sunning ourselves

Erin Lehnert picked up our turtle sheets just now (we've been taking turtle accounts from visitors since early June; visitors just love reporting things) and we all remarked on the fact that turtle sightings have dropped off dramatically in the past couple of weeks. Erin, as she is wont to do, had a satisfying explanation: with the warm temperatures in the inland lakes, the painted turtles have less need or desire to head out into view and sun themselves.

This is NOT true of human residents on the island, painted or otherwise. These warm days are full of people sunning themselves across Snug Harbor, sprawled on docks and rocks and boats. I am sure we could get visitors to dutifully come in and report numbers and behavior of sunning backpackers as well, but so far I am not able to report exact data. It's roughly in the vicinity of "a lot." The lake is always there for a cool-down (much more reasonable now than it was a few weeks ago.)

When backpackers and NPS residents are not out enjoying this blissful weather, they might be seen lurking around the scads of thimbleberry bushes, poking at the berries hopefully, waiting for them to ripen. They're so close. It might happen any minute now.

There is, of course, more to life than sunshine and berries. The IR Boaters Association has moved out (after feeding us a remarkable feast of fried trout, coleslaw, homemade tartar sauce, and cake), but Snug Harbor is no less busy. The ferries are full; trails have been wreaking havoc on people's feet left and right; and random events, like the surprise arrival of the USGS research vessel the KiYi, keep us all on our toes.

Now get out there and sun yourself. I'll send a visitor to come tally you.