seattle

Yesterday. The city many people believe is on the ocean. A view from the mountains to the west, just before the metropolis is engulfed in a spring rainstorm.

knotweed

I swapped onto a WCC crew working with Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group. We took some rafts down the Sauk River looking for Knotweed, an invasive plant that sends down strong rhizomatous roots similar to bamboo. It spreads throughout the floodplain and gives the river a rough time. We spent the week checking on known patches, looking for new patches, taking GPS coordinates, and making notes so the patches can be found and treated with herbicide later in the summer.

River guide Shane and support crew Katie and Michael prepping for launch.

Neoprene boots and dry bags, stay wet or stay dry.

Leaving the boat for a long survey. Micky, Josh, Rob, Shane.

Josh crossing some swift water.

Shane picking us up after a six hour hike through the understory.

Ten hours in the boots, tender feet.

Meal time at camp.

Our fearless river guides, Shane and Andrea.

Camping on a gravel bar.

My house for the night.

Mount Bedal getting its last rays of sun for the day.

A cup of coffee before booting up. Rob and Caleb discussing logistics.

Rob finds a new patch of Knotweed.

Survey data.

The pest: Knotweed.

after work

Long days with winter swell straggling into the strait. Single fin at Crescent Beach.