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.

Storm Wolves make fire in the rain

Last time we met, the Storm Wolves were greeted with a shining winter sun. This time around, we were met with the light rain more typical of our region. Our focus being the Art of Fire, this presented us with the perfect opportunity to take our fire lighting skills to the next level. Last time we were out each of the boys were given a single wooden match. This time the group was given a book of paper matches with only four matches remaining, and challenged to ignite a small fire. First however, we had to find an appropriate location.

Planning and navgation

Heading over to the map, we figured out where it was we had been last time we visited Lookout Mountain and a general area we thought we might like to set up our base camp. A course of action decided upon, we headed out along the trail. We stopped and checked out the remains of a deer that had died some weeks ago and discussed what could have happened to it. Only the spine and skull remained and we decided that coyotes must have been feeding on it for so little of the deer to remain.

Investigating a deer carcass and wondering what could have happened

With the boys leading the way, we soon arrived at our destination and cut off the trail to look for a place to set up shop. Once we thinking about setting up and lighting a fire, the first thing everyone noticed was how much wetter it was today than last time we started a fire. It was obviously going to be more difficult to get the fire going this time around. After deciding on a location and doing a little site preparation we discussed what it would take to light a fire in these conditions. Our mentors, Tim and Jedidiah, showed the boys how to collect and prepare bundles of the finest Western Hemlock twigs for kindling, and everyone went out in search of this necessary fuel.

Setting up shop

Kindling

Once we all reconvened with our twig bundles, we realized that the difficulty wouldn't end there. Now we actually had to get them to light. We reviewed some of the lessons we learned on our last outing; remembering that the three pillars of fire are oxygen, heat, and fuel, as well as that fire will always travel upwards through fuel. And so began the process of ignition. One, two, three matches were used with limited success. The fourth match was used and although fire caught in the twigs, it didn't hold. We all came together and discussed the difficulties of fire and where we would go from here. One of the boys remembered he had some wooden matches and everyone decided the wanted to keep trying. The twig bundle we built was rearranged and improved, and with just a single wooden match fire sprang to life in the kindling. We started laying on finger thick wood we had collected earlier and after a few minutes added some wrist thick wood.

The final paper match

Building up

With some team efforts at stoking the flames and arranging fuel, our fire became self sustaining. As is apparently now tradition, we all dug through our packs to find anything we could to roast. This time included such gourmet delights as peanuts, orange slices, a cheese stick, and a granola bar. After making sure our fire was fully extinguished and erased we headed out happy with our accomplishments and looking forward to our next adventure with the Art of Fire. Next time we'll be heading out to Pine and Cedar Lakes for an epic day of hiking and exploration!

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

Storm Wolves Head to the Beach

For their first dedicated winter outing the Storm Wolves beat all odds and denied fate, meeting up at the Lost Lake trailhead under the burgeoning sun of a clear winter day. As always, we opened the day with a circle to discuss the direction of the day and what we would like to accomplish. We are usually graced with a diversity of ideas, but perhaps because of the warm sun, all minds were focused in a single direction: the beach. We all agreed to head down the trail to Clayton Beach to explore, track, and once there, to discuss the Storm Wolves skill focus, the Art of Fire.

Hiding amongst the rocks

Heading out, we climbed up and onto the ‘dragon’s spine’, a classic explorer’s route above the primary trail and out of sight. Remarkably, even with a group of 9 boys making little effort to be quiet, we passed by and above several other groups withouth being seen. The hill was profuse with the signs of Douglas’ squirrels enjoying their winter larders, so we might not have been alone in this observation. Other signs of wildlife were prolific as well and when we dropped down off the dragon’s spine we were even accompanied by a deer mouse, uncharacteristically visible during the day, for the span of about 100 ft. Approaching the beach the boys were faced with the prospective railroad tracks. As mundane as it seems to simply walk over the tracks, the boys unanimously elected to go under the tracks, slipping through the culvert and emerging on the other side. Breaking through the trees at the beach we were greeted by a receding tide. We scrambled over rocks and waded through shallow water looking for a place to set up base camp, finally settling on an outcropping of sandstone overlooking the bay.

Sand hills are irresistible

As many (or possibly most) of the Storm Wolves outings have been accompanied by harsh weather it felt good for everyone to bask in the sun and relax a bit as we clambered over the the sandstone and along the beach. As some of the boys set up driftwood hideouts amongst the rocks some of the others noticed that where our approach had been blocked by water there was now open beach, and that a lone crab had been left high and dry. We returned the crab to the water and went about setting up sticks, marking the sand, and taking measurements to record the progress of the tide.

Figuring this fire thing out

After lunch we decided to head down the beach and see what it took to get a fire going. Each of the boys was given a single match and challenged to work together to create a small self sustaining fire. They broke up into several small groups which each put a small fire structure together. The first few matches fizzled out quickly. As less and less boys had their own matches more and more discussion went into how each match should be used. They discovered that although the matches could easily conjure fire, it was difficult to maintain it. Fire structures were improved as more refined materials were collected and matches were carefully placed rather than tossed in without forethought. As the last few matches were used the boys all came together as a single group. Flames caught in shredded cedar bark and valiantly attempted to ignite a pile of small twigs, but, just as things seemed to be going well, they died out. We all came together and discussed how vital fire could be and how the times when you need it most are also the times when it can be most difficult to create and maintain. We talked about some of the physics of fire and techniques for making ignition easier as well as agreeing that the fire wasn’t really lit until it could keep burning without help. After this everyone was issued another match. The fire was rebuilt and this time greater care was taken. After a few more attempts, a small self-sustaining fire came to life. As usual, the magnetic nature of fire drew everyone together and we all agreed it would be great to have something to cook over the fire. We made due with what we had and roasted some orange slices. After extinguishing the fire and cleaning up we circled up to talk about the day and give thanks. Chief among the many expressions of gratitude was that, in stark contrast with history, we enjoyed a full day of peaceful weather. For our next outing we will be returning to Lookout Mountain to more fully explore the forest we first visited this fall.

Success!

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

Storm Wolves Explore Racehorse Falls

Fearful of going against a long standing history, the Storm Wolves showed up Sunday morning to a blustery day of windy weather. Lucky for us, however, we got to use the bus for an extended outing to Racehorse Falls. Gathering at Cascade Montessori, we took a moment to have an opening circle before jumping into a bus maintenance check. With the Explorer’s help we popped the hood, check fluid levels, tire pressure, brake lights, etc., before loading up into the bus, buckling in, and hitting the road. 

Salmon carcass we found on the gravel bar

Plenty of canid tracks to investigate

Squishing around in the "quick sand"

Cruising out Mt Baker Highway we noticed the wind subside as we pushed east. Turning down Mosquito Lake Road, we decided to make a quick stop at the bridge to explore the gravel bars and get a gauge on the weather. Spreading out on the landscape, being mindful to respect the handful of folks fishing nearby, we soon were overwhelmed with the intoxicating curiosity of exploration. Finding everything from cool rocks to salmon carcasses to canid tracks, we were already getting lost in the timelessness of an extended outing. With plenty of fun to be had, we took a bit more time on the gravel bars then returned to the bus for lunch before heading out again on our trek to Racehorse Falls.

Exploring the colors of rocks by the river

Deer carcasses we found near the parking lot

Mushrooms growing on a branch

Bumping our way along the gravel road, we soon arrived at our destination. Before we could even get out of the bus we were faced with a morbid mystery; a variety of bones strewn about in the bushes including four rig cages and a jaw bone! Upon further investigation we began to put the pieces of the puzzle together, noticing the elongated jaw bone with the worn molars of an herbivorous ungulate. Feeling better about the bones and their backstory, we pushed on down the trail and over an obstacle course of slippery logs, to arrive at Racehorse Creek. Immediately the Storm Wolves immersed themselves in their surroundings, picking through the rocks in search of fossils, noticing the substantial lichen in certain trees, and enjoying one another’s company as a make shift fossil trade center sprouted beside the creek.

Searching for fossils

Success!

An ancient palm perhaps?

Racehorse Falls!

Realizing the Explorers could spend an eternity searching for fossils and not get bored, the mentors felt the call to rally everyone together on an expedition to find the waterfall. Gathering up we had a snack and some re-hydrated before trekking upstream over rock, under log, and through water to get to our destination. Scampering ahead, the Storm Wolves were in their element. As the mentors brought up the rear, they were afforded the opportunity of witnessing the group clamoring up towards Racehorse Falls, over a hundred feet of cascading waterfall cutting through the forest as a backdrop, the water carving out the ancient mysteries of the past exposing fossils and inspiring dreams of what once was. There is nothing quite like getting a bunch of Explorers out on a wild landscape. They display a level of fortitude and vigor that can only be inspired by such a wild place. It was a treat to get to join the Storm Wolves for the day, and like always, we finished with a circle of gratitude. There was so much to be thankful for on a day like this; salmon, fossils, mysteries, waterfalls, friends, and so much more. We can only wait eagerly for our next outing that will undoubtedly be the source of many more fond memories and things to be thankful for. 

Make sure to check out the rest of the photos from this outing here!

The Storm Wolves Play in the Wind at Lookout Mountain

Yet again, the Storm Wolves live up to their name as they ventured out onto Lookout Mountain for their second outing of the year. The incoming weather system brought with it blustery conditions and a drizzle of rain. Luckily, the Storm Wolves weren’t the only group at Lookout Mountain today; the Branch Hoppers were also meeting at this location. The mentors thought it would be great fun to bring the groups together for a gigantic game of Spider’s Web to start off the outing before splitting off for the rest of our outings. 

The Storm Wolves and Branch Hoppers combined opening circle/name game

Making a big two-group circle, we played a name game to get a little more familiar with one another and had opening circles before hitting the trail. But before we could get more than a few steps an ambulance pulled up to the gate and paramedics hopped out. This was odd, but we made sure to get off the side of the trail and out of the way as best we could. The paramedics opened up the gate, hopped back into the ambulance and cruised up the trail past us. We found out from the other group, who spoke to one of the paramedics, that someone had called in a possible allergic reaction to a bee sting and there was potentially a hiker up the trail going into anaphylaxis shock! This was a wake up call that sometimes things don’t go as planned in the forest, and we hoped for the best for all involved in the incident. Further along the trail we had a second ambulance arrive on the scene and as they parked and unloaded at the trail junction they asked if they could commandeer a backpack to haul their gear up the trail. Of course we obliged and one of the mentors unloaded his gear into an extra dry bag and handed off his pack for the paramedics to use. We were just glad we could help in whatever way possible! (FYI we got the pack back at the end of the outing at the fire station)

The ambulance driving up the trail!

Everyone hunkered down in the forest for snacks before our big game of Spider's Web

Carrying on with the rest of our outing we trekked down a trail to find a good location for our game of Spider’s Web. Satisfied with what we had found, we hunkered down for snack and some water while a few of us set up the course. A few minutes later we were lost in play, sneaking through the forest, scampering down hillsides, hiding in hollows, and just having a blast getting lost in the moment. The game was fairly challenging and stretched some edges, but in the end we were all just glad to get out in the forest exploring through play. While the game carried on the wind picked up a bit and the alder stand behind us swayed in the breeze. For a few of us this was a bit unnerving given the history of the group, but after the game was over we parted ways with the Branch Hoppers and trekked back into the more established forest near the waterfall for lunch.

Storm Wolves hiking down the trail

Playing "Where's My Egg?" at the waterfall after lunch

 Hanging out this group always finds a way to have fun. Jokes and horsing around were in abundance. After lunch the Storm Wolves decided to play one of their all-time favorite games: Where’s My Egg? For such a simple game, these boys have so much fun, and learn so much at the same time! They organize themselves, work through disagreements, goof off, and eventually end up in a gigantic dog pile trying to steal the “egg” from the nest. Everyone ends up having a blast and the group shows so much cohesion and comradery during this game that it is difficult to call an end to it. But alas, it was time for closing circle. Giving some gratitude and hiking out, it was great to see how this group has grown and how they were able to overcome some unsettled nerves during the blustery moments by the alder grove to have a fantastic outing of playfulness and goofing off in the forest. Next up is our service outing where this group will be called upon to be role models for the younger group and help guide our stewardship outing at the Connelly Creek Service Site. For some reason I think this group will be up for the challenge!

Make sure the check out all the rest of the photos from our outing here!

A pack of Storm Wolves eager to get started playing "Wheres My Egg"