Thursday, August 16, 2007

Scenes from work




What elevation are we at?


We finally got the winning question yesterday, and not only was it just one question, or one person, but man, we got them all! It was a day that started out hectic, behind schedule, and in a torrential downpour. At one point I felt my balance slipping as I stood on the edge of the dock holding the stern of a 100+ pound fiberglass kayak. After a morning of such events, I was just settling in to accepting a very ,very long day, when the clouds broke revealing that bright orb in the sky. The radio crackled with reports of Orcas 1.5 miles east of Pilot Rock. After suspense filled minutes passed of scanning the horizon with binoculars up on the flybridge, I spotted that sleek, dark fin, headed straight for us and my heart leaped in exaltation. But this new sensory overload for the tourists really got the questions flying. My skipper spent ten minutes explaining to one person that the elevation of the ocean was sea level. Then I had to explain why sea otters don't have blubber and whales do, including the consistency and purpose of blubber. Another man could not believe that the little chunks of brash off coming off the glacier actually melt, once they are in the ocean. I understand that if you don't have any experience around the ocean or glaciers you might have some basic questions. I am always more than happy to answer any question and teach about nature. However, yesterday was a day that left the skipper and me scratching our heads....

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Home Improvements




Between busy work days and time off, Ben has been busy on the Sauna! Located down in the gorge, the peacefull stream trickles past as the fern and moss cling the cliff walls. Can't wait to put on the finishing touches and crank up that stove, sweat, and rince in the crystal clear waters!