The Black Tailed Deer awoke to a cold, frosty, but clear morning on the day of their last outing of the season. The weather cooperated with us and we were treated to a sunny exploration at Clayton Beach to cap off our Fall season. We were thankful to have Logan as an Explorers’ Mentoring Apprentice from the oldest group, the Vespula Vetrans, with us today. We appreciate his dedication to mentoring these younger boys and keeping them safe.
Our day together began as the mentors met the bundled explorers in the parking lot. We had an opening circle in a small patch of sun and discussed to biggest hazard of the day: Chuckanut Drive. We all agreed to maintain a serious focus while navigating this part of our day. After handing out jobs we carefully gathered at the edge of the road and used our eagle eyes and deer ears to make sure it was all clear before we crossed.
Our day together began as the mentors met the bundled explorers in the parking lot. We had an opening circle in a small patch of sun and discussed to biggest hazard of the day: Chuckanut Drive. We all agreed to maintain a serious focus while navigating this part of our day. After handing out jobs we carefully gathered at the edge of the road and used our eagle eyes and deer ears to make sure it was all clear before we crossed.
We followed the trail across the creek and down to the beach. We knew that we wanted to play a game of Spiders Web today, but decided to save that for later and explore the beach in the sun to keep our bodies warm. As soon as we got to the beach the boys’ innate drive to explore took over. They quickly dropped their packs and headed for the sandstone rocks and ledges that line this section of shoreline and beg to be climbed. The rocks had absorbed the warmth of the sun and warmed our hands as we climbed on, across, and over them.
Steve told us that he knew of a spot that river otters often gather at on a beach just north of us. Excited, we worked together to find the best path along the ledges and over the boulders to the secret cove. Reaching the secluded spot we were excited to find LOTS of river otter tracks! We observed their shape and size and formed theories as to what this otter had been doing. Some of us noted the seepage of freshwater from one of the rocks near where most of the tracks were and we decided that otters likely visit this place to grab a drink of fresh water.
We returned to our home base and decided to have some lunch on the wide, warm rocks in the sun. Upon our return, we discovered that some explorers in our group had used a charred stick to write two profanities on the sandstone near where we were gathered. The mentors decided that this was an important moment that we could utilize to discuss respect for others and the land. We gathered in a circle and the mentors explained to us what happened and how other people visiting this beach my be offended by these words written on the rocks. We discussed that the woods are a sacred place, and that our BEC motto, Leave It Better Than You Found It, means just that. We went around the circle and each made individual commitments to leaving the places that we explore better than we found them. As a group, we found some more ash and rubbed out the words. We knew that a good rain would wash this ash away. While it wasn't our proudest moment as Black Tailed Deer, we certainly grew deeper in our community and culture through this experience, and for that we were grateful.
We returned to our home base and decided to have some lunch on the wide, warm rocks in the sun. Upon our return, we discovered that some explorers in our group had used a charred stick to write two profanities on the sandstone near where we were gathered. The mentors decided that this was an important moment that we could utilize to discuss respect for others and the land. We gathered in a circle and the mentors explained to us what happened and how other people visiting this beach my be offended by these words written on the rocks. We discussed that the woods are a sacred place, and that our BEC motto, Leave It Better Than You Found It, means just that. We went around the circle and each made individual commitments to leaving the places that we explore better than we found them. As a group, we found some more ash and rubbed out the words. We knew that a good rain would wash this ash away. While it wasn't our proudest moment as Black Tailed Deer, we certainly grew deeper in our community and culture through this experience, and for that we were grateful.
After having a bite to eat, we headed back into the woods and moved south to another section of beach. Here we spotted an interesting dead bird. We used our eyes and our bird field guide to discern that we had come across a dead loon. A loon is a diving bird that hunts along the shoreline of Bellingham Bay. After some more exploring on this beach, we gathered in a circle and decided that for the remaining time we would like to play Spiders Web in the forest.
We picked our way back up the trail and eventually found a creek gorge that has come to be known as “The Ultimate Spiders Web Spot”. The spider provided us with a great challenge and none of us flies were able to reach the food source without being spotted by his eight watchful eyes.
We picked our way back up the trail and eventually found a creek gorge that has come to be known as “The Ultimate Spiders Web Spot”. The spider provided us with a great challenge and none of us flies were able to reach the food source without being spotted by his eight watchful eyes.
In our closing circle, we gave thanks as usual and also used the time to reflect on our season. As one of the youngest groups, we have been asked to Stretch our Edges, Widen our Circles, and practice an Attitude of Gratitude. We have answered these calls with courage and curious minds and we are excited to continue our exploration as the Black Tailed Deer in the spring!
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