Marin Tender Tracks Day 8, Nov. 2, 2011

Waxing Moon
Samuel P. Taylor

The children came with great vim and vigor, most particularly Leo and Benny.  All day they were like young goats, butting heads, wrestling and filled with wild, laughing and sometimes teasing energy.  Simone and Sidona however were simply showing energy of curiosity and exploration.   When they first arrived Benny needed a sock and Sidona was instantly finding the mushrooms.  We explored the mushrooms, their gills, color and smells  and then went to take care of the needed sock and some sweatshirts for the day that was colder in the woods then I had anticipated.   It took a bit of time but the socks were finally put on, sweatshirts found and off to find a place to eat.

Sidona said that she found a cave where a Mt. Lion was living.  We checked it out.  It seemed a bit small so we figured out how big a Mt. Lion must be and then, me first, tried to get into the “cave” in the Redwood tree. Well, I could only fit my head in there and the same for the others. We looked for some scat and signs of Mt. Lions but found nothing so, we climbed on this Redwood tree.  They all liked that, climbed up it with their lunch boxes thinking it would be a great place to eat but alas, it was pretty crowded up there. Leo came down first, then Benny and then Simone.  Sidona stayed up there with delight as she usually does not eat since she eats at home.  I told several stories while they were eating.  They are such intent listeners too!  There was much playing and climbing on this tree as well as Benny giving Simone a bit of a hard time throughout the day.  Benny and Leo had a few struggles to begin with as well and that was settled without too much effort.

After a long time in this area we used the bathroom and then began to explore the most beautiful creek.   I skipped down the rocks and along the creek until we found such a beautiful spot.  There were rocks to try and cross. I went first and then Benny went  a bit too fast and OOOOOPPPPPPPSSSSSS he slipped into the water and was none too pleased.  There were tears but I just supported him through it. He let go pretty quickly and discovered the fun and freedom he had by being wet and took it from there.  He then went all over the creek laughing with total delight.  Leo finally gave in and got his feet wet, Sidona took her shoes off but then slipped a bit and got her pants wet and did not like this.   Simone was REALLY happy about taking her shoes off and climbing all over the rocks!!!  Leo and I had races with the leaves and then we discovered this little cave of sorts that had all the trees root children exposed.  What fun to see how the trees drink up their food!

Coldness finally set in enough where it was time to go and then there was a grand time of changing and they had full discussions and sharings about Harry Potter!

They all played together so nicely with their stuffed animals all the way back.  A very exuberant and fun day.