Thirty-three gung-ho Explorers and their brave parents ascended to Mt. Baker during the weekend of February 23rd. We took over a large part of the Mountaineers’ Baker Lodge in order to explore the wintery alpine world atop the Nooksack River valley. Similar to last year, the first arrivers were stopped about two miles from the lodge as the WSDOT crews were blasting and clearing a small avalanche slide from the road. Eventually we got to the lodge and the adventure began!
Bob and Becky, our gracious hosts, welcomed us and set the original “path” and boot pack in deep powder to guide the way. We all pitched in moving food and gear from the cars to the lodge via sleds. Steve, Matt, and Kyler (the weekend’s Explorers Mentoring Apprentice) prepared a hearty meal of burritos while everyone settled into their bunks. Dave made himself busy digging stairs and getting people organized.
After dinner and opening announcements, boys got outside and sledded. Parents supervised the creation of the tracks and helped organize Explorers in order to prevent collisions and over-zealous sledding. Other parents formed community inside the lodge playing board games and discussing important matters. Then we settled into our bunks and went to sleep to the humming of the “snoring symphony.” :)
Saturday was busy and a lot of fun. We trekked to the Blueberry Trail and found a lot of fresh powder to explore. John Minier, owner and founder of Mount Baker Mountain Guides, volunteered his day to teach Explorers and parents about snow safety. He led sessions about using avalanche beacons and inspired us with the myriad adventures we can take in the North Cascades. Thanks John!
Snow caves became a huge focus and Explorers literally dug right in. The digging was slow at first but we harnessed our deep reserves of wolverine energy and carved out spaces. Individual holes turned into group efforts; larger grottoes transformed into underground tunnels and through-ways. Eventually we collapsed all the caves so that no other mountain-goers would be surprised by falling through a snow roof.
Explorers and parents also caught sledding fever. Some of the group did some steep sledding, only to climb out of the ravine following a boot-pack staircase. Others fashioned a run closer to home. Parents and explorers worked together to pack snow, do test-runs, carve banks, and manage the sledding traffic. What a great chance for intergenerational cooperation and mentorship; we worked together to ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety. This Explorer is particularly impressed by everyone's camaraderie and work ethic!
Two other hosts, Chelsea and Becca rewarded our hard work with a home-cooked, enchilada dinner from scratch. The second evening mirrored the first as Explorers went outside to sled the night away. Parents dutifully burned the midnight oil with more games and laughter. Eventually we all fell asleep, pretty exhausted after a long adventurous day. And I didn’t hear anyone complain the next morning about their second night’s sleep!
Folks dissipated the next morning as many headed to ski the fresh powder. Explorers and parents teamed up and spent a nice day together. We all chipped in to clean the lodge and leave the place better than we found it. Mentors made their way back to Bellingham and ended the outing with Fiamma burgers!
There are many thanks to give for such a successful Mt. Baker weekend. Firstly, thank you Explorers for braving the storm and participating so fully. To the parents, your support is obviously appreciated; you are such important mentors and role-models for all of the boys, not just your own. Thanks again to John Minier for your expertise and willingness to teach. Thank you to our Mountaineers Lodge hosts: Bob, Becky, Chelsea, and Becca. You kept our stomachs happy and nourished. And thank you mentors for your work in connecting this wonderful community of people who shared Baker Lodge last weekend.
We look forward to seeing you this season. Please check the website for information about the spring season that starts this weekend. Don’t forget to take a look at the TWO pages of pictures in the photo gallery too! If you have pictures you’d like share, please email us at boysprogram@wildwhatcom.org. Thanks again everyone!
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