Leaving Kodiak

Bye Bye Wilcos, See You Soon

Meghan and I are receiving many well wishes on the move to the mainland. The night before I left on the ferry the Wilcos threw an impromptu going away party featuring fresh salmon that Boppa Wilco caught, ironically enough, while he was in Anchorage last weekend picking up the family's new surf wagon. Momma Wilco, Paxson and Stokely baked a ferry cake.

Looks just like a ferry doesn't it? ("Boos" is Paxsonspeak for "Bruce")

Have Wiener, Will Travel

The next day I filled up the car with our remaining belongings and our friend Alicia helped distract Meghan from the stresses of moving by taking a long walk with her and the dogs. We then headed to town for sushi before I drove onto the ferry. As the Tustumena steamed out of the harbor I tried to call the memories of our first glimpses of Kodiak to mind and began to appreciate all that I have learned and experienced while on the Island. One things for sure, we are going to miss our Island friends.

Waiting to board the M/V Tustumena

Wilcos to AUS

Australia's East Coast is known as the Gold Coast

The Wilcos, who have become fast friends since their recent relocation from "out on the chain" are leaving for a two-week trip Down Under. It sounds like they will fly to Sydney and drive north up the Gold Coast, looking for waves and avoiding killer koala. I, for one, am green with envy about their trip. In 2002, one year BM (before Meghan), I paid a visit to my friend Brett who was spending a semester abroad at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. We spent a few days driving north from Sydney as well. The most memorable stop on the trip was a two night stay at the Samurai Beach Bungalows. Samurai Beach, near Newcastle is home to the only legal nudist beach in Australia. Although we kept our clothes on (barely), Brett and I found lots of fun things to do while at the bungolows including a bike ride to the beach and day of sandboarding. Well actually, the sandboarding was more like an ordeal. We happened to choose one of the hottest, driest days of the Southern Hemisphere summer to attempt sandboarding. Before setting out we parked the car, cranked the AC and helped each other to apply what we thought was regular sunscreen. It was actually zinc and it did not spread well, needless to say we got a nice uneven burn after the excursion.

I guess you're supposed to sit on a sandboard.

We climbed the nearby dunes, very hot on the soles of our bare feet, and threw down our boards - ready to shred silica. Unlike Colorado powder, the sand was hot and firm - falls were not comfortable. After two hours of climbing, sliding and falling Brett and I bagged it. And all we had to show for our efforts was a lousy sunburn. Because the trip was a few years before the proliferation of digital cameras, I only have Kodak pictures of the Aussie adventures. Thus, the pictures here were found on interwebnet. Hopefully the Wilcos have a more comfortable time at Samurai Beach.

Samurai Beach

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.