Hotdogs roasting on an open-ish fire ... April 6, 2014

We lost a couple our expected group but off we went even though the forecast was poor; rain and wind. The forecast had been the same for the day before yet the weather was wonderful!  So why not?

Today it was right ... but on we went to Misty Meadows, then out to the beach; the ladies went northward and men went southward!

Agates and jasper were found in each direction, conversation was great, the air exhilerating and the rain, light .... but then both got stronger, and then the wind got even stronger!

We made it back the camground, and got the fire going quickly [by one match Mo] ... where we exchanged treasures, whittled hotdog sticks, arranged the condiments, opened the chips, sliced the bread and banana loaf. Got the Kennedy's hot chocolate on to boil and then as we do when we are having a wonderful time asked "wonder what the Queen is doing?"

Next hike may be on Morseby, to recognize the Kwuna ferry schedule slashing!

Tlell's River February 3, 2014

The car was heading to Tlell so off we went ... not really sure where we would be hiking: wind, waves, whatever.

After checking out the dunes and a geocache [missing!] it was decided to check out the River. Instead of going down the Sitka Studio branch we chose Lionel's branch instead ... and fortunately 2 of the group had never been there?

Carefully over the fence and off to parallel the river on the fishermen's path, past the field with the beautiful holly tree. then onward, checked another cache (which was there) then another fence ... calm lovely walk but lots of blowdowns during the winter into the river. The stripey leaved orchids [with medicinal healing properties] were looking healthy! Next time we may connect up with the Anvil Trail.

We even heard of a rumour about logging in that area ...  certainly hope they are careful with the river's riparian zone!

2014 ...a bit different

Taking the Arts Council performers to Port Clements ... the fellows had been to Port earlier in the week and were keen to see the Golden Spruce but they had missed it so were were going back today to find it before they flew out of Masset. (There had been an article in the Observer explaining that the trail wasn't finished and that the crush was late!)

Off we went the day perfect ... had to stop at St Mary's Spring to insure their return then straight to the Golden Spruce Trail ... yes clearly there was work in progress ... apparently the tail will soon in wheelchair-able both to the Hollow Tree and the Golden Spruce lookout ... as yet there are no signs!

The trail has been re-engineered and relocated but still such a lovely area ... because there were no signs the fellows had continued on and on and because the bench is no longer there they didn't know they were way past it ...  they did find a recently dead eagle which was interesting and we had a great crisp morning hike further down the river than I had been before ... we even stopped to watch a seal.