After gathering and waiting for all of our Silver Salmon to arrive, we hopped on the bus and headed north! It was the first sunny day it what felt like years, so we were eager to explore the fascinating forests and beautiful beaches of Point Whitehorn.
Some highlights from our joyful day of exploring:
* Applying the EC Mottos All Things Are Connected and Turn Problems into Possibilities as we understood how Point Whitehorn came to be a reserve: it was purchased by the Whatcom Land Trust with funds given after the Olympic pipeline explosion - a leak of gas delivered from the Cherry Point refinery right next to the reserve... gas that is made for our use. We reflected on the conundrums of resource extraction, delivery and use and source and end point pollution, and how we're all involved in this dance... as well as in the dance of connection and protection.
* Learning about the Sitka Spruce: where it grows (coastal rain forests), what people use it for (musical instruments, beer, airplane wings, basket weaving), the largest one in the world (on the Olympic Peninsula), the sacred Golden Spruce (in BC, sadly cut down in an act of vandalism).
* Learning about the importance of diversity, in life and in forest ecosystems. Seeking and finding biodiversity in this sitka spruce forest including meeting a new slime mold, a phototoxic invasive (cow parsnip), and a parrot!
* Arriving at the beach and exploring widely: exploring in the water, discovering what was just below the surface, investigating tidepools, opening shops to trade all sorts of beachy goodness, and creating nature art. It was so nice to see all the Silver Salmon completely engaged in play with each other!
* Understanding that most of the rocks on this beach were glacial erratics, granite left behind when a giant glacier receded.
* Playing a great game that emphasizes connection and gratitude for each other: Secret Admirer! We drew names out of a hat and then were tasked with delivering gifts, notes, and appreciation all day. The Silver Salmon went all out and bonded with each other in such a sweet way!
* Completing a sunny and restoring Peaceful Place strewn along the beach amongst the driftwood and boulders.
* Finding that the hours had flown by and that we really didn't want to leave that magical beach! So much so that we were 20 minutes late to pick-up (sorry parents!).
* Practicing an Attitude of Gratitude and Acknowledgements of each other on the bus. So much to be thankful for: the sun, the sea, anemones, one another, Whatcom Land Trust, family, rocks, nature's calming medicine.
Attitude of Gratitude
All Things Are Connected
Be Here Now
It's About the Journey, Not the Destination
