I'm a Little Hiker (Apprentice Journey 2012)

Nearly two weeks after our Journey to Staircase Campground I can still hear the laughter of our 9 courageous and hilarious young hikers (Did you know that our Apprentice Journey participants are between the ages of 8 and 10?!). We shared a number of wonderful moments... but some of my highlights, as a guide, were the following:

Playing blindfold "trust" games in the field at Staircase --- have you ever played "Hug a Tree" or done a "Sing-Song-Stalk" (the vocal version of a drum-stalk)? The Song-Stalk got our group laughing so hard at the zombie-like behaviors of blindfolded "stalkers." 

Having "Secret Spot" time at dusk in between large ferns, under elder evergreens, and next to "faerie-dust" white flowers. The forest was very magical as we sat in silence and enjoyed bird songs and the coolness of a light breeze.

Hiking the 3.5 Miles into Olympic National Park's Spike Camp. Yes, 3.5 miles with Backpacks on! And with good spirits... especially during our sunny lunch break along the Skokomish River. Then after lunch hiking slowly up-hill until finding a Doe standing at the junction to our campsite...

Spotting the Doe was a highlight for the whole group. She stood at the spot marking our hike completion and stayed with us as we set up our campsites. The participants sat in silence watching the Doe eat leaves for a long while.

Story time at night! One of the best story nights happened at Spike Camp where we huddled away from the rain underneath a tiny gear tarp. Tara read us a book by Byrd Baylor, "The Table Where Rich People Sit." And we talked about all the "wealth" in our lives... like New Friends, Spotting a Doe, Living for a week at Staircase in the beautiful woods... we realized that we were (and are) all VERY wealthy.

And preparing this song for the folks back home...

I'm a little hiker. HIKER! Hiker. HIKER! 

I'm a little hiker strong and small.

Here is my backpack here is my stick.

Tie my laces and send me out!

I'm a little hiker, hear me SHOUT! (Yea!)

I'm a little hiker. HIKER! Hiker. HIKER! 

Twinkle Twinkle little star,

How I wonder where you are?

It's been pouring down on us,

But we don't put up a big fuss!

I'm a little hiker. HIKER! Hiker. HIKER!

We saw a doe, pretty and lean.

She's the prettiest do we've ever seen...

"Hey. What's a doe?"

Doe a deer, a female deer

Re a drop of golden sun

Mi a name, I call myself

Fa a long long way to HIKE

So a needle pulling thread

La a note to follow so

Ti a drink of jam and bread

and that will bring us back to HOME HOME HOME HOME.