The trip to DC last week was a great success, as a chance to speak with lawmakers and their staffs as well as in general tourist terms. As part of a Surfrider group of more than 80, our Washington delegation met with both Senators and several Congressmen over the course of the day and got to address concerns like offshore drilling, marine plastics and coastline resiliency. This exercise in active democracy was a good one for all concerned, and Micah especially took to it like a duck to water.

It’s important to do these things, to make the trip specifically to talk about what is important with those who have the authority to make real change. Thanks to Senators Murray and Cantwell, for your time and for consistently responding to ocean issues with thoughtfulness and candor. Thanks also goes to Rep. Derek Kilmer, another home-grown ocean champion. And a special thanks to Rep. Dave Reichert, who’s retiring at the end of this term and who worked through a long meeting with us on every issue we brought forward, and still had the time to be a completely gracious and good-humored host to our group… the youngest member, in particular.

Now it’s back to the other Washington, back to boat-building and expedition planning, not to mention shopping for microscopes and super sacks. As always, more to follow.