We could not have asked for better weather as we gathered this Saturday for our last exploration of the season at Racehorse Falls. With the sunlight, Stubbs glowed a brilliant yellow reminiscent of a swamp cabbage bract. We gathered around said bract, set our intentions for the day, and piled into our trusty vehicle. Vespula Veterans were excited to go on an adventure with Drew Butler, as they had done so many times before. As we rolled down the highway, Drew shared some stories, and some interesting questions bounced back and forth within the bus. Halfway down Mount Baker Highway, we stopped to pick up Ben, then continued on our way to the Falls.
Upon arriving, we hiked over a maze of downed logs until we
found the creek itself. The ground was littered with fossils from the mudslide years back, and it wasn't long before each one of us was lost in the record of eras past. Our minds then went to water, our skill for the season, and we assessed the creek itself. We considered the source of this water and how it changes over seasons. As we stared into the clear, fast-moving creek, we noticed some interesting life beneath. Small mysterious bugs that collect debris and attach it to their bodies. Click here for a little more info on these interesting critters.
found the creek itself. The ground was littered with fossils from the mudslide years back, and it wasn't long before each one of us was lost in the record of eras past. Our minds then went to water, our skill for the season, and we assessed the creek itself. We considered the source of this water and how it changes over seasons. As we stared into the clear, fast-moving creek, we noticed some interesting life beneath. Small mysterious bugs that collect debris and attach it to their bodies. Click here for a little more info on these interesting critters.
But hunger overtook us, so we resolved to cross the creek and make our way to a reasonable lunch spot. The only way to get over 
the creek without getting wet was to cross on a downed tree. We all gathered at the edge and performed a risk assessment, as well as learned a little bit about stream crossing. Some of our Vespula Veterans will be on the Baker River Ramble with Drew and Matt, and this information will be an important part of learning how to explore in the backcountry. Drew lead the Veterans in a discussion on how to keep your backpack unclipped when crossing moving water and what steps to take if you fall. Ask your Vespula Veteran if he remembers the appropriate method.
the creek without getting wet was to cross on a downed tree. We all gathered at the edge and performed a risk assessment, as well as learned a little bit about stream crossing. Some of our Vespula Veterans will be on the Baker River Ramble with Drew and Matt, and this information will be an important part of learning how to explore in the backcountry. Drew lead the Veterans in a discussion on how to keep your backpack unclipped when crossing moving water and what steps to take if you fall. Ask your Vespula Veteran if he remembers the appropriate method.
We crossed with great success and found a lush hillside of healthy, vibrant vegetation. Yew trees, lungwort, thick vine maples, and a sea of alder saplings greeted us. Explorers discovered plenty of new fossils and well weathered wood for carving and fire by friction. Our stomachs finally demanded that we sit down and have some food before we got to the falls. We spent some time in open exploration, whittling, or just staring at rocks or Caterpillar's. When our food had settled, we got up and headed for the Falls themselves. Big rock scrambles and log navigation made for an interesting journey. After some time 
we safely arrived at the base of the lower falls. A river of cool air constantly flowed over us, American dippers flew by, pausing occasionally to jump into the water, animal tracks whispered stories of who had been here before, and the great bowl of rock in which we all stood told the big story of the work of water over time.
we safely arrived at the base of the lower falls. A river of cool air constantly flowed over us, American dippers flew by, pausing occasionally to jump into the water, animal tracks whispered stories of who had been here before, and the great bowl of rock in which we all stood told the big story of the work of water over time.
After some open exploration, we decided to have a sit spot. For the Vespula Veterans this spot is becoming a more and more important part of the day. These boys are moving closer to a new stage in life, and one of their greatest allies can be a personal connection to the land. The magic of the place was inspiring as we all sat and
spent time with no agenda. Upon returning, we realized that time had flown by and we needed to begin moving back toward the bus. We made our way back to the older saplings and paused there to create a new game. After a good amount of crawling and sneaking, we gathered back in circle, shared Apples, and shared our thoughts on the day and on the season.
spent time with no agenda. Upon returning, we realized that time had flown by and we needed to begin moving back toward the bus. We made our way back to the older saplings and paused there to create a new game. After a good amount of crawling and sneaking, we gathered back in circle, shared Apples, and shared our thoughts on the day and on the season.
This is outing was a delight for all. It is inspiring to see how these boys are growing into engaged and connected young men. It's inspiring to be a part of such an amazing land, to be gifted with a sense of exploration, and to be empowered to do service for each 
other and for our land. Thanks so much, Vespula Veterans, for your wonderful work this season. Thanks so much, parents, for your ongoing support.
other and for our land. Thanks so much, Vespula Veterans, for your wonderful work this season. Thanks so much, parents, for your ongoing support.
There are still a couple spots left on the Baker River Ramble, so be sure to check it out by clicking here. Please don't forget to check out the pics from this outing in our photo gallery. Enjoy the summer and we will see you soon!
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