12 July
A return to the Hamilton Marsh after too long an absence--out of town travel, a sprained ankle, assorted other tedious obligations. The Forest and Marsh now show themselves as midway through the summer months. Despite a dry spring and an alarmingly low snowfall, today it feels almost chilly. The foamflowers and fallen timber glow in the forest light. A pathfinder plant is starting to seed, with its odd flowers. Throughout the Forest, ocean spray is in full bloom. Summer fungi are emerging. This is one of a generation of turkey tails that have been occupying this downed log for some months. The bracken fern above shows the effect of the dry spring. At least four cedars have been recent victims of what we regard as the work of "pretendians." Coast Salish and other northwest people have stripped bark for cedar trees to use in weaving and other traditional practices since time immemorial. Done competently, it doesn't damage the tree. This is ...