As most of you know, Giovannina and I spent the autumn on sabbatical from our jobs, and so were able to stay for a couple months at the Friday Harbor Labs on San Juan Island. I was writing, doing research for my book, and playing a lot of guitar. Gio was catching up on her reading, SCUBA diving, and playing the accordion (I know…not a bad way to spend a pandemic.)
While at the Labs, we met some really wonderful people, not the least of whom was Dr. Ian Miller, who was teaching a coastal geology course for U.W. Here’s how Ian describes himself on his website: “A skilled science communicator and media spokesperson as well as a trained scientist, Dr. Ian Miller is Washington Sea Grant’s coastal hazards specialist…” All true, but I think a more apt description might simply be The Coast Nerd, which also happens to be the name of a blog he publishes, The Coast Nerd Gazette. Full of important and interesting tidbits about the natural processes occurring along the ocean’s edge, Ian’s blog covers everything from local storms to beach erosion as well as the really cool critters that live in this dynamic and iconic Pacific Northwest environment.
And if you are of a historical inclination, Ian has another blog, Washington Shorelines Now and Then, which he publishes along with SUP/kayak guide and photographer, Rob Casey, and avid paddler, Shanon Dell. It compares archived photos along with modern ones to show how our shoreline has changed over the years. A particularly striking post, Where once there was a beach…, shows one example of how much humans have impacted the coastal areas of the Salish Sea. By using fill to create more land for development, we’ve altered countless beaches and wetlands to make room for our roads, homes, driveways and strip malls.
So if you’re someone who enjoys getting outside here in the Pacific Northwest, please check out these blogs as I’m sure you’ll learn a lot and maybe get some ideas for your next outing. And even if you’re not the kind of person who likes wandering a PNW beach (or if you don’t happen to live in the PNW), check it out anyway. You might discover why some of us choose to trundle around the seaside, covered in sand, drenched in rain and whipped by the wind (hot beverages and the promise of good food and beer does help.)
And I can assure you, with a guide like Ian, it’s sure to be a fun and educational adventure.