Storm Wolves Hike to Lizard Lake and Beyond

Storm Wolves – Lizard Lake – 9/10/17

The Storm Wolves gathered together at Samish Woods Montessori for their first outing of the 2017/18 BEC year. Reuniting, we quickly noticed that there were some unfamiliar faces in our group as well as a few faces missing. As a group we introduced a few new members who were joining us from other groups as well as acknowledged a few long time Storm Wolves who had transitioned to new groups of their own. Additionally, the Storm Wolves were introduced to their new mentor, Adam, who will be joining the Storm Wolves for the 2017/18 season. Adam will have a tough task trying to fill the shoes of Jedidiah who is now working as full time instructor with Alderleaf Wilderness College. Though we will miss Jedidiah and the depth of natural history and primitive skills he brought, Adam brings his own powers to this group as a father and someone who has a deep and lifelong connection to the wilderness. We are excited to see how Adam’s energy and passion for helping others connect to the natural world will emanate throughout this group.

Checking the trailhead board for any info that may help us explore

 With our check in out of the way it was time to load up and head out. We cruised along the east coast of Lake Samish as we approached our destination; Blanchard Mountain. A short drive up a logging road and we were at the trailhead. Per usual, we passed out jobs, discussed our game plan for the day, inspected the info station at the trailhead, and hit the trail. Along the way the mentors shared tips and strategies on how to manage a group traveling through the wilderness. Variables like pace, weather, trail condition, taking breaks, and checking in with the group consistently all play key roles in safe wilderness travel. 

Turning up the Alternate Incline Trail

Along the way we passed a bounty of Western Hemlock that exuded a surplus of dead, dry branches that would be ideal for starting fires. It just so  happened that the Storm Wolves were prompted with the task of starting a fire with matches upon our arrival at Lizard Lake, however, time and time again they passed by these ideal resources. The mentors attempted to give the group hints by gathering materials themselves, yet the Storm Wolves seemed more interested in rekindling their group comradery (which is a fair trade off for the mentors!). As we neared the lake, the mentors gave a big reminder that prompted a flurry of fire starting material procurement.

Harvesting Western Hemlock for kindling bundles

Arriving at the lake, we settled in, ate some food, and quickly transitioned to our fire starting pop quiz. The group was split into three sub groups who were each provided with three matches. The first group took their kindling bundle of fine, dry Western Hemlock branches and lit their first match; close but no fire. The second match proved tantalizingly close to igniting the bundle but was snuffed out just before taking off. For the third and final match, the team regrouped and through strong focus and intention willed the flame from the match head to spread throughout the rest of the bundle; success! To the dismay of the Storm Wolves, Tim quickly stomped out the flame of the first bundle as we transitioned to the second group. Having gleaned some insight from the first group’s trial and error, the second and third groups both proved they learned something last season by getting their bundles burning strongly with only one match! As the Storm Wolves warmed various items from their lunch over the flames, the mentor’s hearts were warmed by the notion that this group truly retained the skills they developed in the spring time when they were first introduced to the Art of Fire, the benefits of Western Hemlock, and the intricacies of manipulating matches to maximize their effectiveness. 

Exploring Lizard Lake

Testing our balancing skills while looking for more Hemlock branches

Signs of beaver were all around

We even found a few frogs!

Igniting the kindling bundle with a match

With our skills work out of the way we decided on a whim to make a strong push up to the summit of the North Butte. The mentors set a quick pace, but the Storm Wolves kept up without missing a beat. Before we knew it we were scrambling up a rocky out cropping and were greeted by a vast view of the San Juan Islands. Soaking it in, taking a few moments to snack and rehydrate we relocated to the east side of the butte for an incredible view of Mt Baker. Finally we moved to the north of the butte where we carefully situated ourselves beside the northern cliffs that dropped away to a sea of conifers blanketing the Chuckanuts, offering a foreground for the ever sprawling Bellingham and glimpse further north into Canada. This is a special place for Tim, as the North Butte was one of the first places he ventured to regularly with his friends while he was establishing his personal connection to the natural world. Having the opportunity to share this place and its inspiring views with the Storm Wolves will be something he won’t forget any time soon. 

Checking out the San Juan Islands from atop the North Butte

An look to the east revealed this view of Mt Baker

Gathering for our closing circle with plentiful views to be thankful for

Running short on time we had a quick circle of thanks atop the North Butte before cruising back past Lizard Lake, down the Alternate Incline Trail, and back to the bus. The mentors reflected afterwards that we really pushed the Storm Wolves on this outing. We asked a lot of them from physically hiking over five miles and gaining a couple thousand feet of vertical elevation to mentally tasking them with remembering the intricacies of fire starting after a heavy dose of rain the day before. However, not only did the Storm Wolves respond without missing a beat, but they did so while welcoming new group members (and a new mentor) with open arms, had smiles plastered on their faces all day, and were still eager for adventure upon return to the bus. This proved to be an incredibly strong beginning to our 2017/18 year of Explorers Club and leaves mentors and Storm Wolves alike eager for our upcoming adventures together.

Check out the rest of our photos from our outing here!