Wilderness Blues- Ramblings from the Great Land

  The longer I live, the more of my friends I lose. I suppose in part because some of my closest friends have been older than me. Last week, as I was sitting in my easy chair, Jan came upstairs and let me know that Uncle Bill had passed away. I knew that he was dealing with cancer, but I thought it was more or less under control. When I spoke to his oldest son, Doug, he mentioned that Bill had been hospitalized for pneumonia. I guess in his weakened state, his body just couldn't fight off the inevitable anymore. I wish he could have hung on for a little longer. Jan and I were planning a trip down south in October, and we had planned on dropping in and seeing Bill and his wife Sally. His passing is a bittersweet reminder that we only have today to make a phone call, or send a card or letter or drop in on a neighbor or friend. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed to any of us. I first met Bill when I was in the navy, almost fifty years ago.  I think it must have been the beginning of 1974 ...

It's May 12, and so far spring has been all that anyone could ask for. What a contrast to the past several years. It runs in my mind that there were only about 18 days of sun last spring and summer. This year has far exceeded that already. I love this view. There is a dirt road above the town that stretches for several miles. There are only a few breaks in the trees like this one.As you can see, the view is fantastic. On the left is the entrance to the small boat harbor. The breakwater extends all the way to Graveyard Island. I'm not sure how many people are buried there, but it I believe the city is looking for a new site. The mountain off in the distance is Seagull Mountain. Like all the area around here, it has been extensively logged, which is evident by the large bare patches on the sides of the mountain. The area on the other side of the breakwater is shallow and supports a healthy stock of Dungeness crabs. Quite a few of the locals keep crab pots in the area. It'...