seabeck
The highlight of this weekend’s trip was exploring Frenchman’s Cove but it really starts in Seabeck. And my first trip to Seabeck was some years ago when I was helping a friend and guide Kiwi with a project he had set up for a local photo instructor.
This was Theresa’s first trip out to this small community and the wildlife did not disappoint. All the usual suspects made an appearance. It was a bit unusual to see 4 Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) fishing wingtip to wingtip, or at least I’ve never seen that many in such close proximity. It’s been my experience that they prefer to hunt solo. Hunting Great Blue Herons wade slowly or stand statue-like, stalking fish and other prey in shallow water or open fields.
In contrast to the slow-moving heron was the Purple Martin (Progne subis) with their swift jet-fighter like swoops and dives. Foraging Purple Martins hunt insects higher in the air than other swallows, but in the afternoon and evening, they may feed low and close to nest sites. An interesting fact is that this bird not only gets all its food in flight, but it also gets all its water that way too. It skims the surface of a pond and scoops up the water with its lower bill.
Support
Our mission is a labor of love, but it does come with overhead. If you’d like to support our efforts we’d certainly appreciate it. Currently, we’re actively participating in the following field research:
- COASST Beached Bird Surveys
- Wild and Scenic River Project
Thank you.
Frenchman’s Cove
Sitting around camp and consulting the topo maps I came across Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve. The reserve encompasses 184 acres of walking trails and has access to Hood Canal.
Its historic name is Frenchman’s Cove named for the first settler in the area, Henri Querrette who owned a cabin on the northern shore of the cove. It was renamed Guillemot Cove after the Reynolds family purchased the property in 1939. Apparently, Mr. Reynolds was quite the bird enthusiast.
“
Member of the following
Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/customer/www/xexplore.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/fetch-tweets/include/class/utility/database/FetchTweets_DatabaseTable_ft_http_requests.php on line 196
Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/customer/www/xexplore.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/fetch-tweets/include/class/utility/database/FetchTweets_DatabaseTable_ft_http_requests.php on line 197
Latest Instagram
This is just one of many structures that fell into disarray after the closure of the gravel pit that once operated on the shores of Steilacoom.
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Mount St. Helens stands as an imposing figure, even in the depths of winter. The snow-capped peak, which famously erupted in 1980, offers a unique and breathtaking landscape for winter adventurers. With its rugged terrain, awe-inspiring vistas, and challenging winter conditions, Mount St. Helens is a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable winter experience. Whether you're an experienced mountaineer or a beginner looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure, Mount St. Helens in winter is an experience you won't soon forget.
Some of the old structures for the gravel pit were once located in Steilacoom, Washington. Since I took this photograph, it's been replaced by a golf course.
Point Robinson Light is a lighthouse located on Maury Island in Washington State, USA. The lighthouse was first built in 1885 and has since undergone several renovations and upgrades. The lighthouse tower is 35 feet tall and is painted white with a black lantern room. It is situated on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound and marks the eastern entrance to Elliott Bay. The light's characteristic is a white flash every 5 seconds with a focal plane of 51 feet above sea level.
What started as a sunny day developed into thunderstorms. The thunderstorm finally moved off to the east. It had us binned in our tents for a couple of hours.
I've just posted an article over on our website. You'll find more photographs and a short write up on what we found. | "Dosewallips State Park Suffers Major Upheaval"
The south shore of Dusty Lakes is just outside Vantage. We've book our campsite for a return trip this spring.
Sunrise over Port Angeles. We’ll be catching the afternoon ferry over to Victoria later today.
Murhut Creek drains the lower Duckabush River valley. Although only the lower portion is visible the falls themselves are over 150'. ------------
Deep Lake at Millersylvania State Park
Theresa is gazing at sunset while beachcombing. The clouds added a wonderful touch of drama to the scene.
Sunrise at Ocean Shores
Theresa is looking downstream at Murhat Falls. This waterfall is easy to drive to and an easy hike in the Olympic National Forest.
Nisqually Wildlife Reserve
Skate Creek runs alongside Forest Road 52 in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This was just one of the many photographic sites that can be accessed from the road.
Sunrise at Fort Flagler State Park
When the Reynolds family purchased the Guillemot Cove property, it was run-down. Once open areas were overgrown with alders, and abandoned shacks built by farmers in the 1800’s (who also had cleared the once open areas), were falling into ruins. The Stump House, which legend said a criminal called Dirty Thompson had built to hide out in from the law, was then without a roof. The family spent summers there cleaning up/ the useless shacks were burned down. The previously cleared spots, which were over-grown, were won back with difficulty. The scrubby alders were felled and pigs were used to root out the stumps.
The Stump house is quite the sight to behold, but I couldn’t verify that there was any criminal named Dirty Thompson, but my search was limited to online sources. Could have happened I suppose but I’m inclined to put this story in Urban Legend category. Either way, it’s well worth a visit to this area.
