A beautiful sunny sky greeted the Vespula Veterans. They were eager to reconnect after a long winter’s separation. Our community welcomed a new member, Xavier who brings new energy, perspective and knowledge to our group. Once all had arrived we piled into Stubbs and headed north to Pt. Whitehorn--The decibel level increasing with each mile!When Stubbs rumbled to a stop in the parking area the boys dropped their packs and scattered into the vast prairie that boarders the park and the BP refinery complex. They ran and splashed through the tall grass and sedge embodying joy. A simple crow call and some arm waving by mentors Steve and Greg brought them into begin our season’s first opening meeting. We distributed jobs and though the excitement was high to get on our way, the Vespula’s briefly explained the culture of jobs and shared responsibility to our newest group member. Once our kit had been dispersed we set off towards the beach.
The boardwalk takes a circuitous route through a wooded area before it descends a bluff to the beach. The forest here is subtly different that many of the places we explore. The primary trees are Sitka Spruce, Red Alder, Paper Birch and Bitter Cherry. The understory is thick with huge Red Elderberry, and Salmonberry thickets. The edge of the forest is marked by Pacific Madrone reaching out over the edge of the bluff hanging into space. Portions of peeled bark litter the steep path to the beach. The cobbles moderate our pace, as does the tide height. Next to a huge beach log we drop our gear and eat some lunch.
The opportunities to explore the intertidal area are still rich despite not having a very low tide. The boys examine crabs, anemones; discover Gunnel fish, and snails. The Afternoon’s sun and the slight breeze make for a perfect spring day (despite it still actually being winter)! Rocks are removed and replaced carefully, the Vespula have cultivated a deep respect for life during their journey.
Steve and Greg called the boys in for a brief story before inviting everyone to have sit spot beside the Pacific Ocean. Sun warmed cobbles and rocks made for cozy places to sit and observe the lapping waves and wheeling gulls. Upon returning from the Sit spot, Steve and Greg introduced the first component of the season’s skill focus: the Art of Backpacking, but since most of the skills are completely transferable to other methods of wilderness travel we will probably be referring to it as the Art of Wilderness travel. Our focus this day was on the safer operation of the MSR Wisperlight stove, which we will be using at each outing this season. The most important part is to set up a kitchen zone to eliminate the hazard of spilled pots and burned feet. Then we learned the names of all the parts of the stove and how to set it up in order to light it. Once the long flames of the priming cup had diminished we opened the fuel valve and heard the familiar whispering of the stove. We set a large pot of water on it to brew a pot of tea.
While the water was heating up the boys were able to do several things. Some practiced their fire by friction skills, and others were building with logs down the beach. Eventually the tea was brewed and offered to the explorers. After a few more fire by friction attempts we finally called the remaining boys in for our closing meeting. During our meeting we discussed the four shields model again (we discussed it at our winter gathering as it related to wilderness travel). The Vespula Veterans decided that this outing was dominated by the south. There was lots of free exploration and a playful energy to the day (Ask your sons to elaborate on what they remember about what each direction embodies in a wilderness trip). We gave our thanks for the ocean, beaches, birds, sunshine, rocks and fellow explorers on the beach enjoying our tradition of passing apple slices as each person offers their thanks before the group.
As we packed up our gear, someone called HIDE! and unfortunately one of the boys ended up hiding in some very wet clay. His rubber boot was buried and stuck up to the top and nearly submerged. Fortunately some persistent tugging and it was free. We ambled back up the bluff trail and through the forest and piled back on Stubbs. Spirits high, but all somewhat tired from the sun and wind on our faces.
Thank you all for a wonderful start to the season!
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