These gifts were present throughout our really wet and rainy day as we explored our connections to each other, the rainforest we live in, and to the inner and outer strength of our bodies.
Girls were giddy with love and connection when we gathered, and we took that happy energy onto Stubbs and headed south to Blanchard Mountain. We also discussed the Ten Essentials in some depth, and agreed that yes, they are essential even for a day hike (and talked about why that is).
- Navigation (map and compass)
- Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
- Repair kit and tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency shelter
- Communication (emergency communication device)
Once at the Samish Overlook, with its sweeping views, we took shelter from the wind to check in. As we get older in GEC, these check ins become longer and more complicated - because the life of an adolescent is inevitably somewhat more complicated than that of a child. We are learning to listen with heart and space, to allow for whatever wants to emerge in these check ins, to trust one another.
Trauma is tricky, and real, and some of our Flying Squirrel girls have been experiencing it these weeks: we set out on the trail dedicating our hike to the fullness of living that Izzy's dad Greg Jones embodied, and with manifestation and sending out of strength to Laura Osterloh as she battles cancer. Building adventure and strength: here we go!
And there we went, across and up to the Oyster Dome, on a trail that tested with its root-ridden ascent through wet - up to the clouds we went, for a spectacular view of... clouds. This really is one of the best-earned views in Whatcom County, but this rainy day was more about celebrating the rain forest than sunshine and viewscapes. Some of us were challenged by this steep trail, others bounded up in long-legged leaps; others were challenged by the rain trickling down their neck and cold and clammy clothing, others reveled in the rain. Like life, we all greet every completely differently!
After lunch under a great big tarp, we set out along a much more level trail for Lily Lake, practicing gratitude that rain has finally returned to a place that sorely needs it. We continued to check in with one another and our map/navigation tools along the way, passed by Lily Lake due to time constraints, and met up with Max's Shortcut and Larry Reed Trails to descend down, interrupting our progress for a spontaneous and short dance party, and lots of silly and serious conversation.
We arrived back to our starting point, with a group leap of success and gratitude, and chose our words of the day: Hiking Through the Rainforest for Laura and Greg!
Mottos especially alive today: Be Prepared, The Trail is the Teacher, Expect the Unexpected, Be Here Now, Safety First, Turn Problems into Possibilities, Grasp the Nettle, All Things Are Connected.
You may see the slideshow from our day here.
