Barrels of Fun

Racecardrivernumerouno inquiring about the sets.

To add to the excitement of Saturday's big event. I received a wetsuit in the mail just in time for a Monday evening session at Pasagshak (apologies to all lifelong surfers for my attempt at spouting the sport's jargon). Racecardriverzeropointfive (an alias) and his lovely life partner That Lady, along with Racecardrivernumerouno and his little brother Stokes swung by to pick me up on the way out the road for looksee at the waves. Collectively known as the Wilcos, the family makes the pilgrimage out to Pasagshak for surfing and beaching quite often. Needless to say I was definitely stoked to catch a ride (in the car).

A NoPac Barrel

The drive to Pasagshak alone is reason enough to make the trip. Along the way beautiful blue bays, lush green mountains and crystal clear streams offer a stunning glimpse at the rest of the island. Mornings and evenings are the most spectactular when the topography shapes shadows that enhance its grandeur.

Almost up...

We arrived at surf beach, just past Pasagshak, to find a few surfers enjoying a bonfire. As we walked to the beach we could see gray whale spouts in water past the breaking waves. Bald eagles and black-legged kittiwakes traversed the sky above. We jumped on to our boards and paddled out to the first break. As we sat waiting for the waves to set up the whales, swimming close, began to surface, jump and spyhop. The waves offered several chances for good rides, but my inexperience showed as I failed to successfully stand and ride a break. In the meantime, Racecardriverzeropointfive caught several waves and rode to shore. Although I didn't quite hang ten, I am determined to get back out to the beach and catch a ride. I would like to thank That Lady for taking pictures and keeping an eye out for sea creatures from shore.

Mom's Visit

This weekend my Mom flew up for a visit from Boulder, CO. She endeavored to experience Crab Fest and anything else we could cram into the four day weekend. After a long flight on Thursday, we took her for a short evening hike at Fort Abercrombie State Park. On Friday we experienced Crab Fest and dined on a plate of crab legs and the famous bruin burger during the last dry weather of the festival - as we learned from everyone in town, "it always rains on Crab Fest."

Mom and me enjoying fresh crab

After eating crab Mom and I took a tour of the NOAA research vessel Oscar Dyson. While the instruments and scientific studies discussed on the Dyson tour were interesting, Mom really enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of another vessel a local fishing vessel by our friend Dirk. With more than two decades of fishing experience, Dirk had lots to share including harrowing stories of sea lion encounters and the icy Bering Sea - Mom loved it.

Mom and Dirk aboard the Ocean Hope 3

Perhaps the most exciting activity of the weekend was a full-day kayak adventure provided by Orcas Unlimited, an excellent local guiding company. During the paddle we were "stalked" by two curious harbor seals swimming close enough to hear their breaths, while shy sea otters kept their distance in the open water. Our guide Casey shared her wealth of knowledge about the bird life during the trip - Mom's favorite. In addition to the occasional arctic tern, we floated past islands full of kittiwakes, parakeet auklets, and puffins. By the end of the paddle rain had soaked us throughout - we were wet, Kodiak wet.

Ready to paddle before the rain

On Memorial Day Mom and I took a drive out to Pasagshak to watch whales and a nesting pair of bald eagles. The weekend sped by and before we knew it Tuesday, and the sun, arrived. A zoology major in college, the wildlife that Mom saw was definitely worth the trip. Hopefully, she will return soon.

Thar's Flukes!

Mom and Dad are in town visiting for Whale Fest, 2009.

On Sunday we joined members of the Kodiak Audubon for a hike around Narrow Cape. We saw dozens of whales off-shore and managed to avoid any errant missile strikes. Our guide and naturalist, Stacy Studebaker, said that they were gray whales passing through on their migration to the Chukchi and Bering Seas.

Bruce captured some of the action on video while Mom surveilled the horizon for spouts.

Mom was interested in the buffalo wallows.

Mom venturing across the lagoon.

Dad is afraid of heights and didn't get too close to the edge. He was worried that one of the bunkers might fall into the ocean, taking him along for the ride.

The hiking got a little extreme as we scrambled down one of the buffalo routes over a creek bed.

All's well that ends well...on to the next adventure!