jessd

BC, CA

The inspiration to write has alluded me lately. Life has been busy with work and play. This past weekend was spent in Whistler snowboarding and spending a little time with thirty friends from grad school. Whistler was absolutely amazing - Saturday we had fresh snow and a full day on the slopes followed by a Sunday with a cloudless, bright blue sky and visibility that went on forever. It was breathtaking to see the endless mountaintops.

It was a busy weekend though - leaving me exhausted on this Monday when my day started at 5am. My current work project has involved a lot of international work which sounds glamorous but what really just means very early morning phone calls to accommodate other time zones.

This weekend will involve some more slopes, closer to home though. I'm thinking of hanging up the snowboard and returning to skis for a bit. We'll see how it goes - it's been about 10 years since I've been on skis!

 

Documenting the Coast

Photos from the coast.

Bringing in 2011

Spent New Year's Eve on the coast of North America. Considering it was below freezing temperatures and dark before 5pm, we were fast asleep WAY before midnight. Nonetheless, it was lovely to wake up to 2011 looking at this.

And here's a video if you'd like to imagine yourself along side me, complete with a chillin' bald eagle, many crashing waves, and one strange man who was completely unaware he was being recorded. Happy new year loved ones!

The Washington Coast from Jessica Didion on Vimeo.

Clamming Recap

The short story is that clamming was a huge failure. At least as far as bringing home dinner goes. After spending over $200 collectively in gear and gas, we brought home a total clam count of... zero.

But on a positive note, we spent the day with some good friends, enjoying a gorgeous sunset and getting hours of fresh, sea air. And now we're fully equipped for another attempt in the Spring so clearly not a total failure. Perhaps then I'll be able to include some photos of the fabulous clam dinner we make following the outing.

2011 Campout in the Works

I'm already moving on to 2011... if anybody is looking for an excuse to head to the Pacific Northwest, thought I'd let you know about our annual campout that was just booked. It is truly one of the most spectacular campsites you will ever see - on a sunny bluff overlooking the water and Olympic Mountains. No other camper in earshot. All are welcome!

[Pics are from last year's campout, clockwise: (1) the Vanagon in all its glory - awning out, bed made, fridge packed with food, chairs assembled, etc.; (2) mexican pork carnitas beginning their six hour slow cook over coals in my dutch oven - they were pretty amazing; (3) camping isn't complete without a cold Rainier; (4) the epic, and very popular with guests, hammock locale.]