Shelton is the largest town west of Tacoma. It is a lumber town supporting logging, saw milling and shipping for that industry. It is also the shopping haven for a lot of people. It is a place where you can find large box stores, but also little book stores. Sally is very pleased with this, for she had many books to trade, so she set out on this adventure while Tom watched the clothes wash. We filled our simple needs while in the town. It is about 40 miles from the campground, but had easy access to the services we needed.
We have kept a low profile for the most part of this period. We did venture into Tacoma for other supplies not found in Shelton. We had a nice lunch with Tom’s cousin Darlene. They where preparing a long holiday weekend at Cape Disappointment, a beautiful place we had passed on our way to Penrose Point. We hope they had a good weekend.
We certainly had a good weekend. The weather cooperated (as well as the Pacific Northwest can) with only small patches of rain, but a lot of sunshine. The campground was full; all sites had been sold through reservations. Large extended family units gathered in small spaces. We each enjoyed working with the Junior Ranger program for kids. The whole weekend reminded Tom of the days his family would gather at South Salty on the Tennessee River over the 4th of July week (when the willow flies were hatching) and go fishing for days. It was a nice experience to remember and it was good seeing families gather here, most on an annual trip. Tom’s family spent time fishing, and some of this crew did also. But the big event here is clamming.
Junior Rangers (and their parents!) on a scavenger hunt
The sport requires a license. The daily limit for an individual is 40 clams or 10 pounds (in shell). We pointed out in earlier blogs that we had acquired licenses. We went the Thursday before Memorial Day and each got our limit. Tom goes for Horse Clams, they hide in deeper water when the tide is in, while Sally goes for the smaller Little Necks found closer to the shore. They have a saying around here, “if the tide is out, the table is set.” We believe this to be true, for most people got their limit each day. Clams and Oysters are in season here through the end of May. Then crabbing season starts in June. Everyone here seems to like fresh seafood.
Tom Digging Clams
Tom has been practicing his guitar and Sally has been hammering on her dulcimer. Neither has spent enough time playing, but it helps, along with reading and traveling, fill our days and make our time here seem too short. (Sally’s dad, Whit, told us during our working lives how he did not know how we did all the things that needed to be done. He was retired and still did not have time. We know this to be true ourselves now!) Tom played at an open mike night at a local pub. The host said he ran a blog and to look for Tom’s picture. We'll post their blog address if it is there.
Sally on the Dulcimer outside the RV
Tom practicing for Open Mic Night
Sally has participated in three Bird Walks at the park during the month. She can now recognize several bird songs and has sighted several new birds, including this beautiful Wilson's Warbler. On our last day, a camper reported that there was a bird nest in a cedar tree right in their campsite. We joined the ranger and park aide to take a couple of pictures and identify the bird as a brown creeper. We could even see the little nestlings' open mouths as both mom and dad took turns feeding them. The ranger said they were almost grown and might even leave the nest this week.
Singing Wilson's Warbler
Brown Creeper Nest with Babies - see their mouths!
We are sad to have to start preparing to move to our next host position. We have had a wonderful time at Penrose Point. We have enjoyed meeting Rangers Janet and Dan, Park Aides Valerie, Aaron and Demoree and Intern Shannon. We met several folks from Harbor Wild Watch, a Pileated Woodpecker and many many campers, most all who say our next stop, Deception Pass State Park, is the loveliest park in the system. This gives us great anticipation as we prepare to move. The only thing we will not miss is the little brown bird that sees his reflection in our truck window. He keeps trying to drive the other bird away, but he is leaving his “mark” all over our mirrors and windows.
One very determined Song Sparrow
One chapter closes and another opens. Life is like that. Keep the faith.
Penrose Staff
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