Salamander Efts Traverse Chuckanut Ridge

For this outing the Salamander Efts met on Cleator Road, alongside blooming Coltsfoot, to make the trek along Chuckanut Ridge to Arroyo Park. The morning was chill, but sunny, and after a long winter the weather was refreshing. We would be doing a traverse for the first time since fall and this was also refreshing in a way. Many of our exploratory outings are relatively unstructured and going for a hike to a known destination is therapeutic in a way; it gets the circulation up and removes any burden of decision, allowing us to sink into the land a bit, enjoy our surroundings, and make conversation along the trail.

Taking in the view over the islands.

Nearing the end of their final season with Explorer's Club, the Salamander Efts are now a relatively small group. With only four Salamanders out, however, it is easier for us to delve into the natural history of this beautiful region. As we traversed the ridge we had ample time and opportunity to stop and investigate the flora and fauna we passed. The spring season delivered us the new growth of plants and song of birds. We brushed up on our tree identification, discussing the differences between Red Alder, Big-leaf Maple and Cottonwood. We saw and smelled fresh Skunk Cabbage displaying its brilliant yellow flowers from the mud. We walked through groves of blooming Salmonberry and took the time to notice the butterfly shape of its leaves. We even found a salamander while poking around for signs of life beneath a log on the forest floor.

An Oregon Ensatina found beneath a moist log.

Reaching the ridge with the sun overhead we stopped to have lunch and take in the view. With swallows, Ravens, and a pair of Eagles floating in the early afternoon updrafts, we surveyed the landscape with binoculars. Chuckanut ridge, which runs roughly north-south provides sweeping vistas to both the east and west. With this in mind, we took a moment to revisit the orientation and navigation skills we learned when still new to Explorer's Club. Looking at the position of the sun, the ocean, mountains, and local terrain features we determined which direction we were heading down the trail. After lunch we took off along the ridge until we came to a trail junction. At the intersection of the trails there was a checkpoint map and we stopped to look at it and compare what we had determined by observation to the information on the map. We came to a decision about which direction we needed to go to get to Arroyo Park, but also discussed what we we would do if we lost our way and there was no map.

Digesting the view with our lunch.

We ended our traverse with time to spare at Chuckanut Creek in Arroyo Park, a long time Explorer's Club favorite. We decided to spend the remainder of our time along the creek, exploring up and down its length and enjoying time with friends in the sun. Winding down the day, we looked back at our time with Explorer's Club, but also forward to the end of our season and graduation, and although our day was relaxing, we didn't forget our goal to master Fire by Friction. After service, our next outing will be an overnight campout at Racehorse Falls and our goal is for each of the Salamander Efts to get a coal and flame with the Bow Drill.

Enjoying the Creek

Be sure to check out the rest of the photos from this outing here.