Larrabee to Clayton Beach Traverse 10-30-16

Twas the Sunday before Halloween when the excited and determined Pikas set out on a misty, mossy, spider-web filled adventure from Larrabee State Park to Clayton beach. It was a day of close observation and connection to the forest around us, staying true to our motto, It's About The Journey, Not The Destination. After catching up and discussing our day during Opening Circle, we began our journey towards Clayton Beach. We used all of our senses (including our sense of direction!) as we wound our way along a narrow path, collecting supplies for nature costumes, and stopping to observe the many majestic spider webs shimmering in the mist. Our day unfolded with lots of laughter, creative energy, games, and even a play as a finale to our wonderful day. Some highlights of our outing included:

Reconnecting with snacks and excited discussion about Halloween costumes during our Opening Circle on the Larrabee State Park stage.

• Stopping many, many times along the trail to observe the intricate spider webs, each one unique in its own way.

 

• Playing Spiders Web (how fitting!) after a snack stop along the trail. The bugs won every time!

Collecting giant maple leaves, fallen cedar bows, ferns, and twigs to wind into decorative nature costumes!

• Having lunch and a long Peaceful Place on the windy shores of Clayton Beach.

• Enjoying an incredible, spontaneous, somewhat improve Pikas play...the first annual and hopefully not the last!

• Collaborating and Compromising to choose our path back from beach. We ended up taking the Dragons Spine, a hidden gem of a trail off of the beaten path. 
• Voicing our Attitude of Gratitude under the bridge on our way back to the parking lot.

Our words of the day?

Spider Webs, nature costumes, moss, friends, and ferns!

Enjoy the full album of the day here.

Service at Woodstock Farm: 11-11-16

In the past few days, a new personal motto has come up for me: The Antidote to Apathy is Action. Taking action can also help alleviate frustration and anxiety, and generally helps one feel purposeful. 

Four GEC groups contributed joyful purpose to our shared service day, taking pride in our new role as caretakers of Woodstock Farm.

At our gathering meeting, we learned about the history of this place and the role of generosity and forward conservationist thinking that led to its preservation. Thanks to Cyrus Gates, his family home and land has been gifted to Whatcom County for all to enjoy - Mr. Gates also had a strong hand in protecting Larrabee State Park, Arroyo and Fairhaven Parks, Sehome Arboretum, and the Mt. Baker Bulb Farm (since turned into Bellis Faire Mall due to a legal loophole).

We brainstormed on who the users of the park are: humans, yes, but also raven, salmon, chipmunk, raccoon, weasel, mouse, heron, slug and so much more. We talked about why a park needs caretakers for all these stakeholders, and what occurs without people lending a hand to manage trails and terrain. Since our gathering area was adjacent to a stand of alders, thimbleberry and salmonberry, overrun by invasive blackberry, the girls quickly understood how invasive species take over native ones rather quickly.

Then we were off on a very short trip by bus to our destination just up the road. The next few hours were spend collaborating in purposeful work, removing invasives with care and attention, singing and talking while we worked. Worms were admired, baby fir trees were transplanted, connections were made between within and between GEC groups.

Each group shared some time on the bluff overlooking the sea, marveling at this extraordinary view that is normal for us here in Bellingham, and feeling thankful that Cyrus Gates had the foresight to set this bluff aside for all to enjoy. We also gave thanks for the Clark family for it's donation of Clark's Point to the Whatcom Land Trust, and the preservation of Chuckanut Island, now owned by the Nature Conservancy (but which was, long ago, a 13th birthday present for Cyrus Gate's son!).

Other gratitudes shared included the company of one another, the chance to serve, Explorers Club, trees, the Salish Sea, connections, generosity, and people who understand that all things are connected.

Enjoy the slideshow from our day here!