Holidays means time for posting new stuff!

I have again been far too remiss in posting blogs on behalf of the North Cascades Conservation Council--my apologies!  Life has been very busy and hectic these past few months.   Recently we've been hit with the passing of two of our founders, Patrick Goldsworthy and Phil Zalesky.  I spoke at each of their memorials, something for which I am very humbled, thankful and honored.  It is not every day one gets to participate in the memorials of TRUE AMERICAN HEROS. Patrick and Phil each contributed so much to the United States of America--not only through their military service in WWII, but through their domestic service in seeing the creation of North Cascades National Park, Glacier Peak Wilderness Area, Henry M Jackson Wilderness Area, Mount Baker Wilderness Area, Pasayten Wilderness Area, a host of other Wilderness areas in the state of Washington (I just listed my favorites here).  They even played a part in securing protection for the wild beaches of the Olympic Peninsula.

Talk about Homeland Security!
These people, along with their colleagues in the North Cascades Conservation Council, have a direct, positive and lasting impact on the lives of every citizen living below the Cascade Mountains of Washington.  For it is from the Cascades that our quality of life derives:  clean, clear water for all living things, from salmon to cherry and apple orchards.  Wild places that people can go to really connect with the world around them and seek solitude, challenge and peace.

I always assumed the protected places such as National Parks and Wilderness Areas existed because people were smart enough to recognize the importance of these places--to respect the grandeur and spectacular nature of the landscape.  I took for granted our National Parks and Wilderness areas.  Only in growing up, learning, researching and discovery have I come to realize just how special these places are, and how difficult it is to secure protection.

I will be posting trip reports from the summer here to commemorate Pat and Phil, and the NCCC.  These are personal musings and writings, the least I can do to honor those who have worked so hard, and those who continue to work hard to make our lives more livable.

I would normally be posting trip reports from this winter, but it has been really lame, and there has been so little snow, that there hasn't been much to ski out there!

So let's start with shots from the wild Washington coast, with a special thanks to our NCCC founders for working to protect these lands.

Halloween tree on the hike down to the beach.

Relatively low tide.  In four hours, this sandy beach will be under crashing waves.