Back from British Columbia

We’re back from our ten-day cruise aboard Irving’s trawler, Irandar, in British Columbia. We’re full of great memories of sea and scenery and sea creatures—Dall porpoises surfing our bow, sea lions roaring on the rocks, sea otters diving for shell fish, birds in abundance. Here are a few pictures to share with you.

Once we arrived in Seattle (Brooksville to Boston to Phoenix to Seattle) we flew in this tiny seaplane all the way up the east coast of Vancouver Island to Port McNeill.

A scene from the seaplane’s window. Later we boated over this same stretch of water.

Irandar in Frances Bay, which is Irving, the captain’s, favorite harbor in Desolation Sound.

Tom and Leslie on Newcastle Island across from Nanaimo.

Leslie at the helm of Irandar.

Tom and Irving pouring libations to a successful trip once we arrived in La Conner, Washington, Irandar’s home port. Notice my woodcut goose hanging next to Tom.

I have lots to share with you in the next few days about my "Dog Days 2009" calendar and my "Faces from the Farm" exhibit at the Blue Hill Co-op Cafe.

British Columbia & New Commissions

We set off tomorrow for our annual two-week cruise in British Columbia with our friend Irving on his wonderful trawler Irandar. This year we set off from the top of Vancouver Island and cruise down through the Broughtons, Desolation Sound, and the San Juans to Seattle. I can't wait! The company is great, the boat commodious, the food fabulous, the scenery spectacular, and the wildlife plentiful -- Orca and Humpbacked Whales, dolphins, bears, sea otters, Great Blue Herons by the hundreds! What more could we want?



I have lots of commissions awaiting me when I get home, not the least of which is a woodcut of Pete, a two-year-old Newfoundland, who, at 115 lbs. is still not full grown! He'll put on another 15 lbs. before he's through. He's a real sweetheart and who wouldn't fall in love with that face! I hope I do his good looks justice!

Two HOT Dogs on a Stick

Maddie & Poppy

8" X 10" pen and ink

2008

I saw a lot of tandem sporting events at the Beijing Olympics -- synchronized swimming and diving, beach volleyball, tennis doubles, and my favorite tandem event of all -- the equestrian events. But no tandem stick fetching! Too bad! I know that Maddie and Poppy would have annialated the competition with their brilliant teamwork, spot-on timing, flawless form, and steely grips. They'd have brought home the GOLD for Hilary! What a couple of hotties!

Thanks Anne for the fabulous photo!

Another Lovely Aussie

Sadie

8" X 10" pen & ink

2008

Sadie, a tri-colored Australian Sheep Dog, lived 14 years with Sarah and George in Portland, Oregon. She was their only dog and their constant companion. The three of them hiked trails all over the Northwest, from the forests of Mount Hood to the beaches of Oregon and Washington. Sadie’s last trip to the coast was captured in this shot of her on Manzanita Beach in Oregon. There was a sizable celebration for Sadie’s 14th birthday that included champagne for her human family and friends, and doggie treat bags for her four legged pals. Sadie had a large following of devoted fans who felt she possessed a special personality that endeared them to her in a steadfast way. George and Sarah's grief has been deep. They hiked to Sadie’s favorite spots to scatter her ashes.

Thanks Alyson for this moving tribute to Sadie. Some of these stories just break my heart!