Hammond Ashley Violins

My friend Matthew works at Hammond Ashley Violins in Issaquah.  He invited me to come and check out one of their Tuesday jam sessions with a co-worker, Abel.   It was quite fun to watch the collection of luthiers put down their tools, sandpaper and wires and pick up the instruments to play some folk tunes.    There is a link at the bottom of the post to a video clip from the day.  

 

 

Video

Jellies

A Lion's Mane jelly and friend.  

When describing a lion's mane to my guests, I usually say to look for a jellyfish shaped like a child's drawing of a sun: bright, with ray-like lobes.    In South East, they can get quite large, but we typically see individuals at around 10 inches in diameter.   This one had a friend along.   The jelly has quite a sting which can cause a harsh rash and burning pain if you come in contact with them.    Local fishermen call them "red hots" for this reason.   However, several fish species can withstand the toxin and live quite comfortably alongside the jelly.     These photographs were taken above water from the dock in Elfin Cove.    We were quite lucky to see this bright, beautiful little fish swimming, protected by its mobile home.   

Black and Brown Bear Research

I volunteered late last month with Tania Lewis of Glacier Bay National Park to assist her in collecting hair samples for DNA research as well as recording track and scat patterns in Glacier Bay to identify species distribution in the park.    Here are the photos that resulted from the trip.   Images are property of the US National Park and cannot be used for profit.  

 Sow with a spring cub. 

Habitat

Tracks:   Image 1:  Whale grease print on a rock.   Image 2: Print in gravel.    Image 3: Hind print in sand.  Image 4: Front print in silt.  

Tania collecting hair for DNA

Guard hair is collected by placing wire on known rub trees.

Bark polished and smooth on a rub tree branch.

Soap berries are a main staple in the diet.   Before and after image.

We stayed at the Back Country ranger cabins during the three-day field study.

Alaska Wilderness & Wildlife Kayaking. July 11th- 18th.

Alaska Wilderness & Wildlife Kayaking.  July 11th- 18th.

West Coast of Chichagof Island, Alaska.
Myriad Islands to Goulding Harbor.
Glacier Bay Day Boat 

Yoga Journey

Yoga is an incredible practice to pair with kayaking.   I had the opportunity to guide a wilderness islands trip with Laura Humpf and two incredible ladies.   We stayed on Pleasant Island and had the chance to spend a lot of time experiencing the forest, viewing the rhythm of the water and the traveling wildlife.  Here are a few images from our journey.