Driving up Cleator Road to the Cyprus Gate Overlook the
mentors discussed the possibility of a road closure due to downed trees. Sure
enough, pulling up to the upper Fragrance Lake Trailhead there was a gate
across the road where we could see a large Douglas Fir blocking any vehicle
from passing.
As the Alevin arrived we gathered and explained that our
hike to the Rock Trail was going to be extended by a mile or so. The mentors
asked the group to track back to Wednesday night and think about the powerful windstorm
that had battered the Pacific Northwest. The boys talked about the sound of the
wind and a few trees that had fallen near their houses.
Our plan for the day was to have some free exploration on
the Rock Trial, being that it was the group’s first ever exploration here, and
to find Lost Lake with the intention of having a sit spot and some tea on it’s
shore. Revisiting our skill for the season, a continuation of fire by friction,
the mentors asked the group if they still had their fire kits from last season.
We were pleasantly surprised when most of the boys answered that they still had
their materials. Alevin, nice work hanging on to these materials over the
winter; they are not that easy to harvest! Next outing we will be headed to Lizard
Lake where we will be able to build a proper fire, so make sure you bring your
fire kits!
As we hiked up the logging road towards the trailhead Brian
let the group know that there were two ways to navigate there. One was to
follow the road all the way to the top and the other was to take what he coined
“Brian’s Shortcut”. After a little group decision-making the boys decided to
try out “Brian’s Shortcut”, which involved leaving the logging road and hiking off-trail
directly up the mountain.
The boys sweated and strained as they battled their way up
the mountain. Upon reaching the top they decided to never again take “Brian’s
Shortcut”. They acknowledged that the cold and chill they were feeling in the
parking lot had all but absolved by our route.
Looking to our left we found a healthy Stinging Nettle patch
and filled our pot with leaves with the hope of tea by the lake. As we made a
final push to the trailhead the group marveled at the sights and smells of
spring: the bright colors and rich aroma of Salmonberry and Indian Plum
flowers, Big Leaf Maples buds, new leaflets on the Huckleberries and Ocean
Spray, and the saucer like fruiting bodies of the Usnea Lichens.
The view of the bay from the Cyprus Gate Overlook was
awe-inspiring. As a group we worked on identifying landmarks: Clarks Point, Mud
Bay, Lummi Spit, and Locus Beach. The wind over the water made uniform swell lines
across the bay. As the clouds sailed by over our heads sun breaks would hit the
bay, lighting up the shallow water like a tropical reef.
Proceeding down the Rock Trail signs of Wednesday’s storm
were everywhere. Broken Douglas fir branches blanketed almost every part of the
forest floor. Arriving at the first staircase the group marveled at the
steepness of the wooden steps as we descended down next to a sheer wall of
Sandstone that was over forty feet high.
Passing through the seemingly endless sandstone cliffs and ridges
we couldn’t help but immerse ourselves in the topography. Stopping to eat some lunch, we found a series of small caves
on a cliff-side. A few were big enough to climb in. The group spent some free
time climbing around exploring the location. Once we had had our fill we headed
down switchback after switchback, eventually arriving at the lake.
Passing through a maze of young Doug Fir and Salal the group
navigated to the Eastern outpour of the lake. Following the drainage the group
found a thirty-foot waterfall that was really flowing! Feeling the call the
boys spread out over the land and settled back into the moss for a sit spot
next to the falls. The sounds of cascading water filled the valley as the boys
sat still and quiet.
Meanwhile one of the mentors harvested some water and got a
pot of nettle-peppermint tea boiling. Calling the group back in from their sit
spots we shared apples and thanks as we watch a few Eagles soar over Lost Lake.
Gathering our strength the boys made a huge push back up the
rock trail. As we crested the top of Chuckanut Mountain the cool breeze acted
like air conditioning, refreshing us all. The boys laughed and joked as we
hiked down the logging road towards the gate. The mentors trailed in the back
discussing one challenge we’ve faced with the group that we’d like to work on
this season. The Alevin’s challenge comes in their ability to recognize
transition times between silliness and play and times where we need to bring
our focus together. Throughout the season Brian and I will aim to offer the
boys more leadership opportunities to experiment with these transitions and model
them amongst their group.
The mentors are thankful for a powerful start to our fall
season and for the spirit of exploration these Explorers bring to our outings.
We look forward to every opportunity to get outside with the Alevin!
For more photos of the Alevin’s Rock Trail outing please
visit the
photo album
from the day.
