Pacific willow dock (Rumex transitoris) is growing on the concrete stairs leading to the grassy field on the west side of the Keeper’s house. Unlike the curly dock pulled from the field on the opposite side of the path, this is a native plant that grows from California to Alaska. Happy to find another native plant species on the Race Rocks!

Pacific willow dock

Wildlife notes

The killing has begun.  I walked down the path to the Tank Shed, spent a under a minute there and walked back up to find an egg shell on the path. There were no eagles present during that time so it must have been another gull. The male (thicker beaked of the two) associated with the nest came right at me as if I did it. Shame, the nest had only one egg to begin with. It will be interesting to see if she will lay more and how long this will take.

Seagull egg

Facility work

It is chilly here in the house and the fire wood is running low. In preparation I took the chainsaw out for a cleaning and sharpening as I noticed it was dull when I cut the boards for the compost bin. I suppose it will get dull quickly in this environment cutting drift wood with tiny hidden embedded rocks and grit. It has been a while but the task and the smell of the chain oil brought back some fond memories of special times in Prince Rupert and Rosswood.

• cleaned solar panels
• weed whacked a bit (one batteries worth of charge)
• cleaned, inspected and sharpened the saw

Vessels

• Ecotourism: 2
• Private: 2

Weather

Fog present in the am. Winds predominately WSW, gentle to moderate breeze. Daytime temperatures: low 10, high 12.