We have arrived. Our mobile home is parked in a tiny RV Park on the waterfront along the Lynn Canal Fjord. Paved but rough Front Street behind us runs along the shore. A gravel road leads up through town. Snow covered peaks penetrate the sky through bare trees above house roofs. The small boat hrbor with its fishing and recreational craft is next door. We will watch there for fishermen returning with their catch.

In front of us is the arm of the sea. Across it is "Santa Claus" Mountain and the rest of the Boundary Range. Its slopes extend vertically above the water a few thousand feet and then slope back several thousand more feet up to the peak. Dark trees cover much of the lower slopes. Little snow clings to the sheer walls, but whiteness reaches the water line in a few notches. Above the vertical walls the powder becomes dozens of feet deep and forms pure white barrens. In places these appear soft and cottony. In others avalanches have given it a wrinkled appearance.

Another rainy day on the Washington coast, but aren’t they all? We enjoyed a mid-day window when the sun almost shone to visit a state park near Blaine. A walk through deep forest rewarded us with views of giant cedars and spruces and a multitude of mosses and ferns that thrive in this moist climate. Winter wrens rattled the woods with their chatter, but there is still no sign of the warblers and flycatchers that we had hoped to see arrive. They have one more day to get here.

Friday is departure day and we will focus on the loading of our vehicles. Anticipating higher gas prices in Alaska we will top off both the motor home and auto tanks. We also will refill the propane tank. Heat will likely be necessary in the 50th state. A check of the Weather Channel finds that the forecast for Haines is similar to that for Bellingham. Cool and wet. Inland at Tok, the forecast is sunny but with freezing nights. The sunshine could be welcome after a week at Haines.

We are in the Tacoma area this morning visiting old friends and enjoying the tulips and dogwoods under the always somewhat cloudy skies. We have been here two days and have yet to see Mt. Rainier. The western sky has remained a jumble of ominous gray clouds that completely hide the white colossus. It may yet appear in the remaining 24 hours of our stay.

During our visit here we are staying in a guesthouse. Minnie sits quiet and cold in the driveway. We both enjoy the spaciousness of the house and miss the familiarity of our cozy road abode. This morning we stepped back into the RV to retrieve various items, including the Mac on which I prepare this statement. Tomorrow we will have to make several trips to return our paraphernalia before departing.

Autism Speaks created a music video of the Five for Fighting song, "World", which features images of autistic children and their families. It is a truly moving video and was the work of Bill Shea. The band is generously donating $0.49 to Autism Speaks for each time the video is viewed - the funding goes toward research studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please visit the link above to watch the video and pass it along to your friends and family. They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this goal.

Western Oregon is cool and damp and glowing with spring green. We are here primarily to visit family and are enjoying our stay, and finding the change of weather refreshing. We traveled from a Death Valley that was heating up to a Mammoth Lakes where spring was scarcely to be found. From there we crossed the Sierras to the Central Valley where spring had sprung and the farmers were busy planting rice and harvesting strawberries. Rain arrived as we left and it followed us across the Trinity Range and past magnificent Mt. Shasta to Oregon’s verdant land of pastures and great forests. Here the cherries are in bloom and the grass is growing faster than the cattle can eat it.

[img_assist|fid=1045|thumb=1|alt=Anne, Chuck, and Marta on top of Mammoth Mountain|caption=You can be a little short of breath at >11,000 feet!|width=100|height=75]

As many of us are getting older and considering retirement, I thought I would pass on this article from the NYT on a new breed of retirement community. From the title I thought it would be about communities of birders; but I was mistaken. there are so many possible communities presented here that I could envision Patty and I joining, it would be hard to narrow it down to just one. Read the article and start planning!!!!

Birds of a Feather"

We have been somewhat incommunicado, but are now blessed with both cell phone and internet access for at least a few days. We have traveled far since our last message.

We arrived in Las Vegas and found it big and gaudy but also welcoming. Our reunions with Chuck’s nephew and his cousin were wonderful. One treasures family and seeing those with whom you share a common thread.

We camped at Sam’s Town RV Park, cruised the big city, and visited surrounding “birdy areas” including Red Rock Canyon, Mohave National Preserve and Desert National Wildlife Range. On our last evening we walked part of the famous Las Vegas strip. Caesars’ Palace is grand, the Bellagio has fountains, and thousands of tourists stream beneath the bright lights.

Just so you don't worry, the donations show up at least four days after they are given (on my runner's website). The first ones are up now.

Thanks!

Dear Family,

Some of you already know that for the past few months, I have been training for the Boston Marathon. Surprised? I was too when I realized I wanted to sign up. I’ve never been a serious athlete but found myself looking for a challenge last fall. I wanted to push myself physically and mentally. And what better way to do that then to join the President’s Marathon Challenge team at Tufts?

My journey to the 26.2 mile course has not been an easy one. Throughout my training I’ve struggled with cold weather, a bad knee and general frustrations. But I know that the hard work will be worth it, because while I’m running towards the finish line on April 16, 2007 (only 2 weeks away!), I’ll be thinking of all the rewards to come from this experience. Not only will I be proud of myself, but I’ll be thankful for the support my friends and family have given me. Even if you can’t come to Boston to watch the race, you can show your support by sponsoring me.