The Connelly Creek Traverse with the Branch Hoppers

Branch Hoppers Explorers gathered on a sun-balmy Sunday at Marine Park for the beginning of the Connelly Creek traverse. The water was placid, the temperature climbing, the sky a clear blue. It was nearly a summer day, and all of Bellingham seemed to be celebrating. Marine Park was busier than this Explorer has ever seen it—people in the water and on the beach, the gulls, crows, sparrows, finches, and hummingbirds bustling or basking, the trees sending out joyful blossoms and new leaves drinking deeply from the radiance. There was something sweet about sharing the enjoyment of the weather with the whole community.

Explorers gathered and soon the excitement of gathering again mixed with the wonder of the weather made for an explosion of running, tagging, laughing, and falling. Once everyone arrived, mentors turned right into the skid and decided to open up the day with a rowdy game instead of a meeting. Tail tag!  We found a good location with natural boundaries, circled up, and made sure everyone knew the game. Explorers got ready, set, and burst into action. Tails were pulled, challenges abounded, and on-the-spot awareness proved key. Explorers learned a bit more about the value of owl eyes and expanded awareness, as well as getting a good sense of positive versus negative competition. That said, it did boil down to being a really fun game. The second round included a challenge: everyone on all fours and with the tail tucked in the back pocket. This changed things quite a bit on all fronts. At the end of this round, we had thoroughly exhausted ourselves, which meant it was a perfect time to circle up, have opening meeting, water, and a snack.

In circle, we recognized a mentor who some had not met before. Tim was stepping in to work with us as Steve spent the weekend recertifying his wilderness first responder status. Though we missed Steve, it was a great opportunity to get to explore with Tim. He brought much wisdom and insight to our group. We introduced ourselves in some creative ways, then got down to the business of our day’s plan. It was simple. The Branch Hoppers had a mission: go east, young men! We had to find our way along the creek from where it met the ocean to where we do service. This lead into a few key points about how all things are connected and the power of water. Explorers were first challenged to find east. Any Explorers remember which cardinal direction the sun is at around 1 o’clock during daylight saving hours? Where does it rise? Where does it set? We’ll look more and more into why as we delve further into the art of Exploring.

So, the mission was given, and it was up to Branch Hoppers to get us there. We had a special job situation where, instead of having one tribal elder, we had tried having a tribal council of four people. This would prove very important, as we had some genuine high risk hazards this outing. We had to cross streets and a railroad. Tribal elders and scouts helped the group to stay together and to figure out how and when to cross safely.

Soon after our first crossings, we came to a fork in the road. Again, the group was challenged to come to a consensus decision. After a lot of squirming and a few helpful prompts from the mentors, we decided and we went for it. A new wilderness community began to open up before us as we entered wooded areas. A bird calling above us gained our attention. The knowledge keeper brought out the bird book, and, after some deliberation, an ID was made: a northern flicker. Shortly after that, we found a fascinating nest that looked like an old sock. At the next crossroads, we deliberated again. Needs were stated, scouts employed, and a decision was shortly made. As we began to exit, we decided to try out eating a few of the flowers from a bigleaf maple.

Further down the trail, we found an excellent spot to have some more food and water. It was near Padden Creek and seemed to just call to us. After some food, spontaneous play broke out. Lots of sticks and exploring seemed to be called out of us. As we began to pack up for the journey ahead, we set the Explorers Club goal of learning how to be more skillful and honorable with sticks. Just at that moment, someone pointed out a sign. We were standing on an ancient campsite from thousands of years ago. Perhaps this scene had been played out on this very spot thousands of times before.

More adventures ensued of course, but all cannot be told. Know that there was more edge-stretching with group empowerment and decision making, learning how to endure when tired, learning a bit more- through direct experience- about our water and land, safely navigated real hazards, and finding enjoyment in the face of challenge. There was also plenty of genuine play and thoughtless wonder as we enjoyed the water, the trail, the land, and all of our natural communities.

Ending at the service site brought it all home. Everything really is connected. Parents, you might see the picture of the dead old world rat that we found by the site. We looked at this rat before closing circle and wondered how many living things we passed on our way who depended on this creek to live. We also thought about the ancient campsite and all of the other signs pointing to the history of this trail. How much died to build the soil for all of these beings, and us, to live? That old world rat was a good teacher. Of course, we ended with a good circle, shared food, and thanks.

Much thanks to all the Branch Hoppers for your wonderful work! Much thanks to all the families for your enduring support. Don’t forget to check out pics from the outing in our photo gallery.