red Tailed Eyas for an excellent days exploring the woods and thank you parents for being supportive of what we do and sending your boys out with us to explore. Be sure to look through our photo gallery for more pictures from our adventures.  

The Red-Tailed Eyas Service Outing at Connelly Creek with the Raccoon Kits

The Red-Tailed Eyas met at the Connelly Creek Site last Saturday to continue building their relationship through service with the land. The Boys Explorers Club would like to take a moment to thank the City of Bellingham Parks and Rec Department and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) for providing mulch, plants, debris removal, and tools. Without the support and guidance from the volunteer coordinators Rae, Phoebe, and Ellen our transformative work would not be possible.

As the Explorers gathered dark and ominous rain clouds loomed over our heads. The Red-Tailed Eyas were not daunted however, this well-seasoned bunch has weathered their fair share of storms and standing there they looked very prepared and collected. Meandering over to our service site we circled up to talk about the day. Mentors explained that the group would be working with another group, the Raccoon Kits, who would be arriving in a half an hour. For the Raccoon Kits it would be their first time ever at the Connelly Creek Site. These younger boys would be looking to them for guidance and support. The group committed to modeling their interpretation of what it meant to be in good relationship with the land and what it meant to be a Mentor.

The Red-Tailed Eyas first task as elder Explorers was to remind the Raccoon Kits of the principals of the Art of Camouflage. Hearing the laughter and splashes across the creek the Eyas crawled through the dense vegetation and tucked themselves away.

As the group spread out over the site they crouched close to the muddy soil and became quiet. Sitting still the boys noticed the young Explorers were not the only ones moving about. Rufus Hummingbirds buzzed around the Black Twinberry and Spotted Towhee called out their songs of spring. The group sat for about thirty minutes in silence with a keen awareness of their surroundings.

Then from their hiding spots they saw the first of the Raccoon Kits arrive. The Raccoon Kits slowly searched the site with their best Owl Eyes but they did not find very many of them. Once all the boys were to the site Greg and Matt gave a Crow Call and the Red-Tailed Eyas emerged from the underbrush. The Raccoon Kits and Mentors laughed because some of the Explorers they missed were very close to the trail.

After gathering our lunches the group merged into one large circle and we went around and shared our names. As we snacked the Mentors demonstrated how NOT to use tools. It’s a good thing they were joking otherwise they might be a few fingers and teeth short heading back home! Then we reviewed how to safely use the tools and we got to work.

The older Eyas showed exemplary character and leadership as they guided the younger Explorers in the tasks for the day. One group of boys set out trimming Reed Canary Grass, while others dug Blackberry roots, lopped Blackberry stems, cut them up, and removed non-grass debris. Boys of all ages showed distinct focus and commitment to the projects in which they were involved. Mentors were humbled to see the cross-group and multi-aged collaboration. One Explorer stopped for a second to relish in the work being done and the process of cooperation that he knows all of these boys have inside their hearts.

Sawing off a broken Willow branch the group harvested its canes. Planting the willow sections into the freshly tilled soil teams worked to spread three-foot mulch rings around their bases. Saturday was a shining example of our motto,Many Hands Make Light Work.

After some solid service the group put down their tools, bid the Raccoon Kits farewell, and grabbed their packs. Sitting in the grass we shared apples and gave thanks for the day. The boys gave thanks for all the tools that helped us do our work, for the opportunity to collaborate with the Raccoon Kits, for all the animals that moved through the site, and for the opportunity to be together.

These boys stepped into the space with open and willing hearts and with caring attitudes while serving the land. They asked nothing in return and received the satisfaction of teamwork and a job well done. Thanks for your great work Red-Tailed Eyas. Parents, thank you for supporting these Explorers and for giving them the chance to serve the land with us.

These pictures and the photo gallery will tell the rest of this story, but the best thing to do would be to revisit the area with your Explorer so he can guide you along the work that he did. The sooner you get out there, the more prominent the changes will br. With 10 groups visiting this season, we have made quite an impact already. The next outing will be the last one of the season; The Art and Skill of Fire on June 1^st at North Galbraith Mountain Trailhead.

Exploring Squires Lake and Alger Alp with the Red-Tailed Eyas

Gathering at Samish Woods, the Red-Tailed Eyas were anxious to get going. As we waited for the last few Explorers to trickle in, the group circled up to meet Mike McKenzie, a volunteer mentor who would be joining us for the day. The Mentors would like to give a round of thanks to Mike and all our other volunteers who donate their time to enrich the Explorers lives. Once we had brought our minds together we hopped on Stubbs and headed out.

Arriving at Squires Lake the group jumped out of the bus and basked in the sun. Hiking up the lower flanks of Alger Alp, we started to sweat and overheat. After a long winter season the group was well prepared for cold and wet weather, but it was clear today that we would not need our layers. Traveling up the old railroad grade we looked at the large sandstone cliffs. Remembering how much had changed at Arroyo Park we started to notice a similar trend with downed Alders and Maples. One large Maple had fallen over the trail and the top section was protruding out above the hillside. Recognizing an opportunity, one Explorer climbed up and started to walk the log. Calling him back Matt explained why it might not have been the best idea. Just then the group noticed a Douglas Squirrel on one of the limbs. How exciting to see our native squirrel in action! With agility in his movement and nimbleness in his feet, he traversed from tree to tree.

Stopping a few switchbacks short of Squires Lake, the group headed off-trail in search of a rushing water sound that called to us. Following a deer trail, the boys came around a corner and found a fifteen-foot waterfall that cascaded into a series of pools ground out from the sandstone. The Explorers roamed and explored. After some genuine exploration it was clear to see that we had left an impact on the land. Feeling some inspiration Matt challenged the group with an Earth Skills Explosion. The group had five minutes to put everything back as it was before we arrived. The Explorers worked hard to place the moss and duff back on the steep section of the arroyo but it would not hold. Calling the group back in we talked about our relationship with the land. We have a motto that guides our explorations The Road is Not the Territory. The land is moving and changing and for the group to stay bound to the trail would mean that we would have a relationship with it much like a museum.

Our immersion into the landscape comes with a great responsibility. When we travel off-trail we do it with intention and care. The Mentors called the groups attention towards a deer trail that ran along the steep section of cliff in the arroyo. The deer trail was hardly visible, as it had not a single patch of moss torn nor a single rock or stick disturbed. We too can move with the swiftness of a deer and the agility of a Douglas Squirrel if we focus our minds and bodies.

Once we had met up with the trail we headed up to the lake and lunched on its north end. As we ate, the Explorers came together to decide which way to head. During our explorations these decisions often cut into our outing time but the process is so vital to becoming circular leaders. We need to Collaborate and Compromise because we are part of a community. The job of the Tribal Elder in these moments is to guide the other Explorers in the group's decision-making process: brainstorm and listen to solutions, gather all possible options, evaluate these options, find a solution and check in with the group about the decision. The group agreed to head around the north side of the lake, and eventually looping around to the Beaver Pond all the while looking for a place to play Spider’s Web.

Hiking along an old logging road, the group veered away from the lake. Feeling some inspiration Matt called for one of the Explorers to be a deer in a round ofCougar Stalks Deer. As we ran after the deer we worked up quite a sweat and started to get a little spread out; a Crow Call reconnected the group. One of the Explorers shouted, “Look at that giant Cedar stump!“ Peering down its hollowed out center we reckoned that it must have been ten feet deep. A brave Explorer braced himself against the wall and climbed down. Jumping to the base he sank into thick Cedar mulch. The boys took turns climbing down it and found that there was a small opening at the bottom. The boys felt quite at home in their Cedar Stump shelter.

Pushing on farther we reconnected with the Squires Lake Loop Trail and made our way to the Beaver Pond. Sitting down for a brief rest we watched the Red-winged Blackbirds dart in and out of the Cattails and tracked the signs of recent Beaver activity. Feeling the need to honor the group’s decision to find a Spider’s Web spot, one of the Mentors went and set up a game in a nearby valley; this turned out to be a very challenging spot for the flies! A maze of downed trees, boulders and mossy slopes kept the food source in safe protection by the Spider the whole game. Situated on the crux of three ridgelines, the Spider watched with mindful eyes. The flies got quiet and were patient as they waited behind boulders and under Sword Fern for the Spider to give them an opportune moment. After about forty-minutes Matt checked his clock and it was time to go!

Hiking down the trail the group walked with speed and focus. Stopping only once to admire a dead Townsend Mole on the trail and some Turkey Vultures soaring above. The group arrived back in record time, albeit sweaty and tired. This is not the typical pace for an outing but the group got caught up in the moment.

As we cruised back into town we shared some apples and gave some thanks. The Explorers gave thanks for a wonderful day full of exploration, for all the wildlife that moves through the Alger Alps, for the ability to learn and grow from our experiences, for the warmth of the sun and signs of spring in the air, and for games and opportunities to get together with friends. The Mentors are thankful for the opportunity to enjoy such a rich and sunny day with the Red-Tailed Eyas.

Please visit our photo gallery for more pictures from the outing. Click here for a short article about the wonders of Squires Lake Park. 

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.