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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Toleak Beach is located on the coast of Washington. The sea stacks in the background are part of the Giant's Graveyard.
This Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was unusually relaxed during our hike out on the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge boardwalk. We almost tripped over him before noticing him. Never could see what he was so intently looking at.
Mt. Rainier as seen from the mouth of the Nisqually Delta.
Sunset over the Pacific on Washington's coast.
Just published our latest adventure, or maybe misadventure. You can find the link in my bio up top. - "A Regenerating Dip in Coldwater Lake"
Here's my latest news article regarding the world of citizen-science | "A Summer of Wild and Scenic Rivers"
Low tide on Crescent Bay.
Lake Crescent after the big wind storm we had last night. We got hammered on the beach, losing our weather station from atop the RV. I was recording gust of nearly 40 before we lost our instrumentation. However, all’s good this morning.
Pinto Falls in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This little hidden ravine sits on an otherwise nondescript hillside. Never know what you’re going to find.
Took advantage of the clear skies and set up a day camp on the Washington coast. After a week of forest fire haze, it was a relief to see blue on the horizon.
The North Head lighthouse was built in 1989 just north of the Columbia River on the Washington coast.
Just published our latest adventure - "A Night at Dusty Lake" - You can find the link in my bio up top.
Lewis & Clark had their dog, 'Seaman’ and we have 'Ghost' to round out our team of explorers. Pinto Falls is in the background. A big thanks to Brad for bringing him along.
Tower Rock in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This monolith soars 2000' above the Cispus Valley floor.
Sunrise from basecamp over Tower Rock in the background. Are we sure this is October?
Made it to the top of Burley Mountain and the fire lookout there. Mt. Rainier in the background.
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!”
