Tim reports that after a big breakfast, and with such beautiful weather and such a special spot, the crew spent the better part of the day hiking across and up and down Cypress Island. The crew also spent some time on the subject of navigation, learning about tidal currents and reading charts. The day ended with a spectacular sunset hike up Eagle Cliff.

Here is a description of Cypress Island from the Department of Natural Resources website:

“Cypress Island contains unusual geological characteristics, outstanding examples of native biological communities, critical habitat for federally protected species, and significant marine and cultural resources. Cypress Island protects more than 5,100 acres of high quality forest, wetland and grassland communities and surrounding state-owned tidelands, and includes the only protected low-elevation serpentine forest in Washington…. The island offers a scenic reminder of conditions in Western Washington prior to European settlement.  Steep Island topography provides vistas of the San Juan Islands, mainland Washington and the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.”

The Longboat Voyage offers individuals a unique opportunity to practice their skills at team membership and leadership. With this in mind, the crew took time during this mid-voyage day to reflect on their progress with Expedition Behavior. Spring Street International School, and its Summer Program, have adopted the the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) guidelines for Expedition Behavior. We have found that what pertains to the safe and successful ascent of Denali applies equally well to school trips, classroom study, scientific fieldwork, and other endeavors where individual mastery and team membership come together.