Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Branch Hoppers enjoy the wonders of Squires Lake

What do you get when you cross ten explorers, second growth evergreen forest, a 275 lb. English Mastiff, numerous tadpoles and at least twoleeches (yes, leeches) on a warm sunny Skagit County afternoon? Answer: the latest Branch Hoppers’ Boys Explorers Club outing, of course!

Our good friend Stubbs delivered us to the Squires Lake trailhead with the reliability of the atomic clock, so we quickly handed out jobs and struck out for the lake. The trail climbs pretty steadily for a third of a mile. When you arrive at the top, however, it is immediately apparent that your exertion is worth the effort: the land for Squires Lake park was donated anonymously and developed by park personnel and volunteers. The result is a picture-pretty park that can be hiked year-round and that has been preserved as an oasis of biodiversity a short distance from I-5. 

We decided to pursue our adventure by hiking clockwise around the lake. The park is showing touches of summer: robins and wrens are flitting about, frogs are croaking, mosquitoes are biting, and tadpoles are transitioning to frogs. This place is a biology lab for anyone who takes the time to slow down and observe. 

And what better way to learn about this biodiversity than by swimming in it? And swim in it the Branch Hoppers did! In a scene out of a Norman Rockwell sketch, several boys splashed in while a few others preferred sunbathing on the shore and yet others peered into the water from the near shore, observing tadpoles, dragon flies and frogs doing their own sunbathing. 

This idyllic scene was soon interrupted when a leech was spied on the leg of one of the swimmers. The uninvited guest was removed and returned to his freshwater environment while his temporary host received a little medical attention and became a bit of a celebrity (15, er... 5 minutes of fame?).  A few explorers began carving, a la Tom Sawyer, and quiet was restored. Enter leech number two. The doctoring was repeated, celebrity status was transferred to our new star and more boys decided sunbathing and carving were now more attractive than swimming.

Next, along came the English Mastiff. Three to four times the weight of the average explorer, this gentle canine was out for a Saturday stroll with his family. Oohs and aahs all around. 

Time for a change of pace. The group decided they wanted one more great game of Spider’s Web before wrapping up a strong spring season, so we packed up our gear and struck off for a suitable patch of forest. Evidence of long-ago logging was found in the form of several extremely large cedar stumps that this day served as cover for flies scrambling in pursuit of the prized “food source”. Abundant deer fern also aided the hungry flies, while the stinging nettle and devil’s club called for cautious movement. We had found an excellent location and enjoyed a fine game, although an ultimately frustrating one for the flies.

As we reversed our course for our hike out, enjoying the shocking-pink blossoms and juicy berries of the abundant salmonberry, it was tempting to reflect on the changes this spring has brought. Yes, there is the plentifuldicranum moss, water parsley and skunk cabbage the warmth of spring has nurtured. And, there are the tadpoles, visual evidence of nature’s constant metamorphosis. Most significant for us, however, is the change in these explorers. As they’ve examined the wonders of Clayton Beach, explored Galbraith Mountain, served the land at Connelly Creek, and now soaked in the splendor of Squires Lake, the Branch Hoppers have matured this spring to the point where they’re better able to collaborate and compromise to make decisions. They’re ready to deal with unexpected developments like our leech incidents with calm and perspective. Finally, the increasing depth of their friendships within the group expose a growing appreciation of the people and natural wonders around them. The tadpoles are growing the legs and developing the lungs they’ll need as adults: the Branch Hoppers are getting ready to transition as well.

Our departure was delayed by a bus door that wouldn’t close, allowing a symbolic lingering that many of us long for before a sometimes daunting transition. The boys took full advantage of the opportunity, as would most of us.

Many thanks for allowing us time with your explorers this spring. We are honored to play a part in their lives and look forward to continuing the journey in the fall. 

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