Trek Stories
Olympics
Where the mountains reach high,
There tops in the sky.
And bears live low,
Until the sun falls below.I have a foot on the trail,
and my life in a pack.
No where to go,
My Homes on my back.From where moss grows on trees,
To where snow flies in the breeze.
Near a creek,
Flowing under the leaves.As the sun falls low,
We set up our home.
And wait for the stars,
To see them glow.This is where life is simple,
And we live with ease.
And the lessons we need to learn,
Seem to come effortlessly.
Ross Lake
As soon as I step off the Glaval and start unloading gear my mind clears; it no longer matters whether or not my bed is made, or what I forgot to pack, all I'm worried about now is what I have to do. For me that is the beauty of trek, all of the problems I have melt away as I get ready to face the wilderness. With only what we have on our backs we start down the trail not knowing what's in store for us. As I start to feel the weight of my pack bearing down on me as it gets harder and harder to take each step. Getting to camp and setting down my pack I feel tired, sore, and accomplished. For me trek is not easy physically or mentally, but I enjoy almost every moment of it. For me it is very easy to feel spiritual in the mountains, knowing that there is something bigger than me.
Ross Lake
What is a water comfort assessment? It tells the trek leaders how comfortable you are in the water, and if you can stay calm in case your kayak capsizes. We had to do our assessment at Diablo Lake, and yes I do believe Lucifer himself created that lake. I paddled out into the lake expecting it to be cold, but I wasn't worried because I had been in cold water before…or so I thought. When I got into the middle of the lake our trek leader, Quiggles, tells me to go ahead and capsize. The next thing I remember, I'm underwater, upside-down , and I'm still in my kayak. I do the necessary steps to “wet exit”, and I am then floating in the water that feels like someone is grinding ice on your spine. Eventually, I end up back inside my kayak and paddle to shore. After that experience, I now realize why human's organs begin to shut-down after being in water that cold.
San Juan Trek
The San Juan Islands are a neighboring set of islands to our Port Townsend residence. This location is the closest trek to our home. But once you are out in this huge mass of water in a little kayak you feel anything but home. You are swept up with the beautiful sights, sounds, smells, and feelings all around you. It's a whole new world, a whole new life; one to tap into the natural resources around you and grow physically, spiritually, and mentally.
The San Juan Islands are a cruising paradise of the Northwest. This archipelago, (any large body of water with many islands), embraces hundreds of islands in all shapes and sizes, as well as rocky islets and submerges. There are stretches of open water and a few narrows that will challenge your navigational skills. Nature has been quite generous to this area, bestowing a multitude of riches for our enjoyment, as well as trails and some of the best marine parks anywhere. And we can't forget the abundance of marine life. Crabs, starfish, sea otters, seals, and bald eagles were just a few of the creatures hanging out with us.
This trek had a great deal of significance to me. I would be graduating shortly after our return so it would be my last trek as a Gray Wolf resident. It was my time to give back and pass down the ways of trek life and the impact it can have in our recovery journey. When our group pulled up to our first campsite at Pelican I took a quick look around and thought what a walk in the park this would be. It looked like a Ritz-Carlton resort compared to the Coast trek sites. In the nine long days the followed I quickly put my foot in my mouth. From runaway frisbee adventures, to strenuous portages, to sick days, and one day of blistering winds, rain, and kayak-rockin' waves, this trek had more than I could handle. Fortunately for me I wasn't alone. I was with a group of eight peers and three leaders that worked together as one. When I felt I couldn't go on they were right there for support and to push me to keep going. This bond is one I will never forget.
Crossing the Rosario Straight twice, circumnavigating Orcas, Cypress, and Shaw Islands, and chilling on Blind, Sucia, and Matia, were all some of the great feats that made up my May San Juan trek experience. But it was the smaller more intimate times with my fellows sharing stories, strengths, and hopes, or just messing around with mind games that made the whole experience so special. I am truly grateful for the trek program and all that it offers.
September, San Juan
Amidst the darkness we wake,
Set forth on waters course we take.The Wind at our backs,
We prepare the tacks.The yards roll high,
And the sails fill wide.Everything is in our favor,
For this moment to savor.The sun claims the sky,
As the darkness dies.We bask in the glory,
Of this wonderful story.The clouds begin to break,
In the sun's calm, warm wake.I feel at peace again,
Just as the day begins.
Olympic Coast Trek
Trek is a very special part of our time at Gray Wolf Ranch. It is a time to break free from our normal routine and experience life stripped down, bare and raw, in its most natural form. Truly life on life's terms. With the help of nature in all of its beauty and diversity we are able to open our eyes and see the world around us clearly, possibly for the very first time. We are tested physically, mentally, and spiritually by the obstacles around us. Whether it's the chaotic weather with it's bitter cold, relentless rain, or blistering winds; the intense terrain with rushing tides, slippery rocks and logs, and hills that seemed like mountains; or those more personal issues of sleeping on the uneven ground next to fellow snoring tent-mates, carrying around “extra” weight in your already burdensome pack, or getting your pair of sacred socks wet on your second day; there are many reasons one may want to pack it up and give in.
However, this is where the power of the group and idea of fellowship truly shines. By working together and using each others strengths we are able to get through the many challenges and fully enjoy the magical experiences of trek. Many are able to have spiritual revelations and breakthroughs. Through witnessing the flight of bald eagles or through the thunderous sounds of the waves crashing onto the rocks we are able to feel and know serenity. Others may overcome their fears of heights or of the unknown. Physical barriers are broken and some come out feeling stronger than ever. Personally when I look back at this trek in particular I believe I can accomplish anything.
The Olympic Coast is a vast expanse of varying and constantly changing terrain, spreading over sixty miles in the Olympic National Park. The coast is one of the most pristine coastlines in the United States. But more than that, the coast is a setting in which twenty-two individuals embarked on an unforgettable journey that may have forever changed their lives.