When the Firestalkers gathered on Saturday, it was bright and it was early. Though not everyone had a bright disposition right off the bat, there was all the promise of a good day ahead. The fog had lifted and the sky was clear, and there was straight up adventure ahead of us. Once we had all gathered and said our hellos, we circled up for the opening meeting. The map was laid out, and Firestalkers were given the overall vision of the day. They were also warned that the first half of the outing would contain a scavenger hunt/songline challenge.
So, observing the map, we came up with a plan and got the first clue to where to go. We were looking for an arboreal bridge past were the horses go. We went on the trail and started searching. Downed trees that stretched over the creek were considered one by one, and the size of Matt’s shoes was an object of serious scrutiny. Firestalkers attempted to track their way to the first destination. But, as Tim pointed out, in tracking it is essential to place oneself in the mind of
the animal. More so, it is best to imaginatively become the animal. When considering this, the group was encouraged to think about the context of the outing from the perspective of a mentor setting it all up. What would the intentions be? Where would be a likely place to start? How clear would the directions need to be? This is the sweet spot of tracking: to become the animal. It is a state of embodied learning where the nervous system can fully engage with the experience from a radically different perspective. The Firestalkers did very well in this event. It is possible, should they so choose, for them to develop sufficient relationships that they will be able to step into the mind of the black-tailed deer or the coyote and read the landscape from their perspectives.
the animal. More so, it is best to imaginatively become the animal. When considering this, the group was encouraged to think about the context of the outing from the perspective of a mentor setting it all up. What would the intentions be? Where would be a likely place to start? How clear would the directions need to be? This is the sweet spot of tracking: to become the animal. It is a state of embodied learning where the nervous system can fully engage with the experience from a radically different perspective. The Firestalkers did very well in this event. It is possible, should they so choose, for them to develop sufficient relationships that they will be able to step into the mind of the black-tailed deer or the coyote and read the landscape from their perspectives.
With a little navigation and consideration, we found our way to the first checkpoint. Some challenges arose concerning plant identification, and the group learned a little more about the difference between lady 
fern and bracken fern. We made sure we were ready, and we set forth into the wild, crossing the stream over a large Cedar Bridge and heading uphill following deer and a few human tracks. The navigation challenge was met rather skillfully, though slowly. At some checkpoints we discovered hidden items which might have been of some use if it were just a little colder out. At one point, everyone donned his blindfold and was given the challenge to navigate from one point to another. Working as a group was encouraged, and the rules were simple. This was, perhaps, the most entertaining section of the outing (next to a few choice comments) for Matt and Tim. That said, the group navigated quite well and found their way to the destination in relatively short time.
fern and bracken fern. We made sure we were ready, and we set forth into the wild, crossing the stream over a large Cedar Bridge and heading uphill following deer and a few human tracks. The navigation challenge was met rather skillfully, though slowly. At some checkpoints we discovered hidden items which might have been of some use if it were just a little colder out. At one point, everyone donned his blindfold and was given the challenge to navigate from one point to another. Working as a group was encouraged, and the rules were simple. This was, perhaps, the most entertaining section of the outing (next to a few choice comments) for Matt and Tim. That said, the group navigated quite well and found their way to the destination in relatively short time.
All in all, this was an epic outing. Much could be said to have about
each piece, about the wonders of the landscape, about the group processes, about the skills engaged, about personal and interpersonal challenges, or simply about the joys of being outdoors away from any trail or other people for such a long time. But sometimes it is best to entice the reader by the technique of overt omission. Reader, if you'd like to know, to really know, what this outing was like, you are invited to use the deep parts of tracking. Embody your mental quarry. Pick two points on a map, assess safety, landscape relationships, and legality, and challenge yourself to step into the wilderness. You may find, as we did, mind boggling fungi, curious coyote signs, the true paths of the deer, or waterfalls that don't show up on any map. You may also find, as we did, that you are tired at the end of the day, but when reflecting you realize that it is one of the most rewarding days you've had in a long time.
each piece, about the wonders of the landscape, about the group processes, about the skills engaged, about personal and interpersonal challenges, or simply about the joys of being outdoors away from any trail or other people for such a long time. But sometimes it is best to entice the reader by the technique of overt omission. Reader, if you'd like to know, to really know, what this outing was like, you are invited to use the deep parts of tracking. Embody your mental quarry. Pick two points on a map, assess safety, landscape relationships, and legality, and challenge yourself to step into the wilderness. You may find, as we did, mind boggling fungi, curious coyote signs, the true paths of the deer, or waterfalls that don't show up on any map. You may also find, as we did, that you are tired at the end of the day, but when reflecting you realize that it is one of the most rewarding days you've had in a long time.
Firestalkers, you did an excellent job navigating as a group, having fun, and doing some serious work when needed. This was a fantastic outing. Thanks so much and please start considering what you would like your challenge to be next season. More and more it is up to you, as both Matt and Tim recognized that they barely needed to be present for this past outing. You could have done this all on your own… which is the goal of any mentor.
Thanks so much to the parents and the community for your enduring support. Thank you to the Chuckanuts for being such amazing wilderness right in our backyard. Don't forget to check out pics from our outing in ourphoto gallery.
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