Reflections on the weather

Today, the wind is whipping around Kachemak Bay. The water is churning and the trees are swaying. This storm marks the end of a calm beautiful stretch of weather that enabled Jenni and I to do quite a bit of exploring during the last couple weeks.

On a particularly windless afternoon last week, Jenni and I took out the kayak and paddled around China Poot Bay. When we reached the south side of the bay, we heard the thunderous roar of a thousand wings lifting off the water. The mallards have finally arrived. I wish I would have been quick enough to take a picture when the flock turned as one group and the sun hit their backs.

On the way back to the lodge, we hardly had to lift a paddle. The outgoing tide carried us over the salt marsh and we were able to sit back and enjoy the scenery. The reflection of the mountains on the water was as clear as I've ever seen it.

The stars are out in China Poot Bay

When I first arrived in Kachemak Bay, I had no experience with ocean invertebrates. This added to my amazement when I began to explore the intertidal zone. When the tide is out, walking on the beach is like touring an aquarium. On a good low tide day, you can find over 100 species hiding in the rocks and tide pools. These creatures range from tiny shrimp and mollusks to three foot wide Sunflower Stars.

The Sunflower Stars have a huge range of colors, from deep blue to bright orange. They are voracious intertidal predators but will scavenge when they can. I've been finding quite a few of them searching for scraps in the holes otters dig in search of clams. They are soft creatures with up to two dozen arms, and it's rare to find them above the negative one tide line. At that depth, they are only exposed for a few hours on very low tides. The last tidal series enabled me to take a few pictures of these amazing creatures.

Go with the flow

Imagine standing on the shore of a huge reservoir. A reservoir three miles long and a mile wide. Next, imagine the dam shatters, and all the water rushes out to reveal a wet world and two rivers where the lake once was. Six hours later, imagine the dam rebuilt and the reservoir once more filled. This is what it's like to watch the tides rush in and out of China Poot Bay. On new moons and full moons, we have our greatest tidal variation and the water can rise and drop almost 30 vertical feet. This process happens roughly four times every 24 hours. Yesterday, I sat at the top of our boat ramp and took a picture around two o'clock, when the tide was in. I took a picture from the same spot just before low tide at seven-thirty in the evening. Take a look at the difference. As you compare these two pictures, remember that they are snapshots of a process that is in constant motion.

High tide at 2:00 p.m.

Almost low tide at 7:30 p.m.

A wonderful winter day

What does the perfect winter day at the lodge look like? After a great breakfast of homemade scones and muffins, tea for Jenni and coffee for me, we look for the perfect sledding hill.

 

Although there are quite a few fast hills to slide down, none compare to this snow covered ramp! The only trick is to jump off the sled before you hit the water.

Time to ski! When the snow is fresh, you have to get in as many winter activities as possible. The warm winter weather we've been having this year quickly changes snow to slush and ice.

 

I love to relax at the end of a day day with a campfire on the dock listening to the sounds of dusk. When the fire goes out, it's time to cook a salmon feast.

A bit of perspective...

I met Adam Buchsbaum and Mary Fernandez last August during their stay at the Lodge. They are wonderful people, and I had a great time getting to know them while guiding them through the intertidal zone and the forest. Adam was kind enough to share the pictures from their trip and to allow me to share them here. They've helped to give me some perspective on cameras and seasons.

 

First off, I may need a camera upgrade. I was quite proud when I managed to silently sneak up to the tree where the eagle in the top photo is perching. I pointed the camera up and took the best picture I could using my little point and shoot Polaroid. Although it's waterproof and convenient, when I look at the incredible pictures Adam took I can plainly see the advantage of upgrading my zoom capabilities. In his photo below, every feather and spruce needle is clearly captured.

It's still winter at the lodge, and will be for quite some time. The picture below shows the view from the meadow behind the lodge this morning.

Sometimes during the winter months, it's easy to forget what this meadow looks like filled with Fireweed flowers. Although I love the winter and the beauty of a world covered in snow, it's good to remember that summer will soon fill the fields with color. Here's a look at a picture Adam took of the same meadow in August.

Thanks for sending us your pictures Adam! I hope you and Mary make it back to the Lodge soon.

My favorite bench

  

 Last weekend Jenni and I went across the bay to Homer to get supplies for the next few weeks and catch up with friends. It was a great visit. We spent most of our time playing board and card games and eating wonderful food in the company of those we love.

When I got back to the lodge today, I felt a bit lonely. I set up the computer to return emails and reply to those folks making reservations for this summer. It wasn't long before I looked out the window to see another incredible sunset in China Poot Bay. It was a great reminder that I work in one of the most beautiful offices in the world. 

I went outside to my favorite place to watch the sunset, the bench just outside Goose Point Cabin. I was so glad to see that the sun is finally clearing the mountains as it sets that I watched it until it disappeared from view. Sitting on the bench, I listened to ducks and eagles. An otter paused below me under the cliff to look up curiously. I'm so glad to be in this beautiful wilderness during the quiet season. 

 

Bonsai Rock

Sometimes, you just happen to be in the right place at the right time. Yesterday, I had every intention of going fishing. I gathered my gear, put on four layers of clothing, and headed out to my boat around 4 p.m. When I reached the lagoon where the boat is moored, I found that the tide hadn't come in far enough to be able to escape the lagoon. I didn't have time to wait, with the sun nearing the horizon, so I went for a walk instead. I passed by this lone tree, growing on what Jenni and I call Bonsai Rock, just in time to see the mist rising from the snow and the mountains glowing behind it. Being there at that moment was well worth missing a fishing trip.