I’m going out this week to pick up the first White River samples of the year. Middle School students from Lakeridge MS in Sumner have had one field day already, and are planning a couple more into the spring. Together with the data that I am hoping to collect this May on a trip down the White, this consistent collection by the students will provide a valuable snapshot of where the river is, in terms of plastics. I’ll be going back to the school next month for another in-class training… looking forward to it.

This morning I had the chance to go for a sunrise paddle. I’ve been under the weather lately and it’s been a few weeks since I’ve gotten out there. Too long. But this morning made up for it… a deep black sky cracking into brilliant color as the sun came up behind the hills, a strong current pushing me through the Narrows. Being hit again, first thing in the morning, by the overwhelming beauty of Puget Sound.