BEC: Winter Exploration at North Lake Samish Trailhead

The Explorers outing at North Lake Samish Trailhead was a day filled with many firsts. It was the Boys Explorers Club first season running winter programs, it was our first time exploring the North Lake Samish Trail, and for a few Explorers it was their first outing. Circling up in the parking lot the Mentors presented the group with a topographic map of the area. The Explorers soon learned that each line of contour on the map represented one hundred feet of elevation. Locating the trail we intended to navigate on the map, the Explorers eyes widened as it zigzagged contour lines that were almost so close they touched each other. The boys knew they would have to rise to the occasion on this exploration.

Before we started up the trail it was important that we got to know one another. Playing a few rounds of Name Tag we challenged ourselves. Learning each other’s names is the first step to exploring safely as a group. Each group member plays an essential role and brings in new skills and problem solving strategies. 

After our game the group stood in a circle in the brisk morning air. The general consensus was that we get our heart rates up before having our opening meeting. Starting up the steep trail we passed a beautiful cascading waterfall on an unnamed creek. Arriving at a power line clearing the group found themselves with multiple trail options. One Explorer brought to the group’s attention a very interesting question, “Why can’t we travel straight up the clearing, cutting the switchbacks and saving time?” The Mentors looked to the most seasoned Explorers to answer this question. One Explorer explained that cutting switchbacks perpetuates trail erosion and degradation. Our movement over the landscape impacts the watershed, flora and fauna, and it’s inhabitants. Mentors explained that as Explorers we engage in a relationship with the land every time we go out. One aspect of being in a good relationship with it is constantly assessing how our actions will affect the landscape. The group questioned is it best for the community members here? Is it best for the watershed? Do these decisions sit well with us and how will we affect the land? Asking these questions reflects on our intention and the potential weight of our actions. The more we cultivate this practice the more we can live in harmony with all things.

Finding a spot in the grass clearing we looked out at Blanchard Mountain and circled up. Listening to some of the returning Explorers facilitate the opening meeting was so inspiring. In a mentoring culture we are all mentees as well as mentors, this is simply reflected in our motto We're All Teachers. Watching the Explorers find their gifts and powers through facilitation and leadership is so rewarding. Once jobs were handed out and we had built a little more group culture we were off.

Hiking up the trail we really pushed ourselves, engaging bodies and testing our endurance. As we hiked Matt Fogarty came upon a fallen Alder. As the boys crowded around Matt asked them if they knew this tree. The Explorers investigated its unique features, noticing its the exposed inner heartwood was a yellow-reddish color, its leaves were a serrated on the edges, and the outer bark had blotchy white lichens patches and moss covering it. They made many guesses as to its species and after a while Matt told them that it was not as important that they knew its specific name, but more important that they knew it by their senses and their relationship to it. Matt explained that this tree can give orange dye and camouflage, it can lead to water, it can provide food in shortages, it has strong antibiotic properties, and most importantly holds inside it fire. Furthermore the bark is excellent wood for making bow drill kits. After tracking the Alder in the their minds the group glanced at a field guide and attached to it the name, Red Alder.  Walking further the group noticed that something had been munching on new Sword Fern chutes. Knowing that deer often munch on Sword Fern and Alder we started to make more connections and deepen our appreciation and gratitude for our interconnection with this landscape.

After gaining about 1000 feet of elevation in a relatively short time the trail seemed to end abruptly. We identified possible deer trails to continue following because in Explorers Club The Map is Not the Territory. Now it came time for the group to make a decision. By this time we were all feeling our low blood sugar and our focus and group processes was scattered. We lunched just off the trail and once we felt more centered we took a look at the map and decided to traverse the deer trail, which headed westward along Lake Samish’s upper basin drainage.

It’s so powerful to get off trail with the Explorers. As they navigated the landscape they reverted back to their instinctual ways of knowing. The Mentors encouraged the group to take stock of any natural landmarks that would guide our return. The boys climbed their way down the drainage until they found a deep pocket laden with waist high Sword Ferns. After playing a few challenging rounds of Hide it was time for the Explorers to teach those who were unfamiliar the game of Spider’s Web. We played a few rounds and really got a feeling for how dynamic and steep this landscape was.

During our game the wet fern fronds soaked us to the core and it was time to navigate back. We hiked with intention and speed as we tracked our natural landmarks. Crossing the unnamed creek once more we stopped and had a Sit Spot. Spending solo time out in the landscape is such a powerful practice. When we open our awareness the mind quiets and we can start to notice our connection to the endless wonders in the land.

Hiking the last stretch of the trail we heard a flock of Ruby-crowned Kinglets foraging through the canopy. These tiny hyperactive foragers migrate to Whatcom County in the winter. As we rounded the final switchbacks some of the Explorers started to throw sticks down the trail slope. Mentors took a moment to talk about the safety concerns with this activity. We did indulge the Explorers curiosity by setting up targets in the field to practice using an ancient hunting tool, the Rabbit Stick. A few managed to hit the targets, but all of us need more practice.

We ended our day sharing some apples and having a Circle of Thanks by the shore of Lake Samish. We gave thanks for the challenge of winter, for warmth and shelter, for the abundance of fresh water in the Chuckanuts, for comradery, and for the opportunity to explore and for our ability to be nourished in all the seasons. The boys cultivated resilience, self-determination, and courage as they faced the winter season in the Chuckanuts. They also developed leadership and navigation skills as they stretched their edges in some dynamic terrain. The Mentors are grateful for such a rich and fulfilling day. 

For more pictures please visit our Winter Photo Gallery.