Posts filed under "Talking Story"

The other driftwood lizard

Apparently he has a sister.

Turn right at the Pleiades

Amid the goings-on at the Port Gamble symposium this past weekend, I was able to carve out a couple of hours for a trip to see the dragon. The driftwood dragon of Hood Head is the light-hearted landmark at the top of Hood Canal, whimsical art that has lasted longer than anyone ever thought it […]

Mother’s Day

I drove back to town last night from Port Gamble so I could be here for Mother’s Day breakfast. Making pancakes with the boy and taking them upstairs for breakfast in bed is something that’s well worth the drive. Of course, it means I’m driving back out there again this morning for another day at […]

See you in Port Gamble

This coming weekend is the debut of the newest sea kayaking symposium, the Northwest Adventure Sports Expo, which for some unknown reason is going by the gratuitously dramatic name Unleash the Beast. Like it’s a cage fight or something, I guess. I’m looking forward to it. I’m doing 6 classes in 2 days, which is […]

Wind check

It’s the first morning in while that the wind isn’t howling. I believe I’ll go for a paddle.

Storage

I have made what might turn out to be a fundamental change in how I’m going to pack for the SUP section of this summer’s expedition. After doing everything I could to lower my center of gravity, I’m about to do something that will actually raise it. I was worried about carrying too much weight […]

I know the sun will shine

The dawn came up gray and cold this morning. It’s not raining yet, but it doesn’t feel like it’s too far away. There’s a cold wind moving the trees around and I can feel it coming through the windows and under the door, bringing the outside chill straight into the kitchen. It’s the kind of […]

Marymere Falls

It’s not exactly backcountry, but you can almost see the wilderness from here. Marymere Falls is one of the more popular short hikes near Lake Crescent because of the relatively easy trail and its proximity to the road. If you go, it’s unlikely you’ll have the place to yourself (unless it’s winter), but it’s still […]

I have done my share of open water crossings in my paddling life. In Newfoundland, I crossed White Bay in one long, 30-mile push, and there were several other spots where I was at sea for 20 or 25 miles, so it’s not like I’ve never seen blue water before. Of course, it’s not like […]

Springing

The forecast originally called for today’s temps to be in the mid-70’s, blue skies and sunshine. That ebullient assessment has been revised downward – this morning’s prediction is a high of 64, with rain developing later – and calls to put away the waterproofs and wellies might be a wee bit premature. It’s spring, and […]