The Red Foxes wasted no time in starting the party! Our bus ride was rocking with song and laughter and catching up... and, some partner reflection based on the following quote: " And this is what happened, and this is why...the caribou and the wolf are one; the caribou feeds the wolf but it is the wolf who keeps the caribou strong". This reflection would be the thread for our day of connection to each other, to the beauty of Point Whitehorn, to the abundant life we had the privilege to witness...and to the somewhat complicated connection to how this parcel of land came to be preserved.
With the towering Sitka spruce at our backs, we began in our usual circle, checking in with one another; describing our current energetic state using the metaphor of a musical instrument. Native peoples used the Sitka spruce to make musical instruments based on properties such as strength to weight ratio.
Then we were off on a sweet meandering path full of known and new plants, ripening salmonberries, and more songs! Music would continue to define our day. A short walk full of much diversity.
The beach was calling and we were not disappointed! We found ourselves alone, the skies becoming partly sunny. For most, the water was the first area of exploration.
Some of the highlights of this exploration:
An astounding number of sea anemones.
Seabirds; and an eagle riding the thermals overhead.
A family of seals basking on a large rock just off the shore.
Chilly waters to awaken the senses.
Three Purple Seastars hiding beneath a giant rock.
Clams and crabs.
And a very cool find: what appeared to be a comb jellyfish, a flat jelly with no tentacles. This creature became almost invisible when submerged in the water.
There was also:
Caterpillar heaven.
Body art using crushed rock and water.
And simply hanging out.
We all enjoyed an extra long peaceful place and then came back together refreshed from the reflection that happens while sitting alone.
We continued our theme of connection with an initiative called human knot. This is a fun problem to solve, and led to a rich discussion about the more complicated connection to Cherry Point refinery.
Then we were off on a sweet meandering path full of known and new plants, ripening salmonberries, and more songs! Music would continue to define our day. A short walk full of much diversity.
The beach was calling and we were not disappointed! We found ourselves alone, the skies becoming partly sunny. For most, the water was the first area of exploration.
Some of the highlights of this exploration:
Seabirds; and an eagle riding the thermals overhead.
A family of seals basking on a large rock just off the shore.
Chilly waters to awaken the senses.
Three Purple Seastars hiding beneath a giant rock.
Clams and crabs.
And a very cool find: what appeared to be a comb jellyfish, a flat jelly with no tentacles. This creature became almost invisible when submerged in the water.
There was also:
Caterpillar heaven.
Body art using crushed rock and water.
And simply hanging out.
We all enjoyed an extra long peaceful place and then came back together refreshed from the reflection that happens while sitting alone.
We continued our theme of connection with an initiative called human knot. This is a fun problem to solve, and led to a rich discussion about the more complicated connection to Cherry Point refinery.
We applied the EC Mottos All Things Are Connected and Turn Problems into Possibilities to understand 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. We discussed all the stakeholders and impacts on Cherry Point waters: the farmers upstream (manure and pesticides); the nearby houses that impact waters with dogs, fertilizers, car washing and oil changes; the salmon, herring, orcas, and myriad birds; the proposed shipping terminal; the refinery; AlCOA smelter; fishermen, and more.
The time always seems to go quickly and we soon found ourselves packing up and headed back to the bus. We joined in a circle one more time. Now we tested the strength and commitment of our own connection. With everyone standing and leaning back, holding on to a rope, we experimented with what happens if someone lets go, or pulls too much. We were able to squat a few times and stand back up; all while leaning back on the rope. This is a fun activity and instantly shows how well a group can be connected, working together in a balanced way.
The time always seems to go quickly and we soon found ourselves packing up and headed back to the bus. We joined in a circle one more time. Now we tested the strength and commitment of our own connection. With everyone standing and leaning back, holding on to a rope, we experimented with what happens if someone lets go, or pulls too much. We were able to squat a few times and stand back up; all while leaning back on the rope. This is a fun activity and instantly shows how well a group can be connected, working together in a balanced way.
We ended with "Attitude of Gratitude". So much to be thankful for: the sun, the sea, sea anemones, caterpillars, one another, the land trust, family, rocks, seals, songs, and nature's calming medicine.
Our Words of the Day: Catepillars, Sun, and Beaches!
EC Mottos especially in use today:
* Safety First
* Turn Problems Into Possibilities
* Attitude of Gratitude
* All Things Are Connected
* Be Here Now
