It’s not rare to spot the iconic orca whale (Orcinus orca) here in the South Sound; you just have to know where to look. Whether you view them from a boat or from shore, it is always a delight. Orcas belong to the Delphinidae family, making them the largest dolphin. However, orcas are considered a […]
The Outdoors
Local outdoor aficionados share tips and information about outdoor recreation, from fishing to bird watching.
Posted inBlog, The Outdoors
Salmon in November? You Bet
Leaves falling. Crisp days and often stiff nights with much cooler air temps. It’s raining again. Moving air is no longer just a breeze but an outright wind. The sun seems to spend a few hours paralleling the horizon then dips out of sight again. We are fully into fall and transitioning into winter. For […]
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The Wild Turkey: Our Real National Bird
According to Benjamin Franklin, the wild turkey would have been a more fitting symbol for our young country than the bald eagle. Franklin thought the eagle a “good-for-nothing” scavenger. The wild turkey, on the other hand, was intelligent, a formidable opponent and able to survive on its own labors. The rest of Congress didn’t see […]
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Take a Peek in Donkey Creek
Each year, thousands of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) return from feeding in the open ocean to the stream they hatched three to five years earlier. In Gig Harbor, the chum salmon migration takes place in the late fall and early winter, long after most other species have spawned. While there are many wildlife viewing areas […]
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5 Tips for Safe Trail Use
It’s no secret (or surprise) that more and more people are heading to the trails for their regular exercise, whether walking/hiking or running. Last month, we talked about basic tips that will make your trail experience more enjoyable and safe. In part 2, we’ll review some trail-specific technical tips that will make adjusting to the […]
Posted inAround West Sound, Blog, The Outdoors
Fall Birdwatching Field Trips on Washington’s Ferries
Western Washington’s ferryboat fleet provides two ways to enjoy fall birdwatching. Not only can you take a round-trip ride as a passenger to see different birds, you can bird around your favorite ferry terminal. Several unique species hang out near these easily accessible docking areas. Just don’t forget the binoculars. Kingston-Edmonds This ferry crossing intersects […]
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Finding Gold in the Forest: Chanterelle Mushrooms
Walking gingerly, I trained my eye for the golden color that is so easily mistaken for leaves or bare sticks. It was early September, and there was a recent rain, so my mother and I were out on the mossy slopes of a fir forest in search of chanterelle mushrooms. I watched for moss pieces […]
Posted inBlog, The Outdoors
5 Tips for Safe and Fun Exercising on the Trails
It’s no secret (or surprise) that more and more people are heading to the trails for their regular exercise, whether walking/hiking or running. Whether you are new to the trails or have countless trail hours under your belt, there are some basic tips that are worth reviewing. In this two-part series, we’ll talk first about […]
Posted inBlog, The Outdoors
HAPPY Trails to You — The Benefits of Running Outdoors
Perhaps John Muir, the great American environmentalist, said it best: “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” You probably know that exercise in general is good for us and that we are lucky enough to live in the Pacific Northwest, arguably the greatest area for trail endeavors in the United […]