Wildlife notes

The largest female elephant seal has begun her molt. She had weeping eyes yesterday and today there are obvious signs of shedding around her eyes and lower lip. It will be a slow process during which time she will loose a lot of weight and look pretty revolving… but not so bad a plucked bird.

The Canary by Frederic Ogden Nash

Facility work

• cleaned solar panels
• clearing walkways

I struggled with the electric weed whacker today. The spool ran out and I spent too long trying to get the new chord wound on. Last summer, I watched them struggle with it and dreaded when I’d have to do it alone. It is round so I couldn’t put it in the vice and get some leverage. It should be that hard! I even cleaned it first. Note: gel hand sanitizer will take off anything, even tree pitch on your car.  It is ready now to start on a new walkway – the branch to the Student Building.

Today’s struggle

Walkway to the Energy building on the left – cracks cleared and sides trimmed. To the right – my next major job.  I’ll also need to pull out our edging tool “the root slayer” for this one.

DND Activity

Several blast today rattled the birds, myself and the back screen door.

Vessels

• Ecotourism: 4
• Private: 4

Weather

Clear skies. Moderate westerly breeze, much quieter than last night’s 40 knot gusts. Daytime temperatures: low 10, high 12.