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.