Finally, we made it to Hawaii

After a delay of 10 days, and several ice storms, including the day before we left Portland, we flew to Kona.  Leaving the ice and snow for the tropics was great. 

Today, we headed to South Point, on the big island, the southern-most point in the U.S.  The cliffs of South Point stick out into deep water.  As a result, fishermen can deep-sea fish from the shore.  It is an impressive location.

Looking south, next stop: Antarctica

Looking north

The fishermen are very dedicated, and have site-specific techniques to fish for big tuna and swordfish.  We haven't observed any fish landed here, but enjoy trying to imagine how they would manage to pull a big fish up the steep cliffs.

Of course, steep ocean cliffs speak to some people as a place to jump or dive from.  Despite signage warning people not to dive, we saw at least 4 guys leap off the cliffs, and climb the ladder back up.

 

Cliff jumper from Switzerland

When the tide is high

I often take long walks on the beach, especially near the water's edge at low tide.  But sometimes, the tide is high at the time I feel like walking.  So, I walk along the dunes, or in the drift line of driftwood. 

This week, as I walked close to the high tide, I encountered great birds hanging around the driftwood:  Snowy plovers!  Two days ago there were 11, today I found 6.

Three snowy plovers, 2 with leg bands

Apparently in response to the snowy conditions inland, a small flock of 8 or 10 western bluebirds showed up on the beach on Thursday.

Female western bluebird

Male western bluebird

 

2016: The year in review

Here is a summary of 2016, via selfies.

Scuba diving in Bonaire, in March

Cycling the Canal du Midi (France) in May

Walking around the neighborhood in Arles (France) in May

Visiting Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey in October

Hanging out with family in Lynnwood, Washington, in November

Walking on our Oregon beach in December

Best wishes to all of you in 2017!

After more rain

The fall rains bring us lots of interesting fungi.  One of my favorite species is the king bolete.  This week has been bountiful.  One day, I came home with 10 pounds of them.  Two days later, I came home with a pair.  Today, I came home with a lovely one after a bicycle ride.

I've been lucky enough to find these lovely mushrooms when the sun is shining.  All good!

Lots of salamanders were out crawling around in the woods with me and the mushrooms.

This one weighed between 2 and 3 pounds.  It was huge.

A salamander from our yard.

After the rain

One highlight of living in a rainy place is finding the fungi that pop up after the rain.  I've been out looking, and today came home with a few chanterelles and one lovely king bolete.

Today's haul

Chanterelles from September

Fishing report

After about a month away from fishing, Bori got back into it this morning, and the fish cooperated.  He came home with 2 Chinook salmon, weighing about 50 pounds together.  So, we will have lots of salmon in the freezer.  Definitely, a nice welcome back to fishing.  We had very nice weather as well.  A very good day!

The big fish

Both fish

Harvest

In honor of the harvest moon, I thought I would post photos a few of the things we have been harvesting in the last month or so.

Wild Chanterelles

Wild Chinook

Farmed tomatoes, that we dried

Farmed apples that we dried

Cherry and pear tomatoes that we grew

The best way to ripen tomatoes on the Oregon coast--bring them inside, and wrap them in newspaper.  These tomatoes have been inside one week.

Be well and enjoy the season.