Gray Wolf Pups Traverse Padden Creek

On a remarkably sunny spring day the Gray Wolf Pups met up at Lake Padden for their final outing of the season. Our adventure would begin at the south end of Lake Padden and would take us along the shore side trail to the lakes outlet; Padden Creek. We would then follow Padden Creek for a ways, go off trail, and meander our way down to Old Fairhaven Parkway, under I-5, and right to our Connelly Creek service site. This traverse was an Explorers Club first and the Gray Wolf Pups were eager to blaze the trail. Circling up in the field we handed out our jobs for the day that help us explore and keep us safe. Although the boys are so familiar with them, one Explorer even passed them all out, we would need to revisit their purpose a few times later on in our outing.

With too much energy to sit in circle, it was clear we needed to hit the trail. First we checked out the map, planned our course and determined the best route for our traverse. Hiking along the south shore was the most direct route so off we went. Traverses are a fun change of pace for the boys because with all the hiking it gives ample time to chat with fellow Explorers about shared hobbies, interesting things on the trail, or just do their best to get one another to laugh. Of course we broke up the walking and talking with numerous games of “HIDE!” and discovered that even on heavily travelled trails there are plenty of nooks and crannies and sword ferns to tuck away in out of sight.

Coming to the outlet of the lake, we turned down the Padden Gorge Trail that meanders just beside the depressingly small trickle of water that is Padden Creek. This was a great reminder that we indeed had a warm winter and though the rain has filled our aquifers, the snow pack that should have been melting in the hot sun and supplying our lakes and streams with cool glacial water is just not there this year. Also beside the trail we discovered a bouquet of flowers that someone had picked yet mysteriously left on the side of the trail. Curious, the mentors and some of the boys inspected the flowers as the rest of the group who was a bit ahead kept trekking along.

As we inspected the flowers, both mentors quickly took note of the small cluster of white flowers, purple-speckled stalk, and carrot-top like leaves and advised everyone not to touch this plant. Yes, someone had picked a bouquet of Poison Hemlock! We inferred that they likely picked the highly poisonous plant unbeknownst to them only to get contact dermatitis and set the plant down to avoid any further irritation. This was a great learning opportunity for some of the Explorers to ID one of our deadliest plants and learn from another’s mistake which is certainly preferable than learning from your own.

We quickly caught up to the rest of the group and cut off the main gravel path to follow a deer trail that the mentors had scouted days before. Trekking ahead, the boys in front yet again managed to outpace the boys in the back. Generally this is when the Front Scout takes note and has the group stop to allow the back of the group catch up. However, the Front Scout was keener to adventure than keep the group together. Along the way some of the Explorers who had studied the Poison Hemlock shared their newly gleaned knowledge with the others. To their surprise this information made a handful of the boys who had scouted ahead very nervous. (SPOILER ALERT TO SAVE PARENTS FROM WORRYING: No one consumed Poison Hemlock or came in contact with it!).  In fact, as the mentors began investigating their sheepish behavior they learned that a couple of the boys had found a plant they thought looked like “tobacco” and in a humorous effort took a little nibble of it. This action rarely if ever happens and in BEC we make a very, VERY strong emphasis around NEVER consuming any plant until you have a one hundred percent positive identification. This is in fact one of the few topics mentors can become incredibly stern on the boys over due to the severity of it. However, a few boys managed to let this notion slip their minds. We quickly found the plant in question and made sure it was not Poison Hemlock. Using our Plants Knowledge Keeper (aka Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast by Pojar and McKinnon), we identifyied it as Palmate Coltsfoot which is not poisonous. In fact, the Quinault used it to cover berries in steam cooking pits and it has even been cultivated by Japanese immigrants as an early spring vegetable (Pojar p.294). There is no doubt these Explorers learned an immense lesson from this experience and even admitted to being a bit rattled from the thought they could have consumed Poison Hemlock and required a trip in an ambulance to get their stomach pumped at the hospital.

After getting too spread out along the trail and having a scare with consuming plants we hadn’t first positively identified, it was clear we needed to have a talk. Upon circling up the mentors emphasized the importance of awareness; tracking the landscape, the plants, the animals, the weather, the season, the group, and yourself. How are your actions impacting others? How are your actions impacting the land? How is the land impacting your actions? How are your emotions impacting your actions? Etc. We must be vigilant in our awareness to ensure our personal safety, group safety, and the safety of the land. Our actions ripple throughout our own lives, the lives of those who are close to us, and even the lives of those we are unaware of.  Luckily we escaped the day without any harm done, but there is nothing like a close call to truly learn a lesson. The mentors also emphasized the importance of making mistakes in life, that it is inevitable, and that instead of dwelling on what could have been it is important to learn everything you can from the experience and move on with greater wisdom and the confidence of knowing how to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

We took a moment to decide as a group how to spend the rest of our day; carve then hike, hike then carve, or hike then carve/play in Connelly Creek. The Gray Wolf Pups showed an impressive level of group cooperation and decision making though they still needed a little nudge here or there from the mentors. The decision was made to hike all the way to Connelly Creek and maximize our free time there to carve, play in the creek, or just explore a place we usually spend all day working at. Once we navigated the thick salmonberry, sunny hillside of the old housing development, and navigated across Old Fairhaven Parkway, we finally made it to our destination.

At Connelly Creek the boys relaxed after a long hike in the sun. Some Explorers carved, while others went down to the creek to build boats out of sticks, grass, and leaves and race them down the creek. This quickly turned into a full on creek exploration where boys discovered crawfish, broke up stick dams that were clogging the creek, and just got lost in the moment of it all. It was wonderful to see these boys getting to enjoy the very creek they work so hard for in their service. It was a fitting end to a great day, and a great season, where much was learned and many fond memories were formed.

The Barred Owlets traverse Padden Creek to Connelly Creek

As the old saying goes: The best laid plans.....

Our intention for our first traverse as a group was to follow the lifecycle of the salmon by hiking from MarinePark to the Connelly Creek service site on the trail that follows the creek through Fairhaven Park. You may remember we began the spring season by talking about the water in our bodies. Of course, mother nature complemented our conversation by providing all sorts of water in the form of a steady downpour! On the next outing, we talked about estuaries when we visited Clayton Beach. Then, we worked hard to restore the Connelly Creek service site to foster the salmon traverse. So, it made sense to tie it all together with this nicely organized hike.

But, like I said, the best laid plans....

We took off from Marine Park and headed to the estuary where Padden Creek empties into the bay. We talked about the near shore habitat as we observed the low tide, then crossed over to the south to follow Padden Creek. So far, so good. 

We hadn’t gone 50 yards, though, when the draw of the creek proved too powerful for the explorers. Several boys dropped down from the trail to the creek and splashed in. Can you feel the nice, neat plan falling by the wayside? A few more boys in the creek and we faced a decision as a group...should we abandon the trail and hike the creek bed? Thanks to our dry spring, the water level is low, which tempted even those without water ready footwear to try rock-stepping, rock-hopping, trail-side wandering and otherwise following the water without getting too wet. Or so we thought...

The explorers were excited to venture off the beaten path. A few saw a trout, all figured out how to vault over the log lying across the creek and several tested the echo-level in one of the tunnels. We were feeling pretty good about ourselves when we got to a spot that was a bit deeper - a bigger challenge for the boys trying to stay dry, more excitement for those who were OK with getting wet.

Of course, we don’t shrink from a reasonable challenge at Explorers Club (check out our Stretch Your Edge and Challenge by Choice mottos here). And that’s a key takeaway from this outing. We challenged the boys to accomplish their first traverse and then raised the stakes by dropping into the creek for much of the hike, and they responded. It’s nice to see their connection with the land deepen with each outing. And just as nice to see them stretch their edges to accept the challenges that come with spending time in the outdoors. They’re doing great! So, all’s good, right? Well......

Back to our intrepid explorers in that higher level water. A few were doing their best to keep their boots and socks dry by edging along on what turned out to be wet clay, not the Chuckanut sandstone they thought (hoped?) it was. Quicker than you can say, “It’s raining, it’s pouring; let’s go exploring!” they were in the creek up to their navels! 

By now, everyone was wet to varying degrees. Fortunately, the boys were ready to deal with the consequences of our adventurous nature, the weather cooperated (I wouldn’t wanted to have this happen on that first outing!), and we still had enough time hiking to dry most of the pants, socks, and boots. 

When the creek and Interurban Trail parted ways, we climbed back up to the trail and headed east toward the Connelly Creek service site. Hiking the trail was a nice break that lasted until we crossed Old Fairhaven Parkway. Connelly Creek is in the tall grasses, but access is limited at this point. So, back off trail. This time, we bushwhacked our way to Connelly Creek and back into the water!

Amazingly, we arrived at the service site right on time to make some tea and enjoy the cookies Steve made to atone for forgetting the apples at Clayton Beach. A sit spot to reflect on nature’s wonders and a round of thanks in our closing meeting, and the Barred Owlets’ spring 2015 season passed quietly into posterity. 

Sincere thanks to you for entrusting your boys to our care during the spring. Try as we might, we couldn’t keep them dry (even when the sun was shining) but we believe their time in the outdoors is therapeutic. We look forward to spending more time with them at camps over the summer and back to Explorers Club in the fall. Check here for photos from our traverse.

Connelly Creek Traverse with the Roosevelt Elk Calves

Boy, was it nice when we all met last Saturday at Marine Park! The sun was shining it sure felt like the spring that we know and love. Roosevelt Elk Calves were full of energy and mentors were excited to funnel them upstream like the salmon they came to understand and mimic.

The Connelly Creek Traverse is an opportunity for Explorers to follow Padden and then Connelly Creeks upstream from Bellingham Bay. This is to put ourselves in the mindset and body of the salmon that have been migrating like this for many years. With the culvert under Old Fairhaven Parkway recently removed around 22nd Street, those salmon made it to Connelly Creek last fall for the first time in over 80 years, one resident told us.

We end the outing at the Boys EC service site at Connelly Creek in Happy Valley Park. Next outing the boys will do some salmon habitat restoration there. So our hope is that the boys can start to piece together the connections between their journeying, their service work, and the species that inhabit the lands we explore and serve. Or simply, that they have fun on a long walk on a gorgeous spring day!

We played games at Marine Park to release the pent up energy after a long week in classrooms. Tim filled in for Steve who was recertifying his Wilderness First Responder certification. David K joined as a volunteer mentor too. Roosevelt Elk Calves and mentors became part of the herd and the third mentor transformed into a cougar that tried to eat the elk running through his forest. It was fun to run around and avoid getting tagged.

Hunger set in and we needed a place to eat lunch. Dave led us to a bluff above the water treatment facility and we enjoyed food and water with a nice view. A tiny hill eventually became the center of attention as boys created and played an impromptu game of tag that involved them trying to climb atop of the mound. It’s amazing to me just how spontaneous and natural it was for these Explorers to create a game together, develop rules, and focus on their tiny world. I think we could have stayed there for hours if we didn’t have a traverse to complete.

We rolled down the hill and began the understanding of plant knowledge. We shouldn’t pick any plants we cannot identify. Some are food, and others are poisons. Others are medicine and nearby there are plants that could kill us. In the end, we began the plant identification journey and recognized just how vital it is that we form relationships with these botaneous (made-up word) comrades.

Games of Hide! ensued as we wound our way up trail and upstream to Padden Creek. For the next two hours we traversed twenty-two blocks, took many breaks along the way, joked, and enjoyed the shade. Please ask your Explorer if he can remember the names of any tree or plant species we identified during our walk. Does he remember the medicine tree that Dave showed them? Do they remember the bird’s nest that looks like a sock? Does he have any funny stories to share about a fellow Explorer?

After long last we made it to the confluence of Connelly and Padden creeks. What a peaceful place! The Roosevelt Elk Calves took to it like it was their own home. They were keen to explore its banks and dive into its waters. The service bug must have nipped them early because they spent some time trying to remove dams so that the salmon would have clearer paths through which to swim.

We had a closing meeting and followed the motto, Attitude of Gratitude, as we participated in a Circle of Thanks. I am thankful that we had such nice weather and that Explorers deepened their relationship to the Connelly Creek watershed.

Well done Explorers for making the entire journey! Parents, thank you for your support of these boys as they connect with the land and each other… or at least for dropping us off and picking us up on both ends while we played for five hours in between :)

Please see the photo gallery for more pictures of the outing. See you next time, at the Connelly Creek Service Site on April 27th at noon!

BEC: Salamander Efts on the Connelly Creek Traverse

When mentors planned this outing originally, we thought that it might make for a nice adventure in potentially colder spring temperatures. As it turned out, however, the sun came out and it was a gorgeous day as the Salamander Efts gathered at Marine Park to start the Connelly Creek Traverse.

It was apparent that we should have changed the outing at the onset, and spent all day lounging near the coast because the day had a hint of summer expansiveness that was not conducive to “completing” a traverse, or anything. Nevertheless, the boys stretched their edges to balance fun and exploration with the outing’s focus of reaching the Boys EC service site in Happy Valley Park.

After reviewing names and welcoming mentor Greg back into the fold, we embraced the spring warmth. Explorers threw rocks, basked in the sun, and ran around the beach at Marine Park. We finally garnered momentum and began the two and a half mile trek by checking out the Great Blue Heron rookery adjacent to the water treatment facility. We counted a dozen birds and nests atop the grove of tall, skinny Red Alders.

We pushed onwards until we had a nice view of Bellingham Bay before having lunch. Boys ate, joked, and laughed. Some slept and others continued their carving journey from last outing. Once again, we got the gears moving slowly and found the interurban trail which was to guide us for the most of the rest of our outing.

Some games of Hide kept us occupied as we passed 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th streets. We learned to identify plants as we walked. Please ask your Explorer if he remembers the three trees (Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir, and Grand Fir) we found along the first part of our route.

Then came some coincidences. Dave had everyone practice what to do when bicyclists approached and everyone moved to the side. He called out “Bicycle!” and then three riders appeared from around the corner looking rather shocked at having been called out without being seen.

The next occurred when boys and mentors explored a gorgeous plant with pink tubular flowers. Ribes sanguineum is one of the first blooming spring plants and is connected with a unique pollinator. Ask your Explorer if he remembers the coincidence and what that pollinator species is!

We identified Indium Plum, the leaves of which your Explorers may tell you smell like cucumber when crushed. Its drooping clusters of 5-petaled white flowers are yet another sign of this primary bloomer. We walked upcreek in the shade of giant Black Cottonwood trees, all the while tracking the route of the salmon.

Indeed one of the objectives of this outing (yup, we do have some goals in mind :) ) was to connect Explorers with the service work they will do next outing. By tracing the salmons “steps” up to Connelly Creek from Bellingham Bay, we hope that the boys will see how vital their service work is to the salmon, the watershed, and to our community. Habitat restoration will lead to clear, clean water upcreek that flows and weaves through the entirety of Happy Valley and Fairhaven to the ocean.

We played some games to quicken the pace and then took a long break for water, food, and to practice skills. Greg created an ember, and then a fire by using his hand drill which impressed some Explorers. You too can do this, boys, if you practice! Practicing the Art of the Carving can lead you to this Art of Fire too. And sure enough boys cleared space for blood circles and safely carved. The first blood of the season was drawn when one Explorer nicked the tip of his finger while using his edged tool. The lesson here: stay focused, don’t rush, and watch your work.

The last stage of the day was finding Padden Creek after it crosses under Old Fairhaven Parkway. We wandered through thickets of salmonberry and blackberry and marshy footing as we arrived to the confluence of Padden and Connelly Creeks. At this juncture we held closing meeting, shared apples, and participated in a Circle of Thanks.

As we ambled through the rest of the riparian zone we came to the Connelly Creek bridge and considered, albeit briefly, the habitat downcreek versus upcreek of the bridge. We have a lot of work to do to help this habitat, Explorers. Uncharacteristically, we arrived to our parents right on time. What an outing- we managed to balance our wanderlust with a focused intention!

Thank you Explorers for such a strong presence today. You are growing faster than we can keep up but we have intention for the rest of the season- service, carving, and Spider’s Web. Parents, thank you for encouraging these boys and supporting our traverse by driving to two different locations. The journey was only doable because of your help!

Please see more pictures from this outing in the photo gallery. We look forward to seeing you at the next outing from 11am-3pm on Saturday, April 26th.

Traversing Connelly and Padden Creek with the Gray Wolf Pups

Arriving at Marine Park the Gray Wolf Pups quickly hurried down the beach to look out at the bay. It was apparent that the group had cultivated resiliency over the fall season. Heading straight into the gale they roamed the beach looking in the nooks and crannies in the breakwater. Circling up on the sand the group played a quick name game and revisited some Explorers Club Culture. The Mentors challenged them to remember each one of the group’s very important jobs. As they called out jobs the conversation turned towards the importance of the jobs within the group. An Explorer asked which was the most important job. This was a great time for the Mentors to talk about the importance of circular leadership within our group. We Are All Leaders and our jobs function interdependently with one another. We separate our jobs from ego and authority, filling our roles for the sake of putting forth our best intentions and actions within the group and for the land.

Turning our conversation towards the journey ahead we took a look at a map of the interurban trails that connect Marine Park to our Connelly Creek Service Site.   Learning how to orient the map to the four cardinal directions the Explorers deciphered that they would need to head east and find a safe place to navigate over the train tracks. Mentors cautioned the group that out of all the hazards on our journey road and train track crossings are the most dangerous. Our ability to focus as a group and bring forward the task at hand is critical in these moments.

After crossing the tracks safely one Explorer pointed out what he thought was the interurban trail. The group reviewed the map again and his instincts were correct. Just as we were about to head east a large murder of crows, about fifty strong, flew over our heads. Tracking the Northwestern Crows we could tell that they were alert and on edge. Matt asked the group why crows flock in large groups in the wintertime. The group came to the conclusion that the crows stick together because of predatory risks. Matt explained that crows flock and roost together to avoid predation from raptors, to share information about danger and food sources, and also to find mates. Northwestern Crows are extremely altruistic and loyal. Matt asked the Explorers which other species crow behavior reminded them of. Thinking about it for a while they came to the conclusion that we were very similar. We can learn so much from the other species when we get quiet and observe what the land is telling us.

Turning once again to the Tribal Elder the Mentors asked the group which way we were headed. One of the boys who was familiar with the area brought up the suggestion to follow the trail west towards Fairhaven Dog Park. In our outings Mentors seek to cultivate organizational skills within the Explorers. Touching on the traverse the Mentors told the boys that it had been almost an hour already and we had moved about one-eight of a mile on our two and a half mile trek. The boys decided as a group that we would go and explore west for a little bit and then really focus our hiking for the next leg of the trek. Arriving at the dog park the boys were immediately drawn to the large hill. Like clockwork some called Hide and the group went diving into the Scotch Broom bushes. After playing multiple rounds and almost losing our snacks to some hungry dogs the group was back on the trail.

Although the weather was cold and wet the signs of spring were in the air. As we walked we admired the white flowers and vibrant green leaves of the Indian Plums and pinkish flowers of the Red-Flowering Currants. With some guidance from the Mentors each of the boys sampled a leaf from a female Indian Plum. When eaten and crushed the plum leaves have a strong odor and taste of cucumbers. At this point in the Gray Wolf Pups journey with harvesting it is critical that don’t eat anything before consulting with a Mentor. It is important to be well informed when harvesting wild edibles and also to harvest them ethically. Foraging is a skill that takes time and focus to develop and can deeply connect us to the power of the place and season.

As we hiked the front scout started to hear some commotion in the distance. The group came to find that there was a race happening on the same trail we were traversing. We circled up and decided that we were going to use the race as an opportunity to increase our awareness skills; if someone called runner, everyone had to get to the right side of the trail. Little did the group know that we were going to have to call “Runner!” about every thirty seconds! In the end it was a great chance for the boys to work on group communication and keeping that same focus we used to cross the tracks.

After about a long push the group stopped and rested and snacked. As the cold and wet day started to set in the group began to feel tired and fatigued. Matt and I encouraged the boys to muster their energy. The group rallied and once again started snaking along Padden Creek as it thundered towards Bellingham Bay. Hiking along we came across a section of trees that had been devastated by the recent winter storm. Combing the wreckage the Explorers tracked a sweet smell coming from a downed Cottonwood branch. As the group crowed in someone brushed up against a branch and a plume of pollen was released from the Cottonwood’s catkins.  Investigating further the boys found sticky buds at the tips of the branch. Grabbing some buds the boys squeezed an amber resin out of the centers. Matt and I explained that the resin could be made into a powerful balm often called the Balm of Gilead. This medicine can be used as an extremely powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-fugal, anti-septic, a lesion healer, and cold remedy, among many other uses!

Mustering our strength once again we hiked the last stretch of interurban trail before the confluence with Connelly Creek and Padden Creek. Navigating across Old Fairhaven Parkway we cut through a retirement community, with permission of course, and found a deer trail that led back towards Connelly Creek. Crossing over both Connelly and Padden Creek once more we arrive at our service site. What a trek!

Sitting under the shelter at Happy Valley Park we held a closing circle and gave some thanks. The group gave thanks for the ability to challenge themselves on the journey, for the medicine and food that the landscape provides, for warmth and shelter, and for our ability to muster strength even when we don’t think we have it. We ended our day in the rain playing a few rounds of Salmon oh Salmon.

Now that the Gray Wolf Pups have gotten to know the Padden Creek Watershed they will be able to better serve it at their next outing at our Connelly Creek Service Site. The Mentors are excited to welcome in a second season with the group and want to give a big thanks to all parents and volunteer staff that work so hard to support the Explorers Club. 

For more pictures please visit our photo gallery.

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.

Raccoon Kits follow the Salmon Home!

In preparation for their first chance to serve at the official Boys Explorers Club service Site, the Raccoon Kits had to learn the context for and history of Connelly Creek. We would have preferred to swim like salmon, but spring waters are too fast and it’s still a bit too cold outside for that kind of adventure. Plus we might still be swimming if we had tried that approach :)

Only eight Kits made it to the outing with a broken foot preventing one Explorer from joining the outing. We look forward to when the whole group comes together again. The good news, however, was that Brian served as a mentor for the day. He stepped in as a lead mentor and did a great job of encouraging and wrangling the boys as we traversed Padden and Connelly Creeks. Thanks for the great work, Brian!

Starting at the ocean, our goal was to follow Padden Creek until it split with Connelly Creek. To do so we met at Marine Park and then crossed the railroad tracks. Ask your explorer how many cars he counted in the coal train that went by as we watched. Our windy path led us to the Great Blue Heron rookery next to the water treatment facility. Atop of skinny alders sat no less than fifteen herons in various stages of courtship, mating, and nest sitting!

We bridged the hill behind the facility and had a great lunch break. Explorers counted cars of another distant train and then we gathered our belongings to find the waterways. Following the interurban trail we walked up creek and played hundreds of games of Hide. OK, maybe not that many, but we sure had many chances to camouflage ourselves in various ecosystems.

This was a long outing and the Raccoon Kits ventured forth with no complaints. At one point they pretended to be old men and used walking sticks as canes. We trekked to the entrance to Fairhaven Park and took a rest by the creek. Its soothing song made for yet another nice rest spot. Like the salmon, we valiantly fought upstream for a while and then found our eddy in which to rest before continuing our journey. We learned about a medicine tree by finding its branches on the ground. Please ask your Explorer if he remembers the color of the sap or the smell. Maybe he can tell you the story about why to avoid getting the sap on your neck!

Hike, break, group cheers, repeat. This traverse was definitely a practice in persistence and pacing. Eventually we crossed Old Fairhaven Parkway and mentors had sighs of relief. Then it was a matter of finding the best way to follow the creek. We had a chance to explore the meanings of “No Trespassing” and “Do not enter.” Explorers spoke their truths and did not want to go places where they might be breaking the rules. They are aware of doing the right thing. As such, we chose routes that helped us avoid being somewhere we weren’t supposed to be.

In a young forest thicket we followed the creek and found the confluence of Padden and Connelly creeks. We were almost home! One last challenge faced us however. We had to cross the creek in order to take a more well-worn path toward the site. One-by-one, safely, and confidentially, boys learned the dynamics of using their bodies (with packs on) to duck and climb over branches. All the while, the creek never stopped flowing!

We journeyed through the rest of the forest and made it to Happy Valley Park with 30 minutes left to relax, hold closing meeting, and explore the service site. Dave’s alter-ego, the Dragon, appeared when boys were not communicating safely, as he quickly and loudly explained that we need to use tools appropriately. Sticks are a tool that we can use to help us ford rivers, not to be projectiles at our cohort mates. Boys will learn these mottoes in the upcoming seasons, but for now, it’s important to teach them: A Tool is an Extension of the Body, and The Difference Between a Tool and a Weapon is You.

Boys recognized there is a lot of blackberry to uproot and they will be more familiar with the land when they return for service in a couple of months. With a connection to the salmon’s migration route, hopefully they will feel the sense of importance of restoring the salmon habitat to make it homier for the fish after their journey up creek!

Please check out more pictures in thephoto gallery. We’ll see you all next outing at Clayton Beach parking area for an exploration on April 13th. FYI- last April 13th we cancelled an outing due to snow; let’s hope for warmer weather this year!

The Connelly Creek Traverse with the Grey Fox Kits

Arriving at Marine Park the Grey Fox Kits braved the southerly winds that pounded waves against the shore. Circling up near the beach we held an opening meeting. As we chatted some of the Explorers met Drew Butler, a new Mentor for them. Drew has been a strong leader in the Boys Explorers Club. His compassion, wisdom, vision, and heart truly shine throughout his mentoring and within the culture of our organization.

Sitting in our circle one of the Mentors asked the question that the Grey Fox Kits are all too familiar with. “Where are we and what are we here to do today?” This question is important because as Explorers we seek to understand the landscape as a whole and through each outing collect more knowledge. Part of this knowledge comes from our abilities to orient to the cardinal directions and decipher where we are in location to everything else. Looking around the boys decided that the bay was West. Once they had a starting point we became oriented.

Mentors explained that we would be following the journey of the Salmon to the Explorer’s Connelly Creek Service Site. Pulling out a map of the Connelly and Padden Creek Watershed the group determined that we would need to head East along the Padden Creek interurban trail to find our way to it’s confluence with Connelly Creek.

Once we had handed out jobs and discussed some safety issues we moved to the lee side of the picnic shelter and fueled up with some food out of the wind. Leaving Marine Park we navigated a few city blocks full of urban hazards. Before we crossed the train tracks we brought our minds together and talked about what it means to have group focus. Being able to cultivate this focus in situations with higher risk is what will allow us to eventually ford rivers and summit peaks in the backcountry. Once we met back up with the Padden Creek interurban trail we relaxed ourfocus and played games of Hide as we hiked.

Walking along the Explorers came across a small clearing next to the creek. Investigating it further they dusted off an old cobblestone marker with the inscription “Site of Dirty Dan’s Cabin 1853-1883”. The group asked who was Dan Harris. Drew answered that Dirty Dan was an explorer, entrepreneur, and all around character who helped found the town of Fairhaven. Before he settled in Fairhaven he traveled from New York City all the way to Artic exploring. The Explorers thought back for a moment on what the town must have looked like in the early 1800’s.  There is so much mystery hidden in our landscape and it just takes some investigation and exploration to find it.

Traveling on the group passed by an area of disturbed soil which had Himalayan Blackberries and other invasive species taking over the native ones. Bending down Drew called the Explorers over to look at one plant in particular. Pointing it out he asked the group what it was. Most of the Explorers said that it was a weed and were anxious to move on. Drew informed them that this plant was called Broadleaf Plantain and was excellent medicine. By chewing the plantain’s leaves and making a spit poultice we can create medicine that soothes bee stings and skin irritations. The Mentors cautioned the group not to overlook or take for granted the plants we consider disposable weeds, for a weed is a plant that we have forgotten our relationship with and the use for.

Hiking further still the group came to a place where Padden Creek was being diverted through a culvert. At the end of the culvert it looked as though the creek flowed down a set of stairs. The Mentors asked the group if they knew what it was. They exclaimed, “yes!” and we marveled at the falling water and climbed through the culvert that ran underneath the trail experiencing how hard it must be for a Salmon to navigate this human altered watershed. A few boys gave some thanks for our ability to create systems that can help keep the Salmon’s cycle of life flowing and thriving.

While we played in the creek a few Explorers scouted up and shouted to the rest of the group that we should follow the creek instead of the trail. Since We Are All Leaders and follow our instincts and inspirations on outings the group decided to take on the challenge. As we climbed and crawled along the river, the bank seemed to only get tighter and tighter. Eventually we had to create a bridge to make it back over to the side of the creek with the trail. Hopping rocks and gazing into pools we lost all sense of time and let our ourselves freely wander, only to come across a set of Raccoon tracks embedded in the mud.

Climbing up the bank we refocused our minds to the traverse at hand, but just then someone called Hide! Diving into the dirt and bushes we hid patiently trying to blend into our surroundings. Once we were caught or called back in we noticed a few of the Explorers had much better camouflage than they started with. These Explorers had gotten quite wet in the creek and diving in the dirt created a beautiful mud paste that covered most of their clothing.

Pushing onwards the group challenged themselves by hiking further than they thought they could. The Grey Fox Kit often experience physical and/or environmental challenges on their outings. Through these challenges the boys cultivate self-determination, perseverance, courage, and fortitude. The boys gain the ability to become masters over their minds and aim beyond the target. These traverses provide the perfect physical model of these internal challenges. It is our hope as Mentors that the boys will remember these experiences and use these life skills to help them navigate through the challenges that await them in the years to come.

Arriving at Connelly Creek tired, hungry, and triumphant we sat and rested on the mulch pile that we were to spread on our next service outing. We shared apples and thanks as we watched the Rufous Hummingbirds buzz around the Black Twinberry’s yellow flowers. The Explorers gave thanks for: challenge and the ability to keep going, for the time and space to explore with friends, for the abundance of the spring season, for food and water, and for the journey and gift that the Salmon bring. The Mentors told the group that their next outing would be right here at Connelly Creek doing some service.

We ended our day laughing and running as we played a few rounds of a tag game called Salmon Oh Salmon. The Mentors would like to thank the Explorers for challenging themselves and for stepping into a deepened role in their stewardship of the land at the Connelly Creek Site.

Please visit the Grey Fox Kit’s photo gallery for more pictures from the outing!