Sorry for the delayed posts. We have been in locations with no or very limited wireless connections making blogging difficult. There have been many fun filled adventures days since our last post so here is a quick synopsis.

After sea kayaking, we headed to Hurricane Ridge. As we drove up in elevations we were graced with beautiful views. When we reached the visitor center on Hurricane Ridge we were all blown away, as the amazing weather allowed us to view snow capped mountains on each side of the ridge. After taking lots of pictures and enjoying a lovely picnic, we hiked around the ridge studying wildflowers and high alpine trees. We also had a good deal of time to journal and simply be in the moment with extraordinary views.

Leaving the mountains temporarily, we headed to the coast and stayed on the edge of Juan de Fuca. Where we camped we could see Canada.  We got to explore some of the best tide pools in the country. Salt Creek is where we stayed, and Tongue Point is where we explored. We saw sea stars, anemones, nudibranchs, limpets, chitons, and a whole host of marine invertebrates.

After a beautiful morning exploring the rocky shores, we changed gears and headed into the Hoh Rainforest. (to be continued later)

Days 2-4 Sea Kayaking and Travel

We have spent the last few days adjusting to life in a mobile home while traversing the Pacific Northwest.  Dorothy and Callie made made their nest in the loft of the RV.

 We have officially traveled via ferry 5 times and are always blown away by the views...it's pretty windy.  Ferry rides were a first for a few of us in the group who got to mark them off our bucket list.  Ferries and walking were our main form of transportation for the first 2 days until we were finally able to get our RV on Wednesday.

 Once we got the RV, we drove to Washington Park Campground where we stayed Wednesday and Thursday nights.

 On Thursday, Carlisle took over and directed us to the San Juan Islands where she had a sea kayaking tour set up for us.  On the kayaking tour, we were hoping to see Orcas but there were really strong winds that made conditions not safe for kayaking.  The tour group took us to another side of the island where there was only a 5% chance of seeing the Orcas - it was 50% in the normal put-in spot.  So, we were bummed that we did not get to see the Orcas, but we still had an amazing time getting out on the water and learning about the ecosystems in the area.  We had a lot of fun!! Here are some other photos from our kayaking trip!!

 A selfie of Brad and Charlie - it speaks for itself

 Finally out on the water after switching spots and going through safety, training and getting strapped down in all our gear.

 The gang together waiting for the kayaking tour to pick us up from the fairy terminal.

 We saw several Harbor Seals playing in the Puget Sound as well as many gulls.

 VICTORY!  After battling a long day of kayaking against really strong winds, we all celebrated with Carlisle.

 Kayaking!

 Investigating some bull kelp, sea lettuce and other organisms trapped in a kelp mix

On Friday, we spent more time with Carlisle and Brad reviewing our Puget Sound experiences and getting acquainted with our new surroundings.  Tomorrow morning we will go up to Hurricane Ridge and then head over to have fun in the Inter-tidal zones with Emilee.

That's all for now!  We have been having trouble finding internet but will have another post ASAP.

We Made it--- Day 1

We Made it!!!  After a very long day of traveling we finally arrived in Seattle.  Most of us left in the wee hours of the morning (Emilee at 1:30am!!!) which made for an interesting day.  By the time we landed in Seattle we were starving as it was 3pm our time.  We jumped on the light rail and journeyed into the city to the ferry station.  Fortunately, Dottie told us about a great restaurant by the ferry where we enjoyed seafood and clam chowder (thanks, Dottie!).

Bellies full, we jumped on the ferry to Bainbridge Island.  Brad, our fearless professor, had friends that lived on the island and worked at an amazing environmental center that we had come to check out.  Brad's friends, John and Kathy, were nice enough to pick us up from the ferry and generously offered their home as a place for us to stay.  We even got a home cooked meal, the last we will have for a while.  

Day one is over.  We are happy, excited and ready for an adventure!

 

Our leaders, Brad Daniel and Charlie Wilson

 

John, Brad and Kathy.

 

Islandwood, an environmental education center developed by Paul and Debbie Brainard.  Paul Brainard is the creator of desktop publishing.  They designated their wealth to environmental education, targeting students that otherwise couldn't participate in these experiences. 

 

John, Director of Education at Islandwood, gave us a personal tour around the facilities.   Our jaws dropped as we walked around the campus.  It was state of the art in every way possible.  From composting toilets to a floating classroom, it was amazing.  The designers asked children what they would like to see in the center and they incorporated the student's desires. 

 

Our first wildlife spotting, a mother mule deer and her faun.

 

A suspended bridge allowed children to experience the mid-canopy of the forest. They are asked to lie down and stare into the sky or down below to the forest floor.  What an experience!

 

Children asked for a floating classroom.  It was on a system of cables that allowed them to pull themselves to the middle of the pond.  There were grates in the bottom of the "boat" that could be lifted out in order to conduct studies and take water samples.    

 

The center treated their own waste water with the room they called the "Living Machine"

 

Of course, the center had an amazing garden.  Everything in the garden was edible.  John compared it to a natural "Willy Wonka's factory".  Children could run around and eat whatever they desired. Brad and Carlisle stood next to the cob oven utilized in the garden.

 

Beautiful nature quotes. "Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps and songbird will come".

 

Carlisle, Kat, Emilee and Dorothy 

 

Hello, Dorothy

 

The photos do not do justice to the beauty of the forest

 

The Great Hall

 

Dorothy standing next to a Salish statue

Welcome to the MSEE (Masters in Envrionmental Education) 2014 travel blog.  We have created this blog for family and friends to join in our two week long adventure through the Pacific Northwest.  The countdown has started!!  After almost a year of planning, we leave a week from today. 
Follow our journey as we are sure it is going to be a great one!