Cascadia Caves Field Trip 05-07-08

The day started off misty and cool as we gathered at the Forest Service to wait for everyone to show up. By the time we reached Cascadia Park it was clearing off, and although we were bundled up, we were all warm enough after some shared coats!!

Clad in rain gear and mud boots we started down the path, anxious to hear what Mr Farque had to tell us about the Indians that lived in this area.

Along the path we learned about the plants that we could eat, and what we shouldn't, we saw the Indian Fishing platforms, their Camas beds and the old prairies that are almost grown over. It was a very informative walk, and very beautiful.

As we neared the caves the path got much smaller, and more brushy, along with more muddy. We are all thankful it had not rained much over the last few days, as we could imagine how much more mucky it could have been. We crossed small creeks, and trudged along, until we arrived, first at a small cave, which the kids had a blast checking out, and then finally the actual Indian Cave which is more of an overhang than a cliff.

Mr Farque talked to us a bit about where to find the drawings, and then passed out "maps" to show us the three areas in which to find the petroglyhs. We found many, but many also had to be shown to us. We also found some that weren't on the maps, but could have been just our own vision or interpretation. Needless to say, everyone had a great time searching the wall, learning what was there, and learning about the area. We took a break for lunch, sat and looked around, and enjoyed being outdoors. The sun even broke out.

After lunch, we listened to Mr Farque tell us more about the area, and share with us the beliefs and meanings of the wall. He also shared Indian customs, and how the children went from youth to adult. Ryan and Miranda were chosen to represent two 12 or 13 yr olds...and they started as Little Elk and Dancing Elk. Ryan went into his vision quest and came back Howling Elk and Miranda came back from her vision quest as Dancing Raven. Very fun!! We learned about the Bear Clan, and even saw the FISH. Just remember, its not always about the bear!

We had a great walk back, and we watched as kids grazed all the way out of the forest. What a fun day, and I certainly have to say that I think it was one of our greatest field trips ever!!

Thanks Mr. Farque...we're up for another walk through the forest!