pacific halibut
Summer always brings crowds out to La Push. But we were a bit surprised when we pulled into the campground the first weekend in May. It seemed the boats, and they were nice boats, outnumbered the campers by a fair margin. A clue as to why should have been the many references to “Halibut…” this or that.
After we got camp set up we walked over to the Quileute Marina to get a better view of them. Having spent a few years on deck of a commercial fishing vessel I always enjoy checking out the other guys’ boats and rigs. There were a few boats that seemed a bit ‘shaky’ but most were in the enviable range!
It was late and I couldn’t find anyone to ask about what the catch was, but back at basecamp a bit of Googling lead to the fact that it was the Pacific Halibut opener this weekend. Apparently, this was going to be a bumper year for them, as the quota was increased for the 2019 season. Recreational halibut seasons announced today by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are based on a statewide quota of 277,100 pounds, up by an average of 19 percent over the past three years.
They certainly seemed to have lucked out with the weather; calm and sunny.
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Enjoying a bit of warmth on a cold clear winter's evening on the Olympic Coast. We don't get many days like this in the winter.
Setting up camp at Toleak Beach on the Washington coast. We took advantage of the clear but cold winter weather and hiked in the day before our #COASST bird survey.
Snug Harbor Cannery on the southern half of Chisik Island. I spent a few years guiding out of the Alaskan treasure.
Just published our latest adventure - Hit and Run at Bear Creek - You can find the link in my bio up top.
At the mouth of the Columbia River stands the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. Still active, she’s been guiding mariners since 1856.
A multitude of grey defines Lake Crescent during our latest #COASST survey.
The old Navy torpedo warehouse located on the grounds of Washington’s Manchester State Park.
While out dodging the rain showers, came across this beautiful Amanita muscaria near camp. The cap was a big as a dinner plate!
During our recent science trip to Suiattle River for the Wild and Scenic River Project, we were treated to these wonderful views. Here we're enjoying the winter's day with Mt. Baker in the background.
Our collection site for the Wild and Scenic River project. We grabbed river samples as well as tested ph, dissolved O2 and other data points. Turned out to be a great day in the field.
Heading out to start the Winter series of collection for the Wild and Scenic River project for Adventure Scientist.
These Nootka Rose caught my eye in camp this morning. Sitting here enjoying the fire listening to the geese overhead as they fly south.
Bear Canyon just outside Morton Washington is a little pocket of pristine wilderness.
Theresa doing her best to imitate the North Head Lighthouse.
A bridge span over the Green River. I love the contrast between the texture of the bridge and the fall colors of the background.
Here's a sunset from our recent #COASST bird survey at First Beach. The next day it poured rain. I measured over two inches just that afternoon.
toleak beach
Of course, that same weather was lucky us as well. We had taken a beating over the winter with the constant storms so a little sun and calm winds were much appreciated. Coming down off of Scott’s Bluff to see such a tranquil beach was a treat.
Despite the fishermen out on the coast, we had the beach to ourselves. Nothing out of the ordinary as we conducted our survey over our mile of the beach (except the sun as previously mentioned).
The best part of this survey? Being able to take off our boots and socks and sunbathe while we picnicked after the survey! While I soaked up the sun I was reminded of the old beer commercial, “It just doesn’t get any better than this!”
