Whitewater Instructor Certification Course in Spokane

A few people needed whitewater kayak instructor certification updates in Spokane and November was the only time they could all get together. We accomplished all of our goals and had some fun - although I have to admit that thirty degrees and snowing was not my idea of ideal weather for the course!

John (Northwest Outdoor Center, Seattle) and Mike (hydrologykayak.com)
modeling the sweep stroke.

Dynamic navigation bar for website

ShopViewit

I have been studying dynamic navigation bars this week and found one called "Garage Door Opener". Just as it says, as one does a mouse-over it lifts to reveal a photo underneath! I was able to use some of my photos and am excited to think they will be easy to change in the future.

We think it showcases the Bucky products nicely, as eyeshades are one of the best selling items.

I found the code here:

css-tricks

Ruffwear creates a fleece jacket for dogs

Ci Ci tested the new Climate Changer fleece from Ruffwear and found it quite warm and comfortable!

Perfect for those cold days. It has a loop for the Ruffwear Beacon and integrated reflective tape.

Rainier in the Fall

The Paradise Inn from the Guides Trail.























Red Huckleberry along the trail.

The mountain framed from below.

Looking down to the Nisqually Bridge.










If you look carefully through the clouds, Rainier is peaking out.

Swiftwater River Rescue Course

I had a fun course with Dan Hudson last weekend updating my Swiftwater and River Rescue skills. We did a lot of throw bag practice, raft flipping (with a person in the raft), Z-drag set-up, live bait swimming and used the tension diagonal.

I plan to update my tubular webbing supply and make sure it is color coded. 4 Black (25'), 3 Red (20'), 2 Blue (15'), 4 Yellow (12'), 3 Green (5').

EMT shears can be useful so I am going to get another pair and put them in my PFD pocket.

Reviewing some numbers - tubular webbing has a strength of 4000 lbs. A figure eight depreciates the strength of a rope by 20%; a bowline 30%. Make sure angles are always less than 90 degrees.

We used a two point system on the live-bait rescuer and on the raft to move them horizontally and vertically.

Knot tying has one of the shortest retention times - maybe I'll just keep a piece of rope handy so I can be a bit faster on a few of them.

Paddling Powerhouse

We decided to gather garbage in the middle of our run on the Snoqualamie and I found a Van Halen T-shirt!

It would be great if King County would take an interest in this river, this area and recycling.

Wildflowers and iPhones

Beautiful day at Paradise near Myrtle Falls with the Mountain Anemone, Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, Shooting Star, Bear Grass, Avalanche Lily and more in full bloom!

Trip to Makah Bay

After my bus tour to Rainier, I managed to drive to Salt Creek, one of my favorite places on the Olympic Peninsula. The ranger was so nice - the campground was nearly full by ten thirty p.m., but he remembered the four places that were open and described each one in detail. I found one by the bluffs and prepared the Vanagon for the night, all the while loving the salt air (have been missing it).

Naturally a young raccoon came by to check us out - but the mouse in the night surprised me. While dreaming I heard the crackle-crackle, munch-munch... but only slowly realized what it was... and tossed the doggie treats out the door, hoping my guest would follow.

I woke early to a pink sunrise, but too tired to get up, I contentedly went back to sleep. To make up for it, Ci Ci and I walked Crescent Beach - a magical place no matter what the weather or swell.

In the morning I ran into an industry friend at the Joyce store - he had a prototype carbon fiber touring kayak with a planing hull on his big (Ford?) truck; an interesting combination.

Eventually I reached Neah Bay (bought salmon)




and went out for a warm-up paddle and surf in my EzG, now wishing I had stayed out longer! The weather was perfect - sunny, glassy waves with a nice period - only to by followed by lesser quality swells and fog (still fun, but).

One of my goals was to try out my new Impex Mystic in the surf. Granted we had from two to four feet over the weekend - but I still had a chance to play around with it!

The next two days with the NWOC were a blast, and too soon I had to head for the ferry.

First iPhone 3G Movie

First day with my iPhone 3G - just had to play with the video while leading a Rainier tour. Here we are at the Nisqually River. Needs a bit of editing; maybe I should dive into Final Cut Express...

I later shot footage of Sunbeam Creek - love the sound of the river:

Lovely day

It's a lovely June day in the forest with the sun peaking through the trees. I am enjoying the tranquility! Heading out to to the Powerhouse run to coach some kayaking this afternoon.

Being here reminds me of Annie Dillard's Book "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek". Every day a watchful person sees young birds (mergansers, stellar jays), squirrels hiding cherries in their secret spot, deer sneaking through the backyard and hummingbirds enjoying the fuchias and feeders.. The river brings fish, kingfishers, herons and even an occasional eagle. Salamanders have been found.

The last few weeks have been full of bus tours - introducing all sorts of people to Seattle, Boeing and Mount Rainier. The mountain is on an upward swing with wildflowers popping out all over. Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, Avalanche Lily, Mountain Anemone, Pendicularis, Spreading Phlox...and the deer are moving higher every day, some with their little spotted fawns.