Day 4 – Saturday, August 13th

Closing Ceremony quotes:

I think Raven has the all time record for journal entries.. Renee

We went to Potlatch State Park. We played estuary games. It was fun but of course I lost because I'm small. We learned about what salmon go through. We had to not get eaten by Dan or a shark or a whale. Raven

We stayed at a really nice campground at Dosewallips. We could see the mountains. We went on a hike and it was gorgeous. The Salmon Mafia game is kinda like the werewolf game. You have Hood Canal salmon and Atlantic salmon. They are all trying to get to the feeding grounds in Alaska. Only the Hood Canal salmon know where the feeding grounds are located. They have the location imprinted in their brain. The point is to beat the bad salmon. It was really fun and entertaining. Katie

At the last campsite there was a gigantic handcarving of a salmon. It was carved from Cedar. It was really cool. Logan

I have officially written in every single page of my journal. A lot of it is doodling but it is all full. Raven

I wore the necklace because I was helpful around the camp. Logan

I don't know why I got this one (the necklace). Jeremiah

He reminds the staff of a coyote. He is kind of a trickster but also shows a lot of wisdom. Dan

I got the necklace because I was not feeling well so I kind of seperated from the group during the Elk and Wolf game. Dan came over and helped me learn how to calm my mind and be one with nature. It helped me a lot and I am glad to have done that. Nancy

I got an award for journaling. Raven

They gave me the necklace for leadership. When it was our clan's turn to cook dinner I kind of took charge and I did the same with breakfast. John

Salmon eat bugs. Salmon happy. Bats eat bugs. Bats happy. Raven

Marine nutrients from carcasses are important in the salmon cycle. They provide food for stream bugs. Bats benefit indirectly from this process. Dan

We were running as fast as we could from the wolves. We were doing pretty good until we got seperated and then we got devoured. At the end of the game the elk got a bit of revenge. Georgette

Describing the Blue Hole - It is mesmerizing. It is a section where the Hamma goes off and it is really deep and freezing cold. The rock ledge is really high to jump off. Jumping in is really freezing and the cold is nothing like you've ever felt before. It was special to be the first one to jump off the ledge. It represents how salmon have to leap upstream. The hike to get there was pretty hard, lots of rocks and stickers. At the end of the destination the reward was getting to the Blue Hole. John

Renee talked about the importance of the Skokomish Estuary and the huge efforts that have gone into its restoration and how important this project is for slamon. At this location, each camper was given a critter which they had to research and figure out how it was connected to salmon.

On Day Two, we woke up really early. We went over by the river. We saw a herd of elk. It was really cool to see them feeding. They were crossing the river to get to more food. They will eat all the greens which helps give enough room for trees that provide shelter for the salmon. Really cool. Ben

Raven took us to the Dose estuary . We had to test the water and it turned out is was good/cold for the salmon. We checked for water quality and temperature. Jeremiah

We had some fish chasers didn't we? Dan

My favorite part of the Bat talk was the advertising. We all got in the back of the truck and shouted "Bat Talk at Dusk!" We didn't realize that Dan was giving the talk. We got a couple of dirty looks from people. I learned that bats play a huge role in the control of insects and without them we would all be covered in bugs! Nancy

Safe journeys home. Dan

Friday, August 12th

Day 3 of Adventure Salmon Camp

It looks like the campers have had another great day out in the watershed of the Hood Canal in the Salish Sea. Exploring the Hama Hama River south of Dosewallips took up most of the day. Pictures above include preparation for the Elk and Wolf game and learning from college interns about stream surveying and benthic macroinvertebrates (stream bugs) and how all this fits into the salmon life cycle. More pictures will come and comments too. I heard the Elk and Wolf game was a lot of fun today and took up most of the afternoon. See entries in July about details of the game. It is so much fun and no one really ever wants to stop playing once they become an elk or a wolf. It is role playing at its best. I am sure clans took the hike up the Hamma to the wondrous blue hole for the annual leap off the rather high ledge which is always thrilling and very cold! See you tomorrow campers, have too much fun.. Kim

Day 2 of Adventure Salmon Camp (Aug2011)

Thursday, August 11th
Day 2 of Adventure Salmon Camp
We anticipated a sunrise morning in which we planned to get up with enough time to walk from our campsite (deep in the wooded area) to an overlook across the river delta to watch the sunrise. The timing of all that sounded a little bit daunting to several of the campers, but they were all willing to give it a try. I was nestled in from the evening along the river bank as the sky was becoming more light. As the morning softened from the cool of the night to the cool of the morning sky, It became apparent that the clouds were going to try and foil our morning of the Dawn Chorus, I watched the sky brighten a bit more and checked my watch. It was 5:50am. It was pleasantly quiet as I gazed up at the low clouds clinging to the mountain. I sat up in my sleeping bag and focused my attention across the river. It was another peaceful morning on the edges of the Dosewallips River. As the thought was lingering in my mind, four half-dressed boys went flying past my sleeping bag on their way down the bank of the river. The gazelle-like legs of the leader, Jeremiah, came to an abrupt stop and the four of them nearly stumbled over each other. “There are moose crossing the river!!” exclaimed Jeremiah to me as he realized they had just whisked past with their focus on the prize crossing the river. Haven’t not yet seen their vision, I called back, “Are you sure they’re moose?”. “Something like that” he said. Sure enough, there was a procession of elk (dang they weren’t moose) crossing the river. Some had already made it across, some were part way across, and others were approaching the far stream bank to take their turn. Wow. From their actions, it looked like they were taking a path up the near river bank and towards us. I tried feebly to shush the four of them, but their excitement was more than it was worth to reign it back. It looked a bit like a train wreck about to happen. Campers approaching elk, and elk approaching campers. About the same point of recognizing the moment, they both paused. The stalemate was one. Dan

Today we saw some elk - they where relly cool! Logan

Woke up super early to the guys screaming and shouting. Followed Dan through a trail and saw some elk. It was an awesome experience! Can’t wait for the next adventure. Nancy

Last night we played a game called “salmon mafia” and it was like a huge game of clue, it was actually really fun, and everyone is still talking about it today. Also, this morning I woke up and we had hot coco and in the middle of drinking I looked up and saw several elk crossing the river, there were 10 in all. I especially loved seeing them because I have never really seen elk in person, especially in nature, I hear we are going to a waterfall later today at “rocky brook” I am very exited because I remember going thre a few years ago and it’s really beautiful! And a nice memorable experience  Brandon Beauprey.

Good morning… it was so cool to see the elk this morning. They were bigger than I expected. Hot chocolate doesn’t seem to be keeping me warm this morning. I slept with Katie and Laural last night. That was my first time sleeping in a tent outside. I thought about my little sister this morning when I woke up. It was cold.. and weird in the tent this morning. I woke up and thought I was in my room.. it was weird. Then I opened my eyes and saw Katie standing in the tent and I knew it wasn’t my room. The tent was cool because it was big enough for all three of us and our stuff. Dictated by Raven

I woke up at 4:30 this morning and went back to bed.. and then woke up every half hour after that.. Around 6:00 Logan came to the tent and told us there were moose crossing the stream. So I had to go check it out. I took lots of pictures of the elk this morning. The cocoa was calling my name so had to go back and get some. Then there was a call for more moose and we all went running again. .. took more pictures. Now I’m working on a special carving. Dictated by Katie
I spent a restless night.. not sure why, but got up for some reason and went outside the tent. I looked over my shoulder and noticed some elk at the opposite side of the river from the campsite. Then me and Logan ran towards the water with John and Ben. We watched for a long time. We saw Dan near the edge of the river. He asked that we go get everybody up to come watch the moose.. or elk or whatever. After a while, we came back to fill up our water bottles and waited for the cocoa. The elk turned back towards the edge of camp, so we ran down and watched them cross back to other side. Dictated by Jeremiah

Logan “you sound like my mom”. Raven “I am your mom”.

Today started amazing. After a hard night of getting use to sleeping in a tent, I was really tired. Jeremiah quickly rushed us to see some elk, or deer (they wouldn’t make up their minds). The sight of the huge elks crossing the river awoke me into a heavenly sight that will so far be the highlight of my trip. Anyway, it is day two and as a hope to avoid a re-run from last year, I am being very careful. Last year at camp I broke my collar bone on day two. So I am watching my back to keep all of my bones intact. Till tomorrow, bye. John Kraus

This morning when we woke up, there were some elk crossing the river. We watched them for a while. Laurel Glatzmayer

Katie says to let you know that she is closer to finishing her boat carving.

We learned a little bit about tracking animals, it was really interesting, we fallowed the elk that we saw backwards and found an area they go to often. Now we are about to have lunch, ladies first haha witch is a good think to practice as well, and then after we are a going up to the waterfall and going swimming it’s going to be a lot of fun, I just hope that I don’t get cut this time. Brandon Beauprey

“I think I’m going to eat the crust… because of the zero food waste challenge. “ Georgette
This year has started out pretty great (this is an understatement because I can’t think of a more extreme word to describe the experiences I’m having). Right now, we are awaiting some slow pokes that are doing something or rather and after that WE GET TO GO TO A WATERFALL! Yes, a waterfall. I am psyched, to say the least. The counselors/leaders are very accommodating to every camper’s needs , which makes camp even more exciting. I’m really learning to NOT waste my food, because of the zero food waste challenge. (As you may have seen above this entry Dan quoting me, making the decision of eating my crust. Blech, crust!) my fellow campers are now debating on whether to punch a baby when they are angry or to shoot a duck. Personally, I’d go for the duck until we meet again. Georgette

Day 4 - Saturday, July 23rd

Day 4 - July 23, 2011

Farm awakening
Shadows of alpaca heads moving on the tent wall
Their curious, humming, droning voices
They are wondering…
What is this tent?
Why is it next to our pasture fence?
Crows cawing to each other
Robin song
Bird calls all around
Attempting to sneak out of the tent…
Tent zippers are so loud…
Caught…… little girls eyes open wide…. Kim

I love this camp!!! Ben

Our collective journey memories….

I enjoyed salmon camp a lot when I was a kid and so I thought I should come along this time and help kids have fun too… Katie

I just really enjoyed salmon camp. It was really fun going kayaking and hanging out in the woods. It was a really great experience even when I fell….. I had a really great time.
Dan told us how you can figure out what animal has passed by reading its
tracks and determining its gait… Ben

Ben got the prize for the most bee stings… (Two or three)

I had fun making the fire even though I had to wake up early… Riley

Riley was our fire keeper, he kept us warm. Dan

Do you still have the lighter, Riley? Ben

No, but I did keep it for the entire elk and wolf game. Riley

Tree sap worked well as a fire starter. Riley

I enjoyed camp.
This is my first year.
I had fun kayaking.
I wore the necklace for asking the most questions.
I survived as an elk.
We had to go through bushes.
Renee died cause she went out there.
She risked her life. Marissa

We made up a game today and played it.
I did sleep a lot.
I wore the necklace for being theatrical.
I was a wolf. Emilie

Soooo, it was fun catching lots of little fish. Me and Dan caught a trout this long….
When my hand was underwater the fish would just stay there.
I probably caught twenty little fish at the most, they were babies.
I was an elk and then I got killed and eaten.
They turned me into a wolf. Tiff

I had a great time playing elks & wolves.
I was one of the survivors.
I just had a great time.
It was a great experience.
I want to do it over and over again.
I wore the necklace for being a great teacher and sharing my nature knowledge. Allie

I had a great time.
I wore the necklace because I was good at a sit spot.
I was an elk and I changed into a wolf. Greg

All I have to say is Dan left two of his things… So, stay here, so you can see Dan dance for his things… Tiff

We are going to do this right now? Dan

Now you have to peck at the ground. You gotta try Dan. Tiff

Dan danced, he pecked, he looked just like a chicken….

Is that worth two things? Dan

He gets his precious hat back… Tiff

Clapping by all
We shared our journey… thank you for that… Safe journeys on your way back home… Dan

Day 3 - Friday, July 22, 2011

Day 3 – Friday, July 22, 2011 It’s Friday morning and campers are still asleep in their tents. We’ll give them a little more time to recharge before the day begins. We look forward to kayaking, exploring phytoplankton and the much awaited Elk & Wolf game! More to come…

Riley found some fire starter oozing from the bark of a tree. Another nice fire...
Greg has managed to only find one shoe, but it hasn’t kept him from the morning fire. Too fun...
Sunny skies call us and we’ve had no rain!!

It is time to pack up camp and journey south to Shore Acres and travel up and down the windy Burma Road for a day of kayaking and new discoveries…

We arrived around noon, had circle time and enjoyed a leisurely lunch on the shores of Tahuya next to Musqueti Point at Capt. James’ place with a beautiful view of the Olympics Mountains.

We kayaked south to Rendsland Creek to observe and talk about the estuarine habitat and noticed marine creatures around pilings past Musqueti Point. We had clear, cool waters with a gentle breeze all along the way. Some of us floundered just a bit on a small spit in front of the Tumby place. No worries, the water was quite shallow at this spot and some just got out and guided their kayaks to deeper water. Emilie diligently used the pump to remove water from her kayak. Kids explored and paddled about with each other. Renee had a cluster of kayaks around her at all times with kayakers coming and going, lingering, visiting, practicing quiet, giggling and departing. Ben and Riley scouted for us and came back and forth as they explored. Dan and Greg followed behind at times spending more time observing along the way. Tommy mentored Marissa in kayaking skills. Allie, Tiffany, Marissa and Greg were great first time kayakers! Mendy, Michelle and Kim followed behind in a very leaky rowboat… Michelle used her eagle eyes on us all. Kim took some photos while Mendy captained the rowboat. Mendy is an iron woman with her awesome rowing skills!!! A bald eagle flew overhead and seemed to soar among us for a moment…

Our research boat the Tiderunner was nearby keeping an eye on us while conducting some phytoplankton net pulls for us. Thank you, Sean and Annie. Our Stream team Interns, Sam, Ariel, Megan and Katrina remained at Shore Acres baking several dozen yummy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies for us and preparing for the long awaited elk and wolf game….

This game is always anticipated every year. It is a predator/prey game where one must attempt to mimic either a wolf or an elk… hunt or be hunted… be quiet, hunker down, listen, creep through brush and bramble, observe, smell, be still, use all your senses, heighten your awareness, think like an elk or a wolf….

We, the Elk people climbed quietly in a group up a high bank following well used animal trails. We stopped, listened, gazed and kept low with stately sentinel trees of the forest looking down among us amidst a vast ferny glade.

The Wolf people were nowhere in sight. We heard them in the distance. We were fearful. We were quiet. We were scared…

We kept moving, listening, smelling, looking… always aware… knowing WE ARE HUNTED…
We travelled upland; we walked on forest land used by humans we do not fear.
Time goes by, some of us die. The Wolf people howl after each kill. We dying Elk people are reborn as wolves to hunt the remaining elk…

We are hot, WE ARE HUNTED; but we remaining Elk people cannot give up. The Wolf people are tireless; they pick us off one by one, howling in delight at each new kill.

Time still goes on, where are the last three elk??? The Elk people are deep in the forest and nowhere to be found.

The wolves are fat and full and lazy. Wait, OH MY! All the Wolf people are caught by MAN…

They are put into a truck, radio collared, hydrated by wildlife biologists and released so that their movements can be tracked…..

It is getting late, where are those last three elk?
They will not give up!!!
Come out!
You won!
Well done!
Marissa Elk, Allie Elk and Katie Elk….

A fun time was had by all. It is hard to stop playing the Elk/Wolf game….

We amble back to the shore, while gathering soot trays left out the night before. We gaze upon these trays surmising whatever might have left their prints upon them and eaten the bait. We see the bare shadow of a footprint on one… what could it be? A fox, a squirrel? We see slug slime on two others… hungry slugs… and light feathery, barely there prints… maybe a bug or a fairy?

We pack up and head back to the Farm at the Water’s Edge
after a long, fun-filled day at Shore Acres in Tahuya.

Quotes from the evening campfire:

FROM A WOLF: My favorite part of the day was spending time with you fine young men and women; you are our future and also our food… Ariel Coyote

My favorite part was running around with Marissa and Allie and hiding in the woods. Katie

Sam has got two pretty embarrassing moments… Katie and Ariel

Sam was an ape-like wolf…. Kim and Michelle

I never got caught really. Marissa

Wait, wait, I want to say the best part of my day... Oh wait, I forgot what I was going to say. Marissa

A wolf can actually kill a bear. Tiff

The worst part of my day was falling and getting stung by a bee. Ben

The best part of my day was falling and getting stung by a bee. Ben

Because Allie will throw moss on the fire and cause smoke everywhere. Ariel Coyote

Let’s all give Allie a BIG, BEAR MOAN… GRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Must you poke me in the armpit? Ary to Allie.

All I have to ask is where did the other shoe go? Ben

Throw the baby and we will catch it!!! Quote from a campfire story chosen by Katie and Marissa

I CAN’T FIND LAMBIE!!!!! Emilie

Let’s all have a moment of silence for the Baby and Lambie….. Campers ponder this….

NEVERMIND!!!! Emilie

We are leaving of our own accord and retaining our dignity. Ben