More crazy stuff on the beach

Here is a bit of a gawdly site, a pilot whale that washed up a while ago. It is just getting to that umbearably ripe stage where you can't really get too close to it. I can sense a hint of perfume as you start to get within a couple of feet. Didn't they use these for perfume oils? Anyways, I wasn't too shy around it and my friend Dominic had a hard time not poking it with a stick to see how tough it was. What an array of life around it. Maggots, worms and the what not just having their way with the carcass. I was very surprised to not see any eagles or ravens tearing it apart. Perhaps once the meat becomes exposed it will be a little easier to get inside.

A goood picture of balene. A few people have been coming and picking up souveniers of this species and I confess after this picture, I took a knife to the rest of it for my beach combing collection.

Lettuce all be friends

Blog entry 89 in this 2007th year of our lord. This photo is my little greenhouse that could. I planted a bunch of lettuce earlier and it's taking off like wildfire. It's great to grab a bunch at night and have a little salad to suppliment my already sea-fed diet. My tomatoes aren't fairing as well, and I have to seriously consider more application of seaweed next year to keep the nutrient cycle expanding. The gardening thing is truly wonderful and rewarding, and common sensical when you think about it, but nonetheless very labour intensive and something that really has to be monitored. This being said, the rewards are beyond explanation. I truly hope to expand in years to come.
What's new... not too much. I've managed to land a gig at Haida Bucks Lounge playing guitar on Thursday nights, which is taking a huge leap of faith for someone who only plays when he's blind drunk or alone. But I think it's time to break out of the shell and follow through with Resolution #27 and playing more in public.
I'm off to Moresby Camp again this weekend to torment the trout and get the houses ready for the kids' camp next week. I really want to get involved in a larger capacity with the camp in the fall as it truly is a gem on the islands and feel very fortunate to be part of it.
Well, all for now. Have a great weekend and enjoy your travels!

Eagle drying his feathers atop a tree. Showoff!

Not too sure of the species here, but they've been washing up a bit lately. Tentacles are in the 4 foot range. Not fun to see snorkling!

Wind swept

The launch...

The set-up...

The fun!

Wind is up! It's very rare that we get a nice northwesterly wind at all with the prevailing being out of the southeast, but yesterday did give us a glimpse of it and I had to take full advantage shirking all responsibilities to get out in the sun. It is really nice when the wind hits the right direction as it is usually a burning sunny day. Nice that summer joined us this year.

You can see from the snail tracks that I essentially drag myself, telemarking on my shoes, down the beach at about the wind speed which was 10knot. Not enough to get my board flying in the water, but still enough to have a bit of fun. I did this for about a mile and a half with my buddy Mike following me in my truck behind. I got him strapped in a few times nearly killing himself, me, and any animal in his path - deceptively fun-looking. I'm thinking about investing in an off-road skateboard to use in these light wind situations. If you know of any good ones let me know. Have fun in the sun!

Doing Berry Well

A nice little collection of Salmon Berries just outside the house. They've been in full swing for a really long time this year. The crab has been on, as have the no-see-ums! Sleeping has been a full contact sport for the last few weeks, so I'm hoping to get a bit of sun to wipe them out.
Life has been very mellow with just a little bit of fishing and really not much else to report. The crabbing and the clam digging have been very plentiful, but I haven't really dialed in the Salmon and Halibut yet. So, I did have to manage to find my way to the grocery store this month. It's funny that I haven't needed to visit in such a long time. I'm set on participating in the 100mile diet where all of my food will come from less that 100miles from home, which is essentially the islands. With deer, and fish and my organic greenhouse I should be good. I'm a little concerned about my vitamins during the winter months, but I should be able to figure it out and hey maybe have a banana or two.
I did manage to fly out to Tasu sound last week in a helicopter which was waaay cool. I felt like I was going to throw up or crap myself at every moment, overall a bodily function audit. The way we just clipped up over mountains and waterfalls was amazing! A true treat for me.
Well, all for now kids. Have a great summer and we'll see you soon.

A beautiful arctic plant that seemed to find it's way onto the top of Mt. Moresby.

The password... for the EXTREME...

Rupert team heading out after 70hours of treking already. Nice of the headwind to greet them eh? Eeesh. Amazing athletes.

Team Sole (the winners) at our checkpoint. Team 1 and 2 were 2 minutes apart after over 60 hours of travelling!

The MUDBOG! A Port Clement tradition for Canada Day. Here is a little segment called "What you do if you get stuck in the mudbog with a car you borrowed from your mother in law."

Get the chain to affix itself to the windshield wipers, which was the only thing working at this point.

Then have a feisty redneck chose to play 'monster truck' for the crowd.

Gently place said vehicle out of the way for the other competitors.

Start new heat. Notice the pathfinder up in the woods! Gotta love the charlottes!