Morning Does Come

Eventually. Sunrise today, 7:52 AM.

Well south of due east, 7:44 AM, December 8, 2008. (Click for larger image)

It's remarkably hard to get stirring while it's still dark on the other side of the curtains (except when being driven by monastic wake-up bell and han), or to trouble to leave the house after mid-afternoon, given it will be dark in a couple of hours. This is not news to my North-European friends, but my family and most of my friends live in the southern tier of states and haven't a clue.

Yesterday afternoon, sudden sunshine. Went out along the dike to the west side of the Elwha River where it flows into the Strait. On the river, some wigeons and some goldeneyes, and gulls bathing. A small boat being pulled out of the river back where Lower Elwha Road ends. On the Strait, gulls and grebes; M/V HOS Silverstar and Gemstone head in towards Port Angeles Harbor. They are offshore supply vessels, whatever that may mean. I haven't figured out why they run around with a handful of containers on their decks, or seem to much prefer traveling so close together.

Out on the Strait, December 7. (Click for larger image)

Later: Last week I was at that spot at the end of Lower Elwha Road, looking out towards the Strait. Where I stood yesterday was on the low cobble beach on the left of this photo:

Elwha River meets the Strait, December 2, as seen from the river. Vancouver Island in the background. (Click for larger image)