The beautiful weather continues.  I was up at the crack of dawn, as was this blue heron, who was breakfasting on the tiny fish that frequent this cove. 

The tide is low this morning, and since we’re getting closer to the next spring tide, sea stars and sea cucumbers are starting to be exposed at low tide.  

These sea cucumbers (cucumaria miniata) are spectacular in the morning light.

And, I found my first purple sea star of the season.

This kingfisher perched long enough for me to get these shots.  

And, then he was off in search of more fish.

And, I was off to the launch ramp to take a walk ashore.  

After changing into my walking shoes, I headed up Islandale Road, looking for photo ops, and getting some much needed exercise.

This fire hydrant caught my eye.  I guess these houses do have running water.  Judging from the size of the hydrant, water is probably pretty precious.

I stopped to enjoy the view.  It is such a beautiful day!

I noticed this unusual cardboard box attached to a tree, and decided to check it out.  Apparently, they have a problem with Gypsy Moths on Lopez Island; or, they don’t want to have a Gypsy Moth problem.

I’d been gone for three hours, and I still hadn’t had breakfast, so I headed back to my kayak for a quick paddle back to the boat.  Thankfully, there wasn’t any wind this morning, so paddling was much easier than it has been.