Returning to Our Temperate Rain Forest
How quickly we replaced the warm humid climate of Costa Rica’s tropical rain forest with the cold humid climate of the Olympic Peninsula’s temperate rain forest. Same green colors and lush foliage but about 40 degrees difference in temperatures.
Each has a uniqueness and special charm to it but to be honest, as we were slogging through the mud and up the next hill, I was missing Costa Rica. Not that I begrudge the Pacific Northwest, it’s just that this January has been cold, wet, and windy. When I say wet, I mean consecutive days in a roll record-breaking wet. Not to mention snow in all the wrong places.
Surveys Conducted in Winter
That said, once we make it our survey beach, it felt like coming home to an old friend. Temperates were chilly and the wind made it seem more so, but we both enjoyed discovering the changes that the current season had imposed on our beach.
Our particular beach, Toleak Beach, is one of the more remote and difficult beaches to get to. It’s quite a hike just to get to the starting point of our survey section. A couple of miles through rough terrain, having to cross multiple drainages and then navigate Scott’s Bluff. This isn’t the norm for COASST beach surveys so don’t let that put you off if you’re thinking of volunteering, but it’s the very remoteness and physical challenge of this particular beach that drew us to it.
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.
Winter makes it all the more challenging. We have a small window of low tide which will give us access to the entire length of the survey. Combine that with the short winter days and it can be difficult to find that window during daylight hours. Then add in our winter storms and it really becomes a crapshoot.
More than once we’ve made the grueling hike down to the beach expecting to have a survey in the bag only to find the storm surge and extra high low tide closing off the beach entirely. Nothing left to do but have a snack and turn around to tackle the hike out.
To add insult to injury is often it’s too cold, wet and windy to have a comfortable break to fuel up on lunch and hot coffee. Stop moving during winter storms and hyperthermia can become a real issue. But doing the hike in, survey, and hike out can be both physically demanding and a spirit crusher.
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Follow the team’s latest news and social feeds here. You’ll also find links to articles on the latest developments regarding citizen-science and the conservation of our oceans.
We also use this feed for updates from the field as we pursue our own science and the occasional short video clip.
And please, feel free to join in the conversation. We’d love to hear what you’re up to as well.
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One of the best things about volunteering for citizen-science projects is the opportunity to spend time in some truly breathtaking places. And with fall just around the corner, it's an especially beautiful time to be outdoors. There's nothing quite like watching the leaves change colors and feeling that fresh autumn breeze on your face. It's a great way to connect with nature and make a difference at the same time.
Our only tide window to conduct this month’s #COASST bird survey was just before sunset. Not only did we have the beach to ourselves, but we were rewarded with this view when we rounded the point. Had to pause the survey and just enjoy the view and tranquility.
We're spending the weekend exploring the 'Great Bend' of Hood Canal. We found a nice private campground to base out of. This is just one of the many views to be found on North Shore Drive.
Taking a brief pause to appreciate the beautiful sunset on the Long Beach Peninsula.
I recently went hiking in the Olympic Peninsula forests and stumbled upon this beautiful waterfall. It was such a serene and peaceful spot, and I felt so lucky to have found it. There are so many hidden gems to discover when exploring the great outdoors!
With the hot weather we've endured, I'm looking forward to Fall and the dramatic weather. Here's a sunset over North Head Lighthouse.
After a short hike along Murhut Creek, which originates from a narrow basin on the south side of the lower Duckabush River valley, we arrived at the lower half of Murhut Falls. The falls consist of two sections with a combined height of 153 feet, although only the lower half was visible from our vantage point.
I haven't had the opportunity to take a stroll around Waughop Lake lately, yet I couldn't help but notice the abundant greenery that now adorns the trails.
During our recent camping trip on the Washington coast with friends, we took a bike ride to Cape Disappointment State Park. We came across the Northhead Lighthouse, but unfortunately, it was closed at the time due to an ongoing cliff rescue operation.
Spent an incredible day immersed in nature's wonders with my adventurous partner, Theresa! 🌿🌈 We hiked along the majestic Chehalis River, mesmerized by its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings. And then, we stumbled upon the magnificent Rainbow Falls waterfall, its cascading waters painting the landscape with vibrant colors! 🏞️💦 Moments like these remind us of the pure magic that awaits when we embrace the great outdoors.
Looking forward to this sunny weekend getaway at Rainbow Falls State Park Exploring the stunning beauty of nature and immersing ourselves in the serenity of the namesake waterfall.
On a sunny day at the beach, the four of us enjoyed riding our bikes along the shoreline, feeling the sun's warmth on our skin. We laughed and chatted as we pedaled, the refreshing sea breeze accompanying us. Eventually, we reached the breathtaking Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, where we paused to take in the stunning view of the sparkling ocean and rugged cliffs. It was a perfect moment of friendship and natural beauty.
I had to stay close to home this weekend, but the Lakewood Summerfest was fun. Hot air balloons lit the venue.
We recently adopted a new #COASST beach for our beaches bird surveys. You can find more articles and photographs in the link above. #YourShotPhotographer #conquernorthwest #nextstop24traveler
A trail leading through the coastal forest on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Read the latest article about our new #COASST beach. Link in the description.
Looking at the turnaround point to our new survey beach, which lies just to the west of Murdock Beach.
Bothy Bag to the Rescue
I dug out some kit from my kayak gear that seems to have solved that last issue; the bothy bag. I use to carry it when I was kayaking guiding. I was introduced to it during one of my BCU training weekends. Apparently, it’s a bit of kit that is used by the mountaineering group as an emergency shelter but adopted by the kayak group as well.
Basically it’s a nylon igloo that you can drape over your party (they come in different sizes, mine is a 4 man bag). A couple of hiking poles keeps it off your head, but it provides instance shelter from the wind and rain. Your body heat will quickly make the interior pleasantly toasty. Add a blow-up cushion to sit on and you’re all set.
To be honest, I’m embarrassed that it took me this long to remember this be of ingenious kit, but all is forgiven with Theresa since she now can look forward to warm, comfortable breaks.
