Vespula Veterans Explore Baker Lake

Cataloging our time in the wild places we visit is often challenging.  Our days are both packed with activity and also seemingly idle as we navigate the edge of where wilderness and humanity butt up against one another.  On our overnight adventures with the Vespula Veterans we mentors are grateful to have more time to allow the boys to settle into nature and slowly leave some of the pressures of town behind us, so that we can help the land do it’s magic on our minds and bodies.  The longer outings match the deeper capacity of these boys and we treasure them.

Despite having a smaller group for our trip, our overnight journey began as it always does-cramming gear into the back of a stubby bus.  We shoved packs, gear bins, 5-gallon water jugs, firewood, and food packs into the cargo area of Moose.  Once the gear was safely secured we said our goodbyes and departed Bellingham.  The noise level was incredible considering our low numbers but Steve carefully navigated our yellow bus down through Whatcom County, up the Skagit River, and finally alongside the shore of Baker Lake where we found a perfect place to camp near the trail head of the Baker River trail. 

Our camp had sweeping views of the steep valley walls that wound their way up towards the glaciers of Mt Baker and Mt. Shuksen.  Below the fire ring and picnic table lay an empty channel of the baker river intermittently broken up by young cottonwood and alder trees.  The shade of the canopy along the high river bank provided relief from the growing temperatures.  We unloaded Moose, drank some water, ate our lunch and set up our camp.  The growing heat and the allure of the cool river water prompted us to gather up sunscreen and water and head up the river bank in search of a place to swim.

So often when we explore the wild places around us we find evidence of human impact marring the land and leaving it dirty or desecrated, but every great once in a while we find the work of humans and feel a kindred connection.  On the edge of the Baker River just upstream from the parking lot is an enormous boulder on the very edge of the river.  The cold water trickles around the edge of the boulder and fills a deep pool, which is the most incredible swimming hole ever.  True there are probably only a few day a year where you would want to swim in the icy water, but you couldn’t ask for a better spot to swim.  The smooth top of the boulder is the prefect place to warm up after a frigid dip.  A close inspection reveals that at some point industrious humans stacked hundreds of rocks to make a small dam below the boulder so the pool would be slightly deeper and larger.  Everybody enjoyed the spot, for not only was it wonderful for swimming it was also exceptionally beautiful!  After our refreshing swim we explored the Baker Lake Trail, eventually returning when our water and energy was low.

The remainder of our afternoon was an open space for skill work.  Several members of our group expressed an interest in gathering the materials for a complete bow drill fire by friction kit.  Others were interested in working on their carving skills.  The mentors took two groups on a short harvesting walk around our campsite and down on the expansive river bank below to collect Black cottonwood root for fireboards, Western-red Cedar for spindles, rocks for bearing blocks, and Vine maple for bows.  Back at camp we processed the material while our dinner crew prepared our dinner of Mac n’ Cheese, ham and a side of instant mashed potatoes.  Once dishes were cleared we shifted our energy to creating a fire and holding an evening council to discuss the season and the upcoming shifts of the Vespula Veterans group.

Our upcoming fall season will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Wild Whatcom for the members of this group.  In the fall we will say farewell to the Vespula Veterans name and fully shoulder the four shields program.  With this shift forward we will open our circle up to members of the Daredevils Club group who wish to continue on their Wild Whatcom journey.  We will see some shifts in our outing structure to allow for longer explorations and deeper time for our skills journey.  The group was quiet considering this information, but seemed at ease with the proposed direction.

After council some boys retired to their bags for a well earned rest and a few stayed up for another hour playing a rousing game of fire stalker.  Hiding on an empty sandy beach behind a pebble will certainly make you better at adapting to your surroundings!  Finally we retired to our bags, some in tents in the forest, others on tarps under the starry sky.

Morning arrived early and warm.  Our breakfast crew prepared our meal while we struck camp and prepared for a morning exploring up the Baker River trail in search of more swimming holes.  After all had been fed, we finished packing up our gear and loaded up our bus.  With lunch packed and water bottles in hand we headed up the trail in the building heat.

Along the way we stopped to explore a series of caves created by huge boulders stacked on top of one another.  The cool air flowing out was inviting and we climbed up over and through the cave system for quite some time.   We returned to the trail in search of a place to make our lunch and swim.  After a modest amount of hiking we left the trail following a creek until it met with a shallow flowing side channel of the river.  We searched out some shade and started making our lunch.  While Lunch was being prepared we found a fantastic swimming hole where the side channel made a large deep pool before flowing up and over a shallow bar and into an eddy of the main channel of the Baker River.  It was breathlessly cold even in the heat. 

After lunch we took another quick dip in the water, packed up our gear and headed back down the trail towards Moose.  Baker Lake and the mountains, trails, rivers, and rocks were very generous to the Vespula Veterans and we were all a little sad to be on the way back home.  The bus ride back went quickly as the boys napped and chatted back to Bellingham.  It was the perfect end to a wonderful Spring.  Please check out the rest of the photos from this outing!

We mentors wish to send an enormous thank you to the Vespula Veterans who show up season after season to explore and learn in the wild places around us.  It is an honor to share these experiences with you.  We see and hear about the many things competing for your time and energy and we are pleased that you choose to come adventuring with us.  Also we send our thanks to your families who support you to have these experiences and allow us to continue this important work.  Thanks to all of you!

The Vespula Veterans, Black-Tailed Deer, & Short-Tailed Weasels join for Service at Connelly Creek

Sipping coffee the mentors waited in the morning sun for the Vespula Veterans who would be the first of three groups to arrive for a full day of service. The mentors would like to the thank parents for their flexibility with our new drop-off and pick-up location. After getting feedback parents, it sounds like the new location has a much better flow and was not too far out of the way. This location change came up with each of the three groups and led to great discussions about what it takes working within a community. The mentors highlighted the connection of their decision to move the drop-off location, based on the feedback of the neighborhood and our EC motto collaborate and compromise. It is important that we as mentors Walk our Talk as live our EC Mottos the same as we ask we ask the Explorers to do on our outings.

Once they had gathered the Vespulas Veterans walked over to the site and circled up for an opening meeting. As elders in their community the Vespula’s had been scheduled to work with two of our youngest Explorer groups; the Black-Tailed Deer and the Short-Tailed Weasels. Above the physical component of serving the land their primary focus for the day was to help guide and mentor the younger boys. After seven years in the program the Vespula’s transmission of culture and leadership is a vital presence in the Boys Explorers Club.

Having three years under their belt at the service site the Vespulas had a pretty good idea of what needed to be done and what the site should look like. Although the site was experiencing significant saturation it continues to look healthier and healthier each time we return.

As the two younger groups arrived and started their opening meetings the Vespula’s worked hard to weed our native plantings and caged Alders of Reed-Canary Grass. Reestablishing the stick rings marking each native sapling the boys did excellent prep on the site and set up the younger groups for success. Once the site was ready they got digging and immediately hit an underground nest. The group immediately thought the nest was Bald-Faced Hornets, but it turned out to be a type of ground-nesting bee. Thankfully no one was stung. This resulted in the perfect opportunity for the Vespula’s to gain some leadership skills.

The Vespulas brainstormed a plan for the bee nest while the Black-Tailed Deer and Short-Tailed Weasels were simultaneously reviewing a few key service points before joining them in the work. One important topic mentors cover in each of our service meetings is the question, “for whom and why are we serving?” This question helps bring the Explorer’s focus and remember why it is a gift and opportunity to be able to serve. 

It was also important for us to cover our EC Motto, A Tool vs. Weapon. Using our tools with intention on our service outings holds two important meanings in our Boys EC culture. First it is our commitment to use our restoration equipment as tools not weapons and to recognize that we each are personally responsible in controlling this difference. Secondly it means understanding how to use the tools and how to care for them. In our case recognizing that our partnership with the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement and Bellingham Park & Rec is what provides us with the resources and guidance needed for the project. Maintaining our tools with a high level of care is part of maintaining a healthy partnership.

After a tool demo the Explorers spread out over the site working in tandem with the Vespula’s. One group worked to limb the dead branches of a crowded stand of Willows in order to build an earthen fence to establish a wide radius around the bee’s nest. Once this group was finished they moved to the back of the site to duplicate their technique and enforce the park boundary line.

The second group worked to remove Blackberry roots and stalks from the southern corner of the site. Digging Blackberries out of the ground is hard labor and the boys did excellent work being diligent to unearth the entire root system. By the end of the day the boys had hauled out a large pile of roots and clippings. Comparing scratches and scraps the boys seemed quite satisfied as they worked.

During service days it has become habit for us not to call lunch break and for the boys to self-regulate this need. One of the benefits of this is that it allows boys from all ages and all groups to mingle amongst one another. It is rare for middle and high school aged boys to share experiences and mentoring/mentee relationships with eight and nine year olds boys. It is powerful sight to witness.

Calling a halt to our service work the mentors gathered the entire crew into a circle and we sang Happy Birthday to one of our fellow Explorers while his dad passed out popsicles for everyone! The mentors would like to thank Carol and Bill Hawk for providing some much needed refreshment in the heat of the day.

Breaking off from the group the Vespula Veterans gathered their packs for a closing meeting. This was a perfect moment to debrief the one-on-one interactions that they had with the younger groups. In the end a powerful lesson was learned; the younger boys are always observing our elders behavior and the Vespula’s sustained awareness of this is needed as they make decisions and discuss topics in their presence. Vespulas and Vespula Parent’s don’t forget that our next outing is an overnight campout at Baker Lake. Click this link to be directed to the Equipment List for the overnight.

Waving goodbye to the Vespulas, the Black-Tailed Deer and Short-Tailed Weasels made one last effort to spread a large pile of mulch over our work site area before joining in their own closing circles. In both circles the boys gave thanks for: the ability to serve with a lot of new people, for the opportunity to use loppers and shovels and build fences, for the amazingly sunny weather, for water and food to nourish us, and for the ability to help restore the land. 

The mentors would like to thanks over volunteer for the day Hal Wershow for coming out and modeling a strong example of what it means to be a healthy and caring male in the world. We would also like to thank the boys for their efforts and ability to work together.

For more pictures from the outing please visit the Black-Tailed Deer, Short-Tailed Weasels, & Vespula Veterans joint photo album from the day.

Vespula Veterans First Exploration at the Rock Trail

Gathering at the Cyprus Gate Overlook the Vespula’s looked out from their vantage atop Chuckanut Mountain and marveled at the view of the San Juan Islands and Bellingham Bay. We gathered the group and introduced Bobby Faller, a new mentor to the Boys EC. He let the group know that Greg was not in attendance because he had the opportunity to participate in a blacksmithing workshop and that the group would have to “forage” on ahead without him!

We oriented ourselves to the land and passed out jobs. After our fire and skills day out at Lookout Mountain the Vespulas were excited to continue our tradition of Nettle Tea. The mentors let it be known that one of the younger boys at the last outing had forgotten to return a component of the backpacking stove, hindering our ability to make tea. The group suggested that we have to fire and boil our tea and their inspiration led to led great talk about land use. The mentors explained that the majority of the Rock Trail is on State Park Land, which does not allow fires in anything but a fire ring.

After our meeting adjourned a few boys got to work processing a chunk of Yellow Cedar the mentors had brought for carving projects and we were off. Only a few minutes down the trail we ran into a Washington Trails Association crew. It was fascinating to watch the crew building support walls trying to control the erosive force of water run off and foot traffic on the trail. The Vespula’s were asked to by the trail crew leader to stop before they got to a work party who were constructing a large rock retaining wall. The Shielder’s did a great job of respecting the construction zone and the workers.  

The group was giddy as we explored down the trail. The topography of the land was truly fascinating. To our West loomed massive Sandstone cliffs nearly fifty feet high and to our East the land dropped off steeply into the wave like ridge folds that eventually lead down to the Lost Lake basin. Within the troughs of the Sandstone folds were large boulders laden with Sphagnum moss, Licorice Fern, young Western Hemlocks, and Red Huckleberry. The boys said it reminded them of the mythical forest from Lord of the Rings.

Passing close the cliffside we found a place stop to and have some lunch. The group spent and little time climbing and exploring the base of the cliff and found a foot and a half opening in the wall that expanded into a cave big enough to fit three of us.

Feeling some inspiration a few Vespula’s called out for a game of Spider’s Web on the ridgeline below us. About twenty minutes went by and group was still exploring and squirreling out. Those who had the initial idea for the game asked why we were not playing. This was a great moment for the boys to track that they are co-creators of their experience in the Four Shields and they needed to put forth the initiative to set the game up.

While placing the bandanas for the game we came across a deer skull. Looking at the lower mandible we noticed the teeth were quite worn, possibly indicating that this was an elderly deer. We played Spider’s Web for a solid forty-five minutes, crawling through the damp, but warm undergrowth. A light rain refreshed us as we played bringing sweet smells of spring and a therapeutic drizzling sound to land. In the end the flies prevailed and we packed up and headed down towards the lake.

Passing by massive Douglas Fir along the lake’s shore we eventually wandered to a wetland on the north side. The group climbed on a twenty -foot tall root ball of a Sitka Spruce that had fallen into the wetland. The mentors took a moment to point out the difference between Spruce, Fir, and Hemlock cones. We also had the group revisit another abundant plant growing out of the water, Poison Hemlock. Together we investigated the identifying characteristics of this toxic plant. Its leaves were fern-like, toothed, and finely divided while its stem was hallow, hairless, and had purple blotches just starting to form.

Ingestion of Poison Hemlock causes toxic alkaloids to attack the nervous system, causing symptoms such as a burning sensation in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, confusion, rapid heartbeat, seizures, and respiratory paralysis. For some people, even touching the plant may cause a severe skin reaction through contact dermatitis.

Arriving at the lake another group pointed out an immature Bald Eagle fishing atop a mature Doug Fir and we stopped to watch this skillful fisher. Navigating to the Eastern outpour of the lake we explored the magnificent waterfall created by its overflow. Feeling the call the mentors gathered the group for a sit spot and the boys spread out within earshot of the mentors and falls. Settling back into the land the sound of cascading water and the calls of the Varied Thrush filled the air.

Our sit spot was interrupted when one of the boys ran over and said someone in our group was hurt. Navigating to their sit spot the mentors came to find out that one of the Vespula’s had decide to try and do some bouldering while in their sit spot, popping a dinner plate sized piece of stone off the ledge which landed on his leg. This near miss was scary for both the mentors and those involved. After some patient assessment we decided he was capable of hiking out, despite a slight limp.

Circling up by the lake we debriefed that event and reminded the group that a sit spot was truly a time to sit. As the boys get older in the program our mentors hold a bigger container for sit spots and this comes with more responsibly. Turning our focus towards the rest of the spring season we had a discussion about the powers and challenges of our Explorers Mentor Apprenticeships while sharing apples.

Sitting in peace and calm of the lake the Vespula’s gave a sincere and thoughtful round of thanks, our biggest power of the day. The group gave thanks for our time together, for the gentle reminders of the wilderness to pay attention, for the opportunity to engage with risk management, for the unique mix of micro-ecosystems throughout our hike, for an abundance of water and its powers to shape the landscape, and for a beautiful mountains right in our backyard.

Hiking out we came across what the boys thought was a Salamander; it actually turned out to be a Rough-Skinned Newt. The Newt had amazing camouflage and blended right into the trail. The mentors cautioned the group not to handle the Newt. The Newts’ body produces a neurotoxin called Tetrodotoxin; the same toxin found in Pufferfish. Lifting its head the Newt exposed its bright Orange underbelly that warned “danger, don’t eat me!” 

The group agreed that we could have spent the rest of the day watching the Newt travel across the wetland, but we had to muster our energy for the big climb up the hill. Arriving back at the parking lot sweaty and tired we greeted the parents and shared the tale of our adventure. 

For more photos from the outing please visit the Vespula Veterans photo album from our Rock Trail exploration. Also if you have not already please check our Ross Lake Loop Backpack for this summer of 2016. Click here to see more details about the trip.

Exploring Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve

The beginning of a new season is always full of excitement for mentors.  We wonder about how the group will have changed over the winter, what challenges will emerge before us, and what adventures we will share together.  We all enjoy the prospect of wandering in new locations and following wherever our curiosity leads us.  We have also been deeply excited for the chance to explore Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve.  It is a huge and exciting tract of land that is perfect for the Vespula Veterans. 

Once everybody gathered in the parking lot we made a quick survey of the map, and began ascending the gated road up into the forest.  Despite a threatening sky and a fresh breeze, the weather held and made for very comfortable hiking.  Along the way we noted the steep and rich hillsides relatively fee from the dominant invasive species.  Alder groves gave way to second and third growth forests filled will Western Red Cedar, Red Alder, Western Hemlock and Douglas Fir.  Many inviting streams crossed under the road and dropped steadily down the mountain forming beautiful gullies.  Along the roadside we noted an abundance of fresh nettles sprouting out of the earth and decided to harvest some for tea higher up the mountain. 

The Vespula stopped for some food and water farther up the mountain and a lively discussion about our political process ensued, we listened intently to the deep concern that the boys voiced about the future of our country’s political leadership.  While it is not our place as mentors to suggest which politicians or policies would best benefit out nation, we did offer our empathy towards how difficult it is to be excluded in that process.  It was easy to see that many of these young people were worried and frustrated that they are unable to participate directly in the voting process, yet it was incredible to see the deep concern for community these boys have.  They are growing into the compassionate and involved leaders our world needs. 

Eventually we decided to leave the trail and wonder across the hillside up to a small ridge in a grove of Western Hemlock and Western red cedar.  On top of a small knoll we found an old campfire ring, and some bike trail building tools and decided it was a perfect spot to brew some nettle tea and play a game of spider’s web. 

One group of boys began setting up the game and others helped gathering some suitable tinder for starting a fire.  Despite the heavy rain of previous days and very soggy soil, we were able to find some dry cedar and a ton of dry hemlock twigs from fallen trees.  We started the fire using a stick of fatwood gathered from a nearby stump and a ferrocium fire starter.  Dry hemlock twigs, fatwood shavings, and a ferrocium fire starter are a very effective combination to start fire in inclement weather.  If you can locate some Western Hemlock trees you can typically find some very fine “twiggy” branches that the tree has lost in a storm.  These branches have lots of surface area and are often dry as they tend to sit up off of the forest floor.  If you can gather a “hug” sized bundle then you should have enough to ignite larger sized wood. 

Locating fatwood in our forests requires identifying partially decayed Douglas Fir Stumps.  Some of them have sections of resin-saturated wood, typically forming a spire shape, that is easy to remove.  Small shaving s of fatwood will easily catch a spark from a ferrocium rod.  We gathered a couple of large pieces of fatwood and using a saw and knife we cut and split them up into useful pieces for future fire starting.  It is a very useful thing to have stashed in your backpack.  We sparked the fire into life and brewed up a lovely pot of Nettle Peppermint tea while. 

We gathered around the fire briefly and sent the boys out on the land for a sit spot before the closing meeting and our hike down.  As mentors, we are always reading the group and trying to find the right way to engage the boys with the land.  The sit spot, which these boys have been doing for many years continues to be something they enjoy.  It may not captivate them like the excitement of starting afire or using edged tools, but it is quietly connecting them to the land and calming their minds. 

The mentors extinguished the ashes of our small fire and poured tea as we began our closing meeting.  We discussed the upcoming season and shared our observation that there is a desire for the vespula to continue to work on skills including carving, plant identification, and firecraft.  We are planning on devoting our upcoming Baker Lake over night, the final outing of spring, to skills, since we will have more time to devote to them.  We closed with thanks for the land and time together.  Exploring new locations is always exciting and it was clear that we were grateful to be doing it with one another.

Thank you Vespula Veterans for your commitment to this program.  You continue to show up and seek time with one another exploring the land, practicing skills, and serving your community.  The mentoring team feels deep gratitude towards your investment into this program.  Finally, thank you to the families that support and encourage your sons to participate. As your son grows older we know that there are many opportunities available for them.  We are grateful to have the opportunity to share our knowledge and skills with them and watch them learning how to be string members of our community.

Vespula Veterans Tracking on the Nooksack River

Managing Hazards is an essential part of being a wilderness traveler.  In our region weather systems that bring rain, particularly lots of rain, are a common occurrence and usually usher in several hazards that we have to be aware of.  While flooding is one of the most dramatic and dangerous hazards that we may encounter in our travels to both wild places and places close to home, we also should consider the stability of the soil we are traveling on and below, as well as our own body temperature and comfort.  Our day trips have always been a fantastic way to safely explore these hazards so when we encounter them on longer wilderness trips they appear less daunting, which allows our group to find the most appropriate way to manage the hazards we encounter and still explore the wild places that beckon to us.

With this in our minds the mentors met the Vespula Veterans for yet another outing in heavy rain.  When the mentoring team plans our outings we give some consideration to what weather conditions may occur, but it is often difficult to balance the desire to go to places that our groups rarely visits with what the weather may be doing when we are there.  Compound this with the fact that we are typically planning these outings at least six months ahead of time and we are often guessing and hoping for what the weather might bring us.  The rising rivers were on the mentor’s minds all night and in the morning after sleeping on several alternative plans we decided to stick with the original plan to head out to the Nooksack and see if we could safely explore its banks, catch a glimpse of its energy in flood from a couple of safe vantage points, and even find a few tracks.

After arriving at Samish Woods the Vespula Veterans boarded our trusty companion Stubbs and we all headed out the Mt. Baker highway towards Truck Road just east of Deming where Deming Homestead Eagle Park is located.  There is a small parking area along side of truck road that provides river access to the Nooksack though several of its flood channels.  When we arrived it was raining hard and the wind was beginning to pickup.  We left the parking area and walked down into a heavy thicket of young alder and cottonwood trees.  The abandoned flood channels were coved in a thick green moss and a well-worn trail took us towards the river.  Along the way we were keeping our eyes open for animal tracks in the sand and mud.  Our hope was to find a couple of tracks worthy of making casts with plaster.  Eventually we left the cover of the alders and emerged onto a side channel of the river that was not flowing, along it there were  several deep pools and lots of sand and mud.  The group spread out looking for tracks in the unrelenting rain. 

Eventually we wandered over towards the rivers edge and circled up to discuss the hazards currently present for our group.  After out cirle some folks watched the slow rise of the river and the various debris floating downstream, while others searched for more tracks to investigate.  Eventually the cold and wet urged us to seek shelter.  We wandered back towards the Stubbs as the water began to trickle into the side channel.  It came slowly at first but it steadily began to fill the puddles and connect them.  It was clear that we had to say goodbye to this spot or risk very wet shoes and boots!  We crossed the final ditch between the river park and the parking area just as it was begining to fill up as well and climbed up onto the path.  We ate lunch and snacks under a very small picnic shelter.  The group was quiet and cold at first, but after some food spirits were much higher. 

We decided to get back on Stubbs and head back towards Deming to check another good tracking spot under the shelter of the bridge at Nugent’s Corner.  When we arrived we found a number of good tracks to cast near the river.  The mentors demonstrated how to mix up the appropriate ratio of plaster to water and how to create a simple dam of mud around the track.  The secret is to achieve a mixture similar to pancake batter and pour it in the track and the surrounding ring.  You let it dry until you can wipe a finger across the back and it comes away clean rather than white with plaster.  Then you rinse the cast until most of the mud or sand has been cleaned off.  While the group was making casts the river was slowly rising.  From our vantage point we could see the power of the river in flood carrying away large trees and debris in the main channel, from the safety of a stable wooded bank.  Eventually the water spilled into our side channel and we had to leave our tracking spot.  We circled up nearby, gave thanks and enjoyed our apples with the steady roar of the river behind us.  The rain once again continues to be our teacher and it is clear there is still plenty to learn from this incredible force that shapes so much of our lives here in Whatcom county.

Many thanks to the explorers and their families for being prepared for the weather this outing had to offer.  It is always a great pleasure to explore with the Vespula Veterans and the mentors are already looking forward to the next outing at Lake Padden-rain or shine!

Vespula Veterans Overnight at Racehorse Falls

Rain.  The Vespula Veterans are familiar with rain.  They are students of the rain.  The rain has taught them how to find shelter from the weather, how to stay dry, how to be wet and still be comfortable, and how to protect their equipment and personal gear from becoming soggy.  Unfortunately most of these lessons were hard earned, but a hard earned lesson is not easily forgotten.  Remembering these past experiences in the rain Steve and Greg quietly anticipated the arrival of the Vespula as the rain continued to fall. 

The start of a new season is always exciting and the mentors and Vespula were both excited about the new bus, Moose.  While Moose may look nearly identical to Stubbs on the outside, it is a wonderful upgrade!   In true EC form we filled it to bursting with packs, group gear, and boys.  After some soggy goodbyes we finished loading up and pulled out of the parking lot on our way to the foothills of the North Cascades.

After a quick stop to pick up one last Vespula we trundled down highway 542 the cabin of Moose echoing with the excited voices of friends catching up on a whole summer of adventures.  The highway eventually gave way to a gravel road and after a short bumpy ride we pulled into the parking lot a near Racehorse Falls.   We scouted the creek for a suitable place to camp exploring the forest as well as the gravel bars and flood channels.  In the end we decided to use the established “camp” and did our best to minimize our impacts on the sight while constructing a camp suitable for lots of rain.  Fortunately we were able to setup our tents during oue of our few breaks in the rain.  We also brought two tarps and created a small sheltered kitchen area and a large covered area where everyone could gather and stay relatively dry in a heavy rain.  These both proved to be wonderful comforts.

One great luxuries of camping near a river is that there is usually abundant firewood that is fairly easy to gather.  After rigging our tarps we gathered wood.  The wood was processed from logs all the way down to kindling.  While the boys did not get a chance to use the small “boy’s axe” Greg brought along, a few were interested in learning safe methods of splitting wood with a small and light axe.  Many boys did however create kindling using the technique called “battoning” where a fixed blade knife, like the Mora’s knives we recommend, is carefully stuck by a stick repeatedly to split a small branch 2-4 inches in diameter until the blade is driven through and the wood is split.  In this way we generated a massive amount of kindling in the pouring down rain.  The ample western red cedar was dry and split easily.

While the kitchen crew readied the dinner of Explorer’s  Mac N’ Cheese (box mac n’ cheese with a ¼ ham) the rest of the explorers huddled under the large tarp trying to stay out of the steady rain.  The warmth of the food lifted soggy spirits and coincided with a long break in the rain, which was much needed!

We finished our evening with “council” where we come together formally as a community to hold space for important conversations.  It is our tradition that we burn a small quantity of sage in an abalone shell that is passed around the entire group.  The Vespula were tired and after a few logistics many headed to their tents and the warmth of their sleeping bags.

The next morning all awoke to a steady rain on our tents.  The promise of a fire and explorer’s oatmeal was enough to lure most from their tents.  Another break in the rain provided a chance for Greg to demonstrate baking in a reflector oven.  Greg brought a small bag of bannock baking mix and baked up a small loaf of bread.  Bannock has been baked over fires for a long time, but using a reflector oven is a really exciting was to bring some fresh baked goods along into the backcountry, provided you are permitted to build a fire.

After our hearty breakfast we packed up our camp and enjoyed some rainy creek exploration.  Nothing was perhaps more captivating than watching the Pink Salmon swim upstream and fight over spawning territories.  Females were digging reds before our eyes and males were desperately trying to keep competitors away.

Lunch was the final action at our creek side camp, before loading up our damp and muddy gear into Moose.  We piled into the bus and Steve navigated logging roads in search of a large landslide from a few years earlier that had unearthed countless fossils.  Unfortunately we never found the landslide we were searching for, but we did explore a steep and fascinating creek drainage.  Buy mid afternoon we were all ready to head back to the warmth and comfort of town.  The rain continued to fall as we unloaded Moose and sad farewell one by one to the Vespula Veterans.

Once again thank you to the Vespula Veterans for showing up.  Season after season you bring your energy and enthusiasm to our outings no matter the weather and as a result we make the most of every situation.  Another heartfelt thank you to the families of the vespula veterans, for without your support, encouragement, and trust these opportunities for exploration would not be possible.  Thank you!

Photos from the outing can be found here!