We then rallied down to the creek which was ABOUNDING with salmon! In my 7 years in Bellingham, I have never seen Arroyo Park so full of salmon. It was a joyous exploration as we watched the salmon struggle their way swimming upstream. Salmon are the lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest, and it became clear to all of us why! They represent perseverance, strength, and coming home; they fertilize our soil to support massive growth of our forested communities; they travel thousands of miles each year. Salmon are a true superhero!
After our special time with the fish, we moved our way up to the Hemlock trail, where we met the "Big Rock" (so aptly named by Explorers years ago). We spent some time climbing the rock, stopping to assist each girl Stretch Her Edge in her own special way. I heard kind, encouraging language, watched girls physically help each other up and down, and really embody the motto Safety First. It was a highlight of our day absolutely.
After a while, some girls continued climbing while others set out to build a teepee. We learned from fellow hikers about places to harvest the right branches for our shelter, and where to not harvest. The girls Walked Their Talk by hearing the hiker's request, and decided to harvest in another location. Before too long, they had built a fairly impressive shelter so quickly! We stopped for lunch, and then decided to continue up trail on the hunt for the elusive Chuckanut Falls.
While we hiked, we warmed our bodies, which was much needed, and before long, we came to Chuckanut Falls! We spent some time peacefully appreciating the rush of water over the precipice, and decided that we needed to head back down the trail to make everything we wished to do that day happen. The Pikas really Collaborated and Compromised to suit the needs and wishes of everyone in their group, which always makes mentors proud! We followed the girls as they flew down the trail, all the way to the "Magic Tree", another famous GEC spot in the Chuckanuts. We climbed the magic tree, appreciated her beauty, and sat by, on, and underneath her for a gloriously rainy Peaceful Place. From there, we finished our day with our Attitude of Gratitude, where we thanked so many things, but most of our appreciation was for salmon and the things that support salmon's journey. OH, and licorice root. We love that, too :)
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| Laoise's licorice bounty... enough for MANY cups of tea :) |
The Pikas' are only continuing to bond and connect more! I am excited to see what 2017 has to offer for this fantastic group of independent, brave, kind, heartfelt girls.
-Hannah
To see a slideshow from our day, click here!
