Four Shields Fuel the Fire at Larrabee State Park

On a chilly Saturday morning the Four Shielders met up at Larrabee State Park for an aptly timed skills outing. As the boys arrived one by one we chatted about what we had on the docket for our outing. The flow of the day was easily decided by this group of veteran decision makers. We decided to trek down to the beach to warm up a bit, search for carving supplies amongst the driftwood, and see what else we could find. Reverting back to their Explorers Club days, the Four Shielders scurried over to the sandstone and climbed up to find a perch. The mentors walked up and down the beach which was lacking much driftwood, but made up for its diverse natural history; various shore birds and diving ducks, a Dungeness Crab that likely been munched on by an otter, icicles lingering on the seeping sandstone from the frigid temperatures the night before. So much to discover, yet we had to head back to get started on our skills work. On the way back, however, we had one last natural history moment when we found a Varied Thrush that had met its demise when it didn’t see the window of one of the shelters. Although it was unfortunate that this beautiful bird could no longer bring in the dawn and dusk with its buzzing-whistle-esque call, we were afforded the rare opportunity to examine the intricacies of this species feathers, patterning, beak, and clawed feet. (Forgot to bring the camera to the beach so no pictures from our hike, sorry!)

Working on making tinder bundles (aka bird nests)

Moving back to our base camp at the central day use shelter, we gathered up to practice making tinder bundles out of Western Red Cedar bark. The process of breaking the thicker strips of bark down into the finer fibers that are great for catching a spark or ember can be a bit tedious but everyone caught on and gathered a better understanding of the basics of this process. Next we transitioned to processing our firewood. Needing match stick think kindling, finger thick, wrist thick, and leg thick pieces of wood to prepare us for starting the fire, the Four Shielders were introduced to a shingle froe. This is an old friend to any wood worker and is a great, safer, alternative to using an axe to split wood. Everyone got a chance to utilize this unique tool to split up the bigger logs to the necessary sizes. With our firewood processed it was time to begin the ignition process. First getting out one of the Four Shielders bow-drill kits we took a few minutes practicing this ancient friction fire technique reviewing the intricacies of form that are often overlooked. But with the cold weather eating away at our morale it was time to get the fire going. Leaping ahead in the technological timeframe we busted out a ferrocerium rod (aka metal match) and scraped a molten spark of metal off into a fluffy cedar tinder bundle to ignite our fire. Carefully adding on the wood starting from the matchstick thick pieces and working up through the finger, arm and eventually leg thick logs we had a hearty fire that breathed warmth back into our bodies. 

Using a froe to split the wood

Practicing with the bow drill

Setting up the kettle over the fire to boil water, we transitioned once more to working on skills. Although the warmth of the mesmerizing fire was hard to pull ourselves away from, we split up some Western Red Cedar and Cherry to be used for carving projects. The cedar was to be used for creating a spindle and fire board for a bow drill kit while the cherry was to be used for carving spoons, spreaders, or whatever else caught our fancy. Picking up a bit of momentum we worked on carving for a bit, but the cold and dampness kept eating away at our morale. Luckily, the mentors had something up their sleeve (rather in a grocery bag); stew meat and seasoning along with all the fixings for s’mores. Not wanting to get too carried away we decided to start with the stew meat. Nothing can beat roasting meat over the fire to get the morale of the group back up. The delicious aroma, savory flavors, and simplicity all make this a great go to while sitting around the fire… and something people have been doing for thousands upon thousands of years! 

Starting and tending the fire

Heating up water with the kettle over the fire

Cooking the stew meat over the fire

With our morale back up, we took some time to warm ourselves by the fire and talk about our season in addition to looking forward to what next year has to offer. Each Four Shielder took some time to share what they enjoyed about the Four Shields program and what they wanted to get out of it in the future. We discussed possibilities for future outings, skills we wanted to focus on, and the ever approaching summer backpacking trip that all the Four Shileders are encouraged to go on. Additionally, this summer we will try and implement a new Four Shields Summer Camp that will be five days culminating in an overnight out off of Hwy 542. Everyone seemed to perk up after getting some warm food in our bellies and god conversation to stimulate our minds. Finally it was time for closing circle, and what could be Attitude of Gratitude first; s’mores instead of apples! Hopefully no one tells the other groups or else the mentors will never hear the end of it. As we finished up our closing circle we had just enough time to clean up before parents whisked everyone away to get out of the cold and back to the comforts of a warm home. This was a great multi-faceted outing filled with natural history moments at the beach, lots of time to work on skills, and the ever important fire that boils our water, cooks our food, warms our bodies, and enlivens our spirits. The Four Shields is a unique program that is still in its infancy, but with this group of guys and the limitless possibilities that lay before us, we can’t wait to see what will happen next. 

Check out the rest of the photos from our outing here!

Relaxing around the fire and talking about next season

Four Shields: Exploring Whatcom Pass in the Shoulder Season

“Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire.  The reality of your own nature should determine the speed.  If you become restless, speed up.  If you become winded, slow down.  You climb the mountain in an equilibrium between restlessness and exhaustion.  Then, when you are no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn’t just a means to an end but a unique event in itself.  This leaf has jagged edges.  This rock is loose.  From this place the snow is less visible, even though closer.  These are things you should notice anyway.  To live only for some future goal is shallow.  It’s the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top.” –Robert Pirsig

Rain.  The familiar damp welcomed us to the mountains on our second outing of the season.  With much larger numbers our group arrived at the trailhead to Welcome Pass after meeting early at the bus back in Bellingham.  Grinding up a very short, yet narrow and steep forest service road we were ready to begin our climb.  The weather was a steady rain, though temperature was mild and there was very little wind.  As we followed the old road grade up to the steeper sections of trails we adjusted layers trying to find the magic combination allowing us to stay comfortable under clammy rain layers.  Once we crossed our first drainage our climb began in earnest.  A steep switch backing trail ascended boldly up the mountain stretching calves and attitudes. 

The relentless grade was difficult.  Lungs, quads, rain gear, footwear and attitudes were all tested. We stopped occasionally to catch our breath and rest our calves.  The rain made our lunch stop brief and focused.  Along the way we passed though groves of Mountain Hemlock and silver fir.  We tracked our progress on our map and slowly we climbed higher and higher gaining over 2,000 vertical feet in a couple of brutal miles.

When we reached our predetermined turnaround time we gathered the group together.  Energy levels were across the board with some utterly spent and others were ready to run to the pass.  The group decided that since we were likely 200’ below the pass those that were too tired would wait with Steve and the others would make the final climb to the pass, take a photo then head back down.  After about 5 minutes of climbing the boys who wanted to climb the pass made it to the top.  We took a few photos and enjoyed the impressive sideways rain and the views of crag, heather, and clouds.

The decent was nonstop.  It 40 minutes to descend what had taken 2 hours and 20 minutes to climb.  Our only stop was a brief look for chanterelle mushrooms.  Spirits lightened once we entered the brightness of the parking lot.  We explored the small stream and dam beyond where the bus was parked.  Our closing circle was filled with affirmations.  It was a hard hike and we climbed it well as a group especially given the limited time and hard weather.  We ended by thinking about what made the day challenging and what we could have personally changed for ourselves to make it better.  Suggestions included gloves, rain pants, extra warm layers, a full night’s sleep and non-cotton layers.  Traveling into the mountains is a great way to understand the limitations of your clothing and equipment.  The trick is to pay attention and make changes so that the next journey is even more successful.

See the rest of the photos here!

Four Shields Have Innaugural Campout on the Baker River

The Four Shields had their inaugural overnight at Baker River Trailhead. On a gorgeous weekend full of sunshine we loaded up the bus at Cascades Montessori and hit the road. Having a small crew due to some absences we knew we were going to have plenty of time and focus to really kick things off in fashion. Arriving at the trailhead after a bumpy drive along Baker Lake we set up camp and then took some time to eat lunch down by the river.

Listening to the soothing sounds of the river and gazing up at the steep valley walls, it took a little while to overcome some indecisiveness but we made a game plan. We would take the opportunity to hike on Saturday with our open time frame, get out and explore the Baker River Trail, then return to camp and settle in for an evening of cooking dinner and relaxing around the fire. Sunday would be our time to focus on strengthening some skills and digging a little deeper into what it means to be in the Four Shields. We would finish the day off with a sit spot and closing circle beside the river before loading back up on the bus.

Enjoying the sunshine along the Baker River

Crossing the cedar tree bridge along the Baker River Trail

Getting the fire going after harvesting and processing our own firewood

Fire starting skills session challenge: Gather, Process Wood, and Start your own fire.... CHECK!

Couldn't have asked for a better backdrop for our skills practice

Finishing the camp out we learned basic knife care and sharpening techniques

This weekend we primarily we focused on preparing, starting, and tending a fire using materials from the forest and only a knife for processing the wood and a ferro rod for ignition. We also honed our understanding of how to sharpen and care for a knife with a tutorial from Greg. Most importantly, however, we got to escape the hustle and bustle of town for the weekend and get out into a wild space. The sights and sounds of a river valley are the perfect medicine after getting accustomed to the routines and repetition of a school schedule. Spending time in good company, eating good food, hiking along the river bank, and sharing a fire in the evening; what more could you ask for.

Overall this was a fantastic way to start off the Four Shields program. Although we had a small number of participants, this offered a wonderful opportunity to really dig into developing our individual skill sets. As this group transitions into the mindset of the Four Shields and away from that of Explorers Club, we hope to begin focusing more inward towards self-development and self-discovery. Although the Four Shields will hold much of the comradery and group dynamics enjoyed in Explorers Club, as the Four Shielders continue on their journey through adolescence as arriving adults we as mentors hope to provide support and encouragement to find one’s self, tap into individual passions, and begin to grasp a sense of purpose. Milestones like college and picking a career loom heavy on the horizon of adulthood, but for now we will continue to learn and grown from one another, our experiences together, and whatever else the natural world decides to throw our way.

 

 Make sure the check out the rest of our photos from the campout here!