We had a busy skills day ahead so we headed off to our nettle patch to harvest some stinging nettle in the tall, fall form. Several of the girls cut the nettles, then several would strip the stalks of their leaves. These two tasks allowed for some edge stretching among the group. I think we escaped with just a few stings. Once we had a pile together we went in search of a spot to learn the skills of stripping the fibers away from the pulpy part of the stalk.
The girls ate lunch, and then had a chance to collaborate and compromise on a game while Lauren and I did some initial preparation of the stalks.
Finally we got to the stripping; a meditative type of activity, and a perfect way to enjoy this fine fall day.
Here are some photos of the girls doing this work. We will now let the strands dry and then bring them on an outing in the spring where we will learn to make cordage.
No explorers outing is complete without some games; and we spent some time after the sitting work running around playing spider's web. Alea taught us a fun way to identify your unique laugh....pictured below:
We spent some time in peaceful place; then gathered back together for sharing our attitude of gratitude. Lauren, Alea and I are all grateful for the fun and curious energy of the Pikas!
See more photos here
Words of the day: Stinging nettle, games, spiders and fun!
