Storm Wolves Trek to Pine Lake

Blessed with mild weather, and even a little sun, the Storm Wolves (plus a few friends) met for an outing that would be relatively more challenging than most. This was the longest we've had to travel to get to our destination yet this season, and the Pine and Cedar Lakes Trail is no joke. The trail climbs roughly 1,600 feet in just over a mile and a half before leveling out near the top of the mountain. However, though initially challenging, this trail offers a sweet reward in the picturesque lakes at its terminus, and is an excellent way to greet the spring season.

Storm Wolves and Friends hitting the trail.

 This trail is also a great way to start priming ourselves for the coming summer season, when we will be spending more time outside and doing longer hikes and extended excursions. We all got our hearts pumping and our muscles warmed up, but also started remembering some of the important aspects of hiking other than just putting one foot in front of the other. Although it was clear with nice patches of sun, at the parking lot it had been somewhat chilly as we waited for everyone to arrive. As we climbed the hill, many of us realized how important it was to use a layering system in our clothing as we started to heat up and shed our jackets. Stopping to rest and drink water, not only did we realize that we often had to put or jackets back on, we also learned something about group dynamics. Especially with this many guys, there is a natural tendency for groups to spread out along the trail as everyone falls into their comfortable pace. This can sometimes lead to conflict if the people at the front of the group are stopping to rest and wait for the people behind, but head off down the trail again as soon as they show up. We discussed whether a rest begins when the first people stop or when the last people stop, and arrived at the conclusion that it has to begin when the last people stop otherwise they will be constantly struggling to catch up.

Taking a rest, drinking some water, checking the map, and allowing the group to congregate.

As we ascended we were surprised to find a decent amount of snow on the ground, and almost rainy conditions from treetop snow melting in the sun. We have held the intention of practicing our fire skills on each outing this season, so we took note of these conditions. We considered what it would be like u at the lakes and what it would take to start a fire. Cruising past Cedar Lake, we headed down to Pine. Conditions on the lake were clear and crisp, and we discovered that a boardwalk around the lake led to a small island, the southeast portion of which was bathed in sunshine. We broke here for lunch and exploration, some of us working on carving projects, some of us kicking back to soak up the sun.

Enjoying some lunch and sunshine.

After enjoying our lunch and time in the sun, we turned our attention towards our fire skills. After practicing our fire lighting for several outings we wanted to try our hand in these moderately difficult conditions, the added time crunch from having to hike back down thrown in the mix as well. As mentors, we have been taking a progressively more hands off approach as this group grows with fire, and today we wanted to see how the Storm Wolves would fare with minimal input from us. The boys divided up tasks of gathering kindling, fuel, and preparation of the fire site and went to work. For the past several outings we have provided the boys with matches, and today we did the same, but with a caveat; the boys had to approach us for one match at a time, but with each failed attempt at ignition had to explain what had happened and how they would use the next match for increased success. With each new match the boys also had to switch who was doing the lighting, so everyone would have equal chance to try their hand.

Getting materials prepared

With all the materials gathered we all gathered round to try to make a fire happen. One of the boys had brought marshmallows in to roast in place of oranges or granola bars, and time was short, so excitement ran high. With the clock ticking, the first match was lit. One boy held a prepared bundle of twigs and another struck the match. Flames flickered and fizzled out. We discussed what had happened and how our chances could be improved. We talked about how to hold the match and place the flame and the kindling was readjusted. The first match lighter took up the twig bundle and the and another boy took a match. So it went, around the group. With each change of hands improvements were made and we came closer to coaxing fire out of the twigs. And so we we came to the final match. Flames flared in the twig bundle, but again fizzled out.

Putting flame to kindling.

Something we often talk about in Explorers Club is whether we learn more from success or failure. Early success can often breed false confidence in our skills. Conditions are always different, and, especially with a skill as complex as fire, many factors come into play. On this day we failed to make a fire, but probably learned more about lighting fires than we have on our successful attempts. We will continue to work with fire in the the future and be all the more skilled for having failed.

Next time we meet we will be returning to our service sight at Connelly Creek to continue our journey with that special place.

Be sure to check out the rest of the photos from this outing here.