Woody Island excursion

I got to go on a surprise adventure to Woody Island yesterday. Basically we just hiked around the island - a hard days work! No, it is tiring hiking in the cold rain, but I am so thankful for these little adventures. I don't get them enough, but am satisfied I get any at all! Experiences you just don't get living in a city.

Gettin' the skiff in the water.

Arrival on Woody Is. That's Randy, our skiff driver, and Mark, a regularly visiting archaeologist in the background.

The Tustumena in the background. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry we are stuck with.

Back in the 19th century Woody Island cut and shipped ice to California. This is the man-made lake they used to transport materials down to the beach/dock.

Kathy and Mark looking at the 2008 excavation site. You can barely see it, which is the way it is supposed to be.

Daniel Harmon's grave.

http://alutiiqmuseum.org/exhibits/electronic-exhibits.html?start=9

A little boredom?

Ron's place.

Nice floor.

A little fixer-upper.

Note that it is low tide.

Lunch under the dock.

About a week ago there was a grass fire.

It almost took the Madsen house.

The above Chaffin place is really nice. Close to a super sandy protected beach to boot.

Well, the tide came in a little farther than anticipated and washed the line out. He who does not tie the skiff well enough must fetch the line. Unfortunately, the water here is just a wee bit cold, deadly cold actually, and the current was too swift for this very brave 20-year old.

Mark then gave it a try.

And that's Mark coming to his senses. I can't believe they got in!!! It was about 40 degrees out. The water is also about 40 degrees. If he would have gone for it and missed the boat, we could have potentially been attending a funeral. Seriously, you just die in that cold of water.

You can get cold quick here, at least I do! Hello hypothermia. Thank goodness Jill instructed me to wear my puff jacket, in addition to the four layers I was already wearing! All in all it was a great excursion. Ok, so the 10 minute skiff ride is PLENTY for me, especially when it's choppy like that! Will I ever be relaxed on boats and tiny airplanes? Not sure. I'll keep trying.