Mudlarking on the Sound

Yes, mudlarking.  Have you seen the YouTube videos of stalwart mudlarking enthusiasts who walk the Themes at low tide seeking historical rewards?

In winter we WOWers sometimes do other things than row. This year it was to go mudlarking at low tide at Owens Beach.  Eight hardy souls were willing to give it a try - in the dark - since low tide and sunset converged at the same time. With raincoats,rain pants and boots, flashlights & plastic bags in hand we were ready. But first we must be fortified for our adventure!

A dear WOWer opened her home to us. She made soup and tea and provided a place for us to break bread and cheese, veggies and dips, a spread of all kinds which included chocolates - plenty too - homemade and the fancy sort. When we were nearly comatose from eating "just one more truffle" we headed down to the water.

Where are you?

We are so happy to live in such a beautiful place. We are extremely lucky to have Point Defiance Park as our oasis. The beach from Anthony's to beyond Owens Beach sparkled in the evening light. The Vashon ferry went to and fro several times brightening the evening sky. Surprisingly there were other folks taking in the beauty of the evening during the brief respite from the rain. The WOWers walked and talked and observed. It was noted there was no trash, nor unwanted items or mudlarking treasures either. The beach was clean, something we should all be very pleased to know. Not even any litter to pick up!

There were several bright orange sea stars which had washed ashore and happily a live chiton. You don't see one of those every day. Two sea lions were spotted in the glooming as they harrumphed around in the water not far from shore. In the dark they looked spooky with their snouts and all.

Reminders of the walk...

The word of the day is holdfast.

A holdfast is a rootlike structure used by some plants and algae to firmly affix themselves to substrates such as rock. Many people associate holdfasts with seaweed, although they can also be found on land; ivy, for example, produces holdfasts which help it climb rock and brick walls.

As we walked and talked the state of our Country bubbled up. We all agreed, with the new year approaching, perhaps we need to "holdfast". We foresee it is going to be a hard start to a fresh New Year. So find your rock, your foundation. Hold on tight for it is going to be challenging. May we all remember that we live on one planet, an island of sorts... so we should all try hard to be in  harmony with Nature at the very least and at the most considerate of all life.

December rows

I have been a bit delinquent in reporting on the WOWers rowing adventures in December. Our row on December 10 was a bit much! There were only 5 of us. Crazy bunch that we are went out with wind and wave and we were proud to say we made it to the bridge! Sorry there aren't any pictures to prove it!

Our row on December 17 we made it slightly farther. It was a very grey day, the wind stopped and so did the rain just as we arrived as it does so often does until it Mother Nature says 'time'. With lungs filled with fresh air we headed inside for tea and "cookies"rather than be swept out to sea. You would be surprised how many seek our company during tea time! Ginger snaps and chocolate chip I think it was...

We are so thankful for the electric pump - it was a boat full of water this day. 

The sounds of water

This was taken Nov 19th. Just listen... so peaceful....

Turkey Row

We strutted across a horizontal plank like a rafter

 (of hen turkey's) on their way to a corn eatin' contest.

 It was so nice not to have a death grip on the railing as you descended to the dock. 

With many hands it is easy pump out the boat, move the extra oars and to get going 

even if you are dressed like a kid in a snowsuit. 

Which by the way thick layers were pealed off before we left the dock 

because the fog had risen and the sun started to shine as if on cue! 

The day was calm. The tide and the wind were harmoniously calm.

 It was an absolutely beautiful day. 

Out there, we saw at least two harbor seals and several bumps 

which we presumed to be sea lions. They could be heard barking on the far shore so we think, unless of course, it was your hard smoking Uncle Burt here for the holidays? 

A seagull came in close - that was exciting.

 It dashed between oars to pick up a morsel of something (mind you - nothing we shared!)

It was a bit like a scene out of the Alfred Hitchcock movie Birds. 

The bird swirled in fluttering so near it made some of us startle.

Funny to think a movie could leave such an strong impression one reacts instantly

without there being a real need. 

The still water created such lovely reflections. 

Hopefully after it rains the rest of the week we will have nice weather for next Monday's row.

Bail, bail, bail your boat

Yes, a new song:

Bail, bail, bail your boat

Gently pour the stream

Giggles and laughs, drips and splash

Verite's inner scene.

The dockside pump wasn't working again, but the crew didn't let that stop them nor

the two feet of water inside the boat. I wished I had gotten a picture of it, 

but here's what I got:

We went out with a bit of wind and tide and 

after turning around we came smoking back to dockside.

Lickety split!

The clouds were amazing!

And... they didn't rain on us either. 

One thing will be changing on the Thea Foss Waterway - 

they (?) are taking down a building next to the Eleventh Street Bridge. 

 This building with the checkerboard pattern will no longer

be a view as we row. 

 I know, it's just another old building.

No one speaks about its past or previous purpose. 

  In it's dying days it took on a beautiful decrepitude. 

One wonders what will come in its place

and how will it affect the waterway?

A foggy, foggy day

Monday's row was luscious. It was a bit like being wrapped in a damp blanket of mist. It was a perfect October feeling. The fog lifted just enough so we could go out into Commencement Bay. There were a few other brave hearts that went out past us... and then just disappeared.

It was about this moment we realized we forgot the tea!

How could that be? 

That has never happened before. 

Some little Halloween gremlin no doubt moved it out of sight.