Bike Races

This weekend Zoya is off enjoying the high life in Anchorage while I take care of the kiddos and pooches on Kodiak. Today Nora learned how to ride the pedal bike. This is a HUGE step up from the run bike (what Stuie is riding in the photos). Now she can pedal up hills. It started in the morning when Stu and Nora would race back to the house down the driveway (see photos). By days end she rode the bike all the way to Abercrombie (with a helmet). One scary moment at the end of our road when she got going too fast and almost crashed into the creek. But she was back up in no time and on the bike again as if nothing had happened. I did not ride a bike by myself until I was 6 or 7 (I'm embarrassed to admit I think it was actually 7).

Note too that Nora has now appropriated my old Alutiiq Museum cap as her own. She told me, 'Daddy now you need to buy yourself a new hat'. I love the tomboy look - check out the photo of her and Stuie standing with their bikes like they are old pros. Patrick

More Cape Alitak Survey Photos

Such a beautiful place deserves more than one post. The top photo is of a couple of whales in what Sven terms 'Whale Alley' - an area of the petroglyphs where only whales are depicted. The second and third photos are of Cape Alitak wildlife - we also saw a LOT of whales feeding close to shore. The fourth photo is of the beach at sunset. We were able to find lots of excellent burning driftwood for our wood stove and Sven even found a log of Pacific Yew wood to carve. Finally the bottom photo is of our fearless leader Sven in action with Cape Alitak sunset going on the background.

Cape Alitak Petroglyph Survey

I spent the last 2 weeks down at Cape Alitak with Sven H helping him with his petroglyph survey. Mark R and I mapped and tested all of the archaeological sites. It was our job to tie the prehistoric villages to the various petroglyph groupings and to date the sites. It turned out that there are a lot of sites down on Cape Alitak and we had our work cut out for us. One of the villages had almost 100 housepits!

Sven has been studying the petroglyphs for 10 years and it was very cool to tap into his accumulated body of knowledge. I couldn't believe how well he knew the individual glyphs. For instance, I'd be looking at what I thought was a new glyph and without even turning his head to see what I was looking at, Sven would say, 'nice whale huh?'. And it would be a whale. It was also amazing how the light and weather effected what you could see. In the third photo Sven is posing next to a drummer - note the huge circle - he first showed this to me on a sunny day and I thought he was making it up. Then on a cloudy, rainy day it just popped out. Meanwhile the smiling faces I saw on the sunny day had disappeared.

Most of the villages that we found, and the ones closest to the petroglyphs in particular, dated to about 700 to 1100 years ago. We'll know for sure when we get our radiocarbon dating results back. But based on house forms and tool types they all look like they date to the Transitional period between the Kachemak and Koniag cultural traditions. We also found quite a few whaling lances which are usually rare to non-existant in late prehistoric sites. It looks like they were doing quite a bit of whaling at Cape Alitak, and, based on what we found, they are making the whaling lances in the same way that they did 5000 years ago.

A really beautiful place - much thanks to Akhiok Kaguyak Inc who kindly allowed us on their land and supported us in the endeavor and to the National Park Service who provided the grant money to do the work.

PS that is not a live King Crab that I am holding, but the molted shell. The beaches were covered with the molted shells of crabs - mostly tanners. But I did find this complete molted specimen. I wish I had kept it. Patrick

Back from Alitak, but first more Kitewing. .. ... .

Skimbat Kodiak from Richard Saltonstall on Vimeo.

Yesterday I got back from helping Sven H map petroglyphs down at Cape Alitak. But before I post a narrative and some photos from that project I thought I'd post my brother's kitewing video. This is the video he made with the footage I shot of him winging about the mountain tops of Kodiak just before I left to go to Alitak. I am encouraging him to submit it to the Island Trails Network film fest for next year. Let's see what you think of it. Patrick

Doula Time

TIME PASSING
I see prior doula clients everywhere in the community-in the park, at Safeway, at restaurants. Often with their new little ones and it is so rewarding.

Just a month ago, I was at Baranof park and there was a cute little 8 month old boy in the swing. His mom looked my direction and smiled as she said, "Hi Zoya!" from behind dark sunglasses.
I said, "Who's that?".
She said, "Its me, N*****!". Too funny-I didn't recognize her in the Katie Cruise-style sunglasses! It was so fun to see her and we talked for a bit about her little guy- his happy temperment,etc. We exchanged a hug before I had to leave and I was struck by how fun it is to always have these women, birth partners and babies as part of my life. We shared that special moment together of their little one being introduced to the world. What a great honor!

Another time (at a restaurant) I ran into a prior teen doula client, who had birthed her baby many months prior. She looked very pleased with herself as I ooohed and ahhed at her cute, chunky baby boy sleeping in his car seat. She told me all about how she was still breastfeeding, and how she was excited to start working out and getting the baby weight off. She had adjusted to motherhood so wonderfully and as I walked out the restaurant, I was just struck by her maturity and how incredibly well she had adapted to being a mom.

These experiences made me realize how being a doula is for more than just at the birth-its the post-partum visits in the first weeks after, and then there is always that great community connection with these families. Its an aspect of the job which I didn't anticipate being so rewarding. I know that the people who were at the births of my babies will always hold a VERY special place in my heart, including the doulas! They made it possible for me to birth in the manner that I desired. Doulas are able to help moms treasure and hold on to those memories and moments surrounding birth.

This year I had the pleasure of going to two, Happy 1st Birthday parties (of doula-client-babies), which was so fun. Making it to the 1 year mark is such a big deal as a parent--and its so fun to celebrate with friends who all helped get you there! I remember feeling that way-especially with Nora.

PATRICK-HOMECOMING-TOMORROW?
The rain and wind continues and Patrick is hoping to make it home tomorrow from his 2 week petroglyph (rock carving) survey on the south end of the island. Yeah! The 2 weeks have been somewhat long-especially with the dance rehearsals. Patrick will be gone for 1 month later this summer, so this was a good run-through of what it'll be like. One thing I know is that its MUCH easier with the kids older to have him gone then when they were babies. My, those days were especially challenging!

Zoya

Nora's recital

Nora's dance recital was two nights ago and it went so well. Mary jane was my date and Stuey stayed home with a sitter. I intended to bring him, but by 4:30 he was so tired, that I knew it wouldn't be possible to enjoy the 3 hour show, so I called in the reserves.
A good choice it was.
The show was absolutely fabulous. It was so well choreographed, with wonderful costumes, dancing and enthusiasm. The auditorium was PACKED and crowd was lively. It was so exciting to have a little dancer up on the stage. I didn't expect to get so giddy and excited. It was Nora's first real performance. And she was part of a pack of really cute baby crocodiles.

I was amazed by how much make-up was put on the little ones (yes-3 and 4 year olds) for their performances. Several of them had more make-up caked on them than I've ever had on my face at one time. I was somewhat astounded. Yes-I can understand the older kids needing make-up, but not the younger ones. At one rehearsal, I witnessed a mom spend at least 20 minutes applying layers of make-up to her four year old. Call me old fashioned, but I think its too much at such a young age. Young kids DON"T need make-up. THe director never said anything about make-up for the young ones, either. Nora will have plenty of years to be "older" and wear make-up, so I'm going to cherish these years she won't be wearing it. Fortunately for me, Nora didn't ask at all to put make-up on, which made me happy.

At 10:30PM by the time the show and finale were over, Nora was exhausted. So exhausted she couldn't think or speak. Someone had given her a single rose (it ended up being our babysitter who gave it to her, but I didn't know this). On the car ride home, I asked her who gave it to her, she said, "I don't know mamma. Maybe God. I think God gave it to me."
"Really?" I replied. "Maybe god did give it to you." She made other comments that were really out there--Nora was so tired and spaced out.

The night couldn't have gone better. Nora said she wants to do dance next year, which would be fun. She learned so much from dance this past year and has enjoyed the classes.

Zoya

Adventures in Babysitting

Thank heavens there are some wonderful babysitters in my life for the kiddies. Patrick is gone, I"m working, teaching classes and there are dress rehearsals and dance recitals this weekend. Thats correct-two. A matinee performance was added on Saturday afternoon, so I'll be making a few more trips to the auditorium than I originally had thought. I'm not mad or bummed about the additional recital. I just have to figure out how to get through Saturday with Nora being somewhat mangeable. She (like her mommy) gets difficult when tired!!!! (at least thats what Patrick says! And I"ll take his word for it!)

Tonight the wonderful mommy helper, Heather, took Nora and Stuey to the auditorium to get Nora's crocodile costume while I was teaching classes. It is quite cute-a long tail with spikes on it. Can't wait to see her in it! We skipped the full rehearsal tonight. THe kids were so tired earlier today that I knew it would be the kiss of death for the weekend if we went to the practice. As I taught birthing class, Heather cooked them a great dinner and the kids were in bed by 7:15. Thank heavens. Today started off with tired kids crying and yelling at eachother--perhaps tomorrow they'll be back to their more normal self.

I"m really looking forward to the actual recital on Saturday night. Mary Jane and myself are going with Stuey and it'll be fun to see the whole thing from start to (maybe) finish. I'll see how Stuey does. I think he has at least 2 hours of sitting in him...he has a good sitting track record and has been WAYYYY into watching the dress rehearsals. He claps between every dance and says, "mamma-you have to clap too. Clap, mamma." He keeps me honest. He really gets into the spirit of it all. I could see him being a stage guy in the next year or two. Plus, hes a little ham and likes to work the scene with cute smiles and his little dance moves! Perfect traits for theater and dance!

Tonight I finished up the most recent birthing series class-and I"m looking forward to the birthing class reunion I"m going to have on June 5th. I had one about a year ago, and intended to do one several months ago, but time slipped away. I think that reconnection with the group is important-to celebrate the shift into parenthood and have a chance to see one anothers babies. I know I would've liked that in a birthing class-to have a formal time months later to get back together. Teaching is getting easier and more relaxed for me. In my first 1/2 year of teaching, I would get somewhat nervous, but now I am more relaxed. Practice and repetition helps take the jitters out of the mechanics of teaching.

Off to bed in preparation for what will be a VERY busy next two days....

Zoya

A Sad and Tired Crocodile

Tonight was a completely bummer parenting moment. Nora had the first of many pre-concert practices at the auditorium. Her scene was supposed to rehearse sometime between 5-7, so at around 5:45 I packed the kids up and we went up to wait for Nora's crocodile scene. We waited, and waited and waited for her scene to come on.

There was a lot of choreography that was being done with older kids as the young ones got quite squirmy. The kids did ok until about 7:45 waiting, and then Nora started showing signs of deterioration. She seemed sad. At 8:10 or so, the crocodiles were finally able to go backstage and wait. I sat in the audience, eager to get the scene over with so we could go home. By then we had been there for 2.5 hours.

Right as Nora's group was about to go on stage, I see one of the older dancers carrying Nora out-she is crying. I felt so sad for her inside. I raced up to the stage and carried her off. Her little cry echoed through the auditorium. The waiting had been too much.

Its too much to expect 3 & 4 year olds to wait 2.5 hours to get to their scene. Its all too much. When we got home, Nora was a mess-teary and threw a little tantrum going to bed. After she was in bed, I called up a friend who has a dancer one year older, and she advised skipping some of the rehearsals, which I think we may do. 4 rehearsals this week is too much for my little 4 year old crocodile who goes to bed between 7-8. Lots of the small kids there probably don't go to bed till 9 or 10, so its not a big deal for them, but for little ones that go to bed early, its too much.

As I sat with Nora in the audience and we watched the little crocodiles on the stage, I got teary eyed too. I felt her pain and I could remember how as a kid it is so horrible to get overly tired and to finally reach breakdown moment. She couldn't help it, and I couldn't help her.

When we got home, I made a quick batch of popcorn and the kids sat on the couch curled up under blankets watching a short video before bed. Nora kept saying, "that was too much, mamma. too long. I don't want to do the recital."

This was the part I was dreading the most of Nora doing dance-recital week. We'll figure out a way to make it thought without anyone getting overly burnt out-I hope.

Zoya

Photo was from our first trip to the Chowderhouse this year--taken when the weather was nice. Kids were THRILLED about their first ice cream cone of the season!

Beginning of Summer Season

The weather is finally sunny (and somewhat warm). Patrick has left for a 2 week archaeology survey of petroglyphs (rock carvings) on the south end of the island and spring fever is in the air.

My birthday is tomorrow-the big 34! I celebrated with the crew casually Sunday night before everyone left...Gregg made a killer walnut/chocolate cake/pie and Dicky was able to celebrate with us before he returned to Maine to celebrate the real thing tomorrow on the 6th with Ella.
Today I got to welcome a Cinco De Mayo baby into the world-I was a doula for a long time (high school) friend and what a wonderful day it was. This is the 2nd high school friend I've been a doula for, and it definitely is a special experience. There is something about being there with long time childhood friends as they welcome their little ones to the world that gives me extra special "I LOVE KODIAK" warm fuzzies. I love living here. And as time goes on, I'm more and more proud of the fact that I was born and raised here. It really is a special place!

Zoya

Some Final Kitewing Pics

Some final kitewing pictures from the weekend. Dicky and I climbed up on Heitman on Sunday and caught the wind. It was so windy that we did have to worry about Dicky flying away and at times he had a hard time staying on the ground.

Now today he is off back to Maine while I am off to Alitak on a petroglyph survey. He should be leaving on the jet plane about the same time I'll be taking off in the floatplane. Patrick

Big Trails Meeting on the 18th of May

This is it! If you care about Kodiak's trails and open spaces you should go to this meeting. I've pasted in the details below.
Patrick

JOIN US FOR A COMMUNITY TRAIL MEETING!
MAY 18, 2010
6 – 9 P.M.
NORTH STAR SCHOOL

Do you walk, bike, four-wheel, run, ski, snowshoe or ride a snow machine on trails in the Kodiak Island Borough?
Do you want to see those trails used, improved and managed well now and into the future?

The Borough’s Park and Recreation Committee, with help from the Community Development Department and a trails planning consulting team is preparing a new Road System Trails Master Plan. We need your help to make sure the Plan meets the needs of residents like you.

Please join us to learn more about the Plan and give us your ideas. PRESENTATION BEGINS AT 6:15 FOLLOWED BY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO REVIEW AND COMMENT ON MEETING DISPLAYS. WRAP-UP AND WHAT’S NEXT? AT 8:30.

For additional information:
Contact Bud Cassidy, Community Development Director at 907-486-9360 or bcassidy@kodiakak.us

Be sure to check out the Plan’s website at www.kodiaktrailsplan.com

The purpose of the Kodiak Island Road System Trails Plan is to ensure continued access and maximum use of trails by all citizens.
· Public participation of all trail users
· Mapping of existing trails;
· Trail Management;
· Trail design guidelines;
· Creating a Trail User Map and Educational Programs;
· Establishing future funding sources for trail maintenance and development

On Snow

Not much to report - just some pictures from our recent ski adventures. On Tuesday I leave for an 2 week archaeological survey at Alitak, and when I get back the snow will have melted back into the mountains. So I got to get it while I can. Today Dicky and I are going to try the Kitewing again. It froze overnight and and it is WINDY so we ought to have fun.

Patrick

Biking to work kids in tow

On my trip to Philadelphia several weeks ago, I watched a documentary called, "No Impact Man" which was about a 3 person family in NYC working to "go off the grid" for 1 year. They don't go to a movie for 1 year, they have their electricity turned off as well as not using the subway. One thing that made a big impression on me was the willingness of the mom to go along with the project, as she started biking everywhere. At the end of the year, she decided she would continue biking...with her 2 year old in tow in a trailer behind her-in NYC.

I've always been a bit afraid of biking on the road, but after watching that movie, I thought, "If she can bike everywhere all the time in NYC, I should be able to do more biking with the kids here in Kodiak".

So I saw an announcment on Facebook about a friend selling a used trailer for kids and jumped on it. That night we drove around the driveway with the kids in it-squealing with delight. The next morning, the day was sunny and I thought to myself "I have NO exuses. If I don't give this a try on such a perfect sunny day, then I'll never do it." I left the house at 8:00 AM sharp, and headed to drop off Stuey first. The Mill Bay hill just about killed me. My stomach started feeling queasy, as it took so much work to pull 80 pounds of kids behind me up the long ascent. To make matters worse (or better perhaps-he made me laugh), Stuey was saying, "mommy, go faster!" I could barely breath or talk.

After dropping Stuey off in the Puffin drive part of town, I headed off with Nora to the baptist mission. Surprisingly, I felt very safe on the road. I stayed on the bike path as much as possible, then near Cutoff Drive went on the road. Cars would slow down way in advance, or stop all together if I made any indication of turning. THere is a little flag on the trailer which helps people see it from far away.

I got to work right at 8:40, and had a client at 8:45 so I didn't give myself quite enough "wiggle room", but overall it went very well! My legs felt very tired last night after picking the kiddies up and returning home. The kids absolutely loved it. They were laughing and talking a lot of the way. When I dropped Nora off at the Baptist mission, she said, "Mom its so neat how you can hear everything!".

My plan is to try to take the kids via bike a few times a week. I'll gain my leg strength over time and it'll be good training for the ecochallenge race in August that I"m hoping to participate in with our 'Pushing Up Daisies' team.

Zoya

Photos-the top one is of us before we headed off to work. The lower ones are of Patrick and I trying out the trailer with the kids the night before.

Zoya zzzzzz's

Snoring. Not something I usually do, but when it happens, Patrick always tells me in the morning, "I should've videotaped you!!". Well, this time he did. Poor guy was up for 3 hours last night with me snoring. I have swollen tonsils which made me especially loud. This morning we started the day off with some good belly laughing listening to "mommy" snore! The kids got such a kick out of it, too!

Zoya

Stormy Weather

Stormy, stormy weather lately here in Kodiak. Its felt like winter-really high winds, rain. There seems to be a little break in the low pressure system this morning. Its been stormy for myself as well-a case of strep throat, I believe. I'm on day 3 of it-feeling cruddy with swollen tonsils the size of grapefruits. I'm not a big "go-to-the-doctor-to-get-antibiotics" person, but after 3 days of these symptoms, Its tempting to pay a visit today. My energy is coming back somewhat (As Patrick said this morning, "Hey-I think I saw a smile out of Zoya". I suppose I've been a bit grumpy). Today is the first time in 3 days I've actually put on some make up and spent a minute on my hair.

The kids have been very helpful with me being down and out. Nora makes me little pretend meals to help me feel better. Kids are funny that way-they know when to tame their energy a bit when a parent isn't feeling good. Every night when I put them to bed, I always ask, "What was the favorite part of your day?" Two nights ago, Nora replied, "Making you feel better."

Dicky took the photo during his recent walk out Spruce Cape point.

Zoya

Dicky in town & The big Stage

The Big Stage

Today Nora had her first dance practice on the big auditorium stage for her recital (which is in 3 weeks). She has been SO excited about the practice for a whole week now, and every morning when she woke up would ask, "Is today the day of the recital?" Since Patrick will be gone for her actual performance (this breaks my heart-he'll be out on a survey), he took Nora to her first stage performance today and it seems like Nora enjoyed it. From watching the video, I don't see too much stage fright and she looked like she was enjoying the company of her friends. I'm so glad Nora has done the entire year of dance without any prodding/encouragment from Patrick and I. She is in love with it. Her teacher, Molly Brodie, is very fun with the kids and appreciates the personalities of all the kids.

I was in the first performance that was in the Auditorium--when I was in 4th grade. After the auditorium was finished there were auditions for a play "The Enchanted" and I was one of 7 kids cast in the play. The one thing I remember from the play was Pat Szabo coaching me on my lines and helping me project enough. I had to say, "Because I love to be alone at night in the forest" very loudly, all alone on the stage. I was terrified and it felt like Pat spent HOURS with me working on my lines. My character was Lucy. For this reason, I'll always have a special spot in my heart for the Kodiak Auditorium. And it will be so fun to see Nora in her first ever performance on it.

Dicky's Visit
Dicky arrived to town yesterday and it has been fun seeing him and Patrick has been out doing adventures with him. I still can't get over the fact that he is married to my twin sister...Its wild how closely knit out family is. Kinda wild how Dicky will describe something Ella has done or said and my first thought is, "That is something I would say!". Ella and I are so alike in so many ways. And yet we married men who are very different. Dicky and Patrick have similar passions and interests but are so different in their thoughts and views of the world in some ways.

This is the calm before the storm, as Patrick leaves for 3 weeks on May 3rd. I have two doula clients due the second week in May and fortunately a local gal is willing to be my "mommy helper" for the 3 weeks Patrick is gone to help with Nora's evening dance rehearsals and to be on call in case my doula clients go into labor. It will be an action packed time. Patrick is going down to the South end of the island with Sven to do Petroglyph documentation.

Zoya

Skiing the 'Wedge'

Wednesday afternoon Gregg and I skiied what was for us a new run on Pyramid. I call it the wedge because it looks like an upside down triangle between two ravines (see bottom photo - if you look closely you can even see our tracks). It is a VERY steep run and actually gets steeper and steeper as you go down. Because it keeps on getting steeper you can't see the slope below you - it falls away below you. Also, on your right there is a HUGE cornice while on the left there are cliffs.

So it was with a tad bit of trepidition that I started the run. Is there a reason no one does this run? What happens when I get to the point of the wedge? It is not like doing a run at a ski area. At a ski area the runs are groomed and on a map - a known quantity - while on Pyramid Gregg and I made up our own run by examining the face before we climbed the mountain.

Anyway, the snow was GREAT and the run an adrenalin rush. Now that I know it, I think I'll do it again! Patrick

Whalefest Begins

Whalefest begins and I believe I am giving the first public presentation of the whole event. I must say, it seems like I have given a lot of lectures this year! I'll be talking about how the Alutiiq hunted whales and comparing their practices with those of their neighbors. How long have the Alutiiq been hunting whales anyway? You will have to come to my lecture tonight to find out. It's at 7PM in the museum gallery. Admission is free. Patrick

Visit to Afognak

On Monday I went on a quick floatplane trip to Afognak Island to do some archaeological survey work for the Native Village of Afognak at their Muskomee Lodge. What a place! I finished my work relatively quickly and then got to go on a great hike into the wilds of Afognak. I hiked through old growth forest and across meadows with snow capped mountains all around. Actually there was still about a foot and half of snow down low and this made walking a bit difficult and tiring. I saw 11 swans on a beaver pond that had the biggest beaver lodge I have ever seen (like 15 feet high), lots of deer, elk tracks but no elk. I also saw my first bear tracks of the year.

At night I got to stay at the Muskomee Lodge. Big woodstove putting out the heat, a banya, T-bone steaks and a bed with a view. It is quite the place and way more luxurious that what I am used to when I visit the backcountry.

Patrick

Weekend happenings...

Birth camp in Philly was fabulous. The trip out East was long, but very smooth. I took a full day body work for pregnancy class as well as a 1/2 day herb class where we learned about preparing simple tinctures, oils, etc. This spring I am ready to try making some teas, etc. with chamomile, nettles, etc from around here! There is a whole world of herbs which will be fun learn about. The herb class was more for my own knowledge...I wouldn't be apt to recommend herbal tincutres, teas, etc to doula clients.

I arrived home on Saturday morning, was completely grumpy and tired all day Saturday but then returned to my "normal Zoya" self on Sunday after 9 hours of sleep. Phew! Yesterday the energizer bunny took over-- I made homemade Pecan Waffles, homemade blueberry muffins, then mushroom risotto and a chinese broccoli-mushroom dish for dinner. Probably making up for lost time cooking after 4 days of eating in airports, hotels, etc...

Last night at midnight I got a call from my April doula client--a first time mom in labor. The birth went quickly and I was home at 6:30 AM. Wow. What an incredible start to my day! I was sitting down to a cup of coffee when Patrick and the kiddies woke up at 6:45. So I'll be running on fumes a bit today....after only 2 hours of sleep. But I've done it many times before without too much difficulty so I should be fine.

This morning Nora did something that took me by COMPLETE surprise. Yesterday I took her to get groceries and as we pulled into Cost-savers, she saw the OPEN sign and said, what does that say mom?
I said "Open. O-P-E-N". and She repeated it after I said it. I thought nothing more of the interaction until this morning when she came running over to me with the words OPEN written on a stickie note.

She said, "See mom-I wrote OPEN. O-P".

I asked Patrick, "So you helped Nora write open on this stickie note?"
He said, "No I didn't".
I asked Nora, "Did you write this all by yourself?"
She said, "Yeah-OPEN. I saw it at Cost-savers."
So cool to see how much is sinking into her mind with letters, words etc without us even working at it!

Photos: A very tired Katie and myself at the Train Station in Philadelphia having a bite to eat before taking the train to DC! The train stations in DC and PHilly were gorgeous!

ZOYA

More White Sands

Yesterday afternoon we went to white sands beach with the doggies for more sand castles (Nora) and construction projects (Stu). We are pretty lucky to live in a place like Kodiak with such nice public beaches a mere 10 minute drive from the house. I am a little chagrined that we do not go there more often. I am also amazed that we the public do not take better care of the beach. Why do people build pallet fires on the beach that leave behind piles of nails and what's with all the broken beer bottles? Still it is a beautiful beach and most of the mess is relatively easy to avoid.

Also perhaps it is time to retire the name 'White Sands' beach. I gather it got its name from the volcanic ash that being light generally floats on top of the sand - there used to be a lot more of this white sand. And at a lower tide there are still some pretty large patches of it. The ash is from the 1912 Katmai Volcanic eruption. But it seems that today the beach is mostly a 'Grey Sands' beach made from ground up slate and greywacke. Old timers refer to the creek by the beach as Devil's Creek and the beach as Devil's Beach. I kind of like the old name.

Photo is from yesterday and the Youtube video from the day before. Patrick