A dozen Canadian Geese made a fly-by at the neighborhood pond this week - Last summer a pair tried to raise a brood here. The wintering ducks were not thrilled with the intrusion; they clustered over to the west and quacked and muttered. The visiting heron has just watched.

The geese gathered to the south and conferred with each other. You could practically hear them saying, "are you sure this is the place?" Shortly after that they all lifted off and headed out in flight for another scouting trip. There are many many little ponds in the neighborhood, and there's room for them all, I'm sure.

Sunday I saw a pair at another pond just around the corner.

Due to the rains and warmer weather in the foothills of the mountains to the south, there has been a floodwatch for this weekend. The rivers' waters are muddy brown again as they drag down the dirt from the banks up in the foothills.

Two years ago at this time we took a trip to our neighbor north- and went from Victoria on the 2 car commuter VIA train-ride to Courtenay. This little train passes through some beautiful countryside on Vancouver Island, and we overnighted in Parksville, before reboarding the train to Courtenay and returning for the next night in Nanaimo. All of us enjoyed this little short train ride. It was supposed to have been put out of service, but there is no other railroad running up-Island. Perhaps Canada wqill find a way to keep funding it.

On The Sequim Calendar for next week:

• Wednesday 2/25: The Annual Meeting of the Peninsula Friends of Animals. New Board members will be voted on; dues must be paid up to be able to vote, though. Okay, members, see you there?


• Travel slide-shows are underway weekly, for this 11th season of the Traveler's Journal in the Sequim Middle School cafeteria. Admission $3; proceeds go to feed volunteers working on the Peninsula Trails coalition projects. Nepal is on the agenda this week.


• At the Audubon River Center
  1. Next week:-- Wednesday. AM Bird Walk: 8:30-10 am (meet in front of River Center)...then come back and talk about 'Early Spring Birds of the Olympic Peninsula', 10:45 - 12:15.
  2. 3/5 Tuesday -- Beginning Bird Class: 7-9 PM. Get ready for the bird walk the next day.


• Rehersals on Mondays 7-9-p.m. at the High School Band Room; the Sequim City Band is auditioning for new members. Their concert in the park series begins in April and runs all summer. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
• The Museum and ArtsCenter will hold their 29th Annual Elegant Flea 9 - 4 p.m.in the Guy Cole Convention Center in Carrie Blake Park, Sequim. Free admission. Friday and Saturday. collectibles and antiques... 683-5660 or 681-2257.

and another view of the Sequim area - this is looking southwest over Happy Valley..."

deebrrs@sequimjournal.com

© Helen Hille and deebrrs, 2004
Last updated February 26, 2004