Moon and Eagle and a Perfect Day

I just never get tired of the eagles; their calling and "chirping", their beauty and grace and their almost constant presence.

I love watching their antics, fishing, ongoing "war" with the crows and competition with the Osprey.

Yesterday was a near perfect, no, perfect day. Warm and sunny with blue skies, not too hot to get some good work done and a beautiful evening for a beach fire with friends (thanks Stephanie and Doug!)

There was a wisp of a moon showing above one the favorite eagle trees in the late afternoon and I got a wonderful series of pictures.

Share YOUR Kitsap Adventure!

I know many reading this blog are Kitsap residents or visitors and many are writers and/or photographers. Here is a great chance to share your love and knowledge of the area with others. Help the Visitors Bureau out and submit your favorite Kitsap Adventure.

What is your favorite thing to do on the Kitsap Peninsula? Do you have a family outing, romantic getaway, bike route, special place you are willing to share?

Write about YOUR "Kitsap Adventure", include pictures, and send them to newsletter@visitkitsap.com. They would like to share your ideas/stories in one of their newsletters. Entries used will be entered in a drawing for a Kitsap Getaway.

Eagles of Big Beef

I took a drive to Seabeck to see the new kayak float where Olympic Outdoor Center has started kayak rentals this year.

As I passed Big Beef at low tide I had to stop and take a few pictures of the Bald Eagles.

There were probably 12 eagles in the area, out on the tidelands finding some yummy snacks.


There were a few "skirmishes" but it was mostly peaceful.



Beautiful!

The Boyle Boys

The Boyle Boys on our deck, 4 generations, Fathers's Day 2009: L to R: Roger, Joey, Jim, Jax and Kyle.
Kyle, Jax and Erin. An amazing happy baby with proud parents.

Touring with Yuko Kashima and Martha Nesic

Friday we broke our 30 day streak of no rain and I started a two day tour of the Kitsap Peninsula with Tour Book writer/editor/photographer/researcher Yuko Kashima. Hope I didn't miss any of those titles - this is one hard working lady!

Martha Nesic, International Tourism Development Project Manager at the Port of Seattle escorted Yuko and I attempted to introduce the two of them to the entire peninsula in just a little more than one day.


Yuko and Martha were troopers and we didn't let the rain get in our way as we toured several communities, hotels, B&Bs, attractions, shops, restaurants and took a ride in the electric boats in Poulsbo in a downpour (actually not a bad time to go!).

Today all I really want to relate is nothing like showing others what we have to renew my own appreciation of the area.

Happy Father's Day to everyone - I need to get ready for the arrival of Roger, Joey, Kyle, Jax and Erin for our multigenerational Father's Day celebration.

Photography Workshop at Stillwaters Environmental Learning Center

I just signed up for the Photography Workshop at Stillwaters Environmental Learning Center in Kingston. Here is the information if anyone wants to join me. It looks terrific:

Location: Stillwaters Environmental Center 26059 Barber Cut Off Road,
Kingston WA

Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PMFacilitated by: William Thompson, Greg MacDonald, Kurt Smith, Harley SoltasCost: Suggested
donation $35-$70 or $50-$100 for both workshops (children under 16 must be
accompanied by an adult).

This one-day workshop beginning at Stillwaters or Gordon Elementary with an
introduction to nature photography by William and a naturalist. Subsequently,
the participants will walk and photograph together on local trails or beaches,
visually exploring their environment. This will include time to sit together,
over a brown bag lunch, with the naturalist and photographer to discuss their
problems and experiences in detail.

These experiential workshops will create a dialog of ideas and sharing that covers the “how to” process while expanding the participants’ perception of what their individual potential may be. Details to follow. Registration closes on August 10th so don't wait!

There is also a critique session and a photo contest. For all the
information go to http://shootwildkitsap.com/

NEW - Kayak Rentals in Seabeck

I thought this was exciting - kayak rental starting July 2 in Seabeck!

KAYAK RENTALS, TOURS & LESSONS At the Seabeck Marina next to Uptown Seabeck Antique Store

RENTALS DAILY 10-6
Last rental @ 4:30
Starting July 2 (June Schedule: Th-M 10-6)

Saturday Evening Tours 7:00-9:00
Treat yourself, friends & family to a guided evening tour of Seabeck Bay—
Paddle into the sunset with Seals, Eagles and osprey!
Included: lesson, guide, double kayak & all equipment. Adults: $29, under 15: $20
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Kayak Intro & Guided Tour
1st Saturdays 9-12:00 (July 4, August 1, Sepember 5)
If you’d like to get into kayaking but want to learn the basics first,
join our experienced guide for this fun lesson & tour.
Included: lesson, guide, double kayak & all safety equipment. $49/ea. Age 15+ welcome.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

18971 Front Street in Downtown Poulsbo
(360) 697-6095
www.olympicoutdoorcenter.com
Visit us at our Poulsbo store: 18971 Front Street

Classes, tours & large group rentals
available any time w/3 days advance notice

Eagle and Crow

I never get tired of listening to the eagles, watching the eagles and photographing the eagles from the vantage point of Sunrise Acre or any other place I see them.

This eagle was is sitting in one of the regular spots above our deck and the crows were dive bombing him. This scenario can go on for hours with the crows taking breaks and sitting within a few feet of the eagle and then the noise and dive bombing begins again or the eagle decides to move along and the crows follow.

Bremerton Condos

Delivering brochures to the Bremerton museums, including the USS Turner Joy, I got a few pictures of the Bremerton condos with the colorful flower baskets.

Great views in every direction today!

Colorful Poulsbo

What a beautiful morning! I took the winding backroads to work and passed through downtown Poulsbo to get a cup of coffee and take a few photos.

Morning sun on the colorful buildings adds to the charm of historic downtown Poulsbo.

Pirates of Maritime Gig Festival

With cannons booming the pirate ship of the Gig Harbor Maritime Gig Festival made its way through the harbor under sail giving everyone a great show.

Abby, on the other hand, didn't like the booms at all; left the party and headed down the road. Someone from the party called her back and she took refuge in their car where I found her. She returned to the party for a while and then back to our car where she slept the rest of the evening.

Eagle, Heron, Crow

Last night we went to a dock party in Gig Harbor. As we arrived on the waterfront; between the Tides and the Green Turtle we heard a huge commotion and suddenly a dozen Blue Herons were circling above.

We looked up at a large heron rookery and it was obvious they were upset and I assumed an eagle was in the area.

A while later I caught this eagle taking off with a young Blue Heron in hand and a crow following and harrassing the eagle.

Mother Nature can be hard to take when you see the baby feet dangling in the air but the baby heron will feed the baby eaglets waiting in their nest for the parent to return.

River Otter Meal

This little river otter lost some of his "cuteness" as it ate it's catch tail first - live of course.

Kitsap's Newest Farmers Market: Suquamish

Welcome to the Kitsap Peninsula's newest Farmers Market debuting today in the grassy area across from the Suquamish Tribal Center at the corner of Suquamish Way and Division.

Music, crafts and food booths were on hand for the first day of this promising market which will run through October 13th each Wednesday 3pm - 7pm.

Crimson Cove a family owned and operated smokehouse with cheese and salmon samples.

Jack and Susan Harrington from Labyrinth Hill in Hansville checking out local vegetable plants.

This looks like a good gathering place and just a block from the restaurants in "downtown" Suquamish. Make an evening of the Farmers Market, dinner and a walk on the new Suquamish pier.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Memorial Plaza

I had a chance today to walk through the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Memorial Plaza. There was still some work going on on the lighting but basically the park is complete and is a wonderful urban oasis and buffer between Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and downtown Bremerton.

Much like Harborside Fountain Park, there are huge boulders, mature looking landscaping, fountains and stone sculptures by Will Robinson. This time many Will's large stone sculptures are also the fountains.

Water shoots, and spouts, and tumbles creating many splashing, relaxing sounds.

There are options to sit on stones or benches inviting visitors to linger and enjoy this beautiful park.

One more major improvement in downtown Bremerton and one that will serve residents and tourists alike.

I have a travel writer coming from Japan in a couple weeks and I'm adding this new park to our itinerary.