To those of you interested in a birding/geology/just-plain-old-nature-hike,
I offer the name and numbers of a Quinault guide with an eco-tourism trip
out of Taholah. Mike Mail ferried us a few at a time across the Quinault
River under the curious eyes of immature and adult bald eagles. When all
were gathered on the north bank, we began our trek along the beach toward
Cape Elizabeth. This was the "maiden voyage" of his new business, and we
felt very privilaged to be the first non-tribal members on that land in
many years.

The geologist scheduled for the trip was unable to make it, so we were left
to speculate on the cliff above us and the remnants of that same cliff that
lay shattered about us. My father, Jack Davis, tried to instill some
knowledge of rocks in his children...but this stuff is a real interesting
mix and I am a novice. We found petrified wood imbedded in igneous rock...a
lot of it. There was a block of sandstone, split in two with two perfect
leaves imprinted in the face of each piece. I saw one rock, and only one,
that appeared to be serpentine.

The trek is across jumbled boulders, cobbles from the river, sand, and
tidepools, so not a stroll on the beach. But it is worth the trouble.
Keeping a close eye on the tide is Mike's job, so we were able to amble
about for about 3 hrs. Our destination was a series of arches and secludes
beaches. They can only be reached on foot due to lots of rocks and the surf
conditions. As soon as the tide turns, the return trip is begun. Due to the
sheer cliff, it is no place to be caught lingering.

The second half of the day was spent at Pt. Grenville, observing the birds
on the offshore stacks. Since I am new to this state, I was unfamiliar with
many of the birds, but I was told we saw Black Oystercatchers (2), many
Common Murre, and Palagic Cormerants, and at least one Tufted Puffin.

Mike can be reached at home at 360-276-4315 or at work, 360-276-8211 x474.

Dianna Moore
dlmoor2 at coastaccess.com