Where Did I Leave Off....

I have much to say but I will try to keep it short.


In late August, my second summer working for Virginia Tech on the Missouri River came to a close. It was a long, hot summer but I think it was productive and memorable nonetheless. We had lots of adorable baby plovers, and that is what counts.

After leaving South Dakota I headed west and began a 2 week road trip. I visited the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. Now that is certainly quite a sight to see, although they were sad to report to me that the drought made them unable to change out this years corn design on the outside of the building. I spent a night camping in the Black Hills and managed to do a drive by of both Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument the next morning. After that I spent an evening back in my old stomping grounds; Pinedale, WY. I spent the evening with my good friend Liz, went for a great hike in the mountains and had some great beers at my favorite brewery, Wind River Brewing.

After Pinedale I cruised through Jackson Hole and then proceeded onto Cameron, Montana where I spent a week relaxing, and learning how to fly fish and row a drift boat with a friend and former North Cove alum. Not too shabby. I made friends with a bad ass one-eyed cat named Mo, after the Mighty Missouri River.

Upon leaving Montana I made a turn southeast through Yellowstone and set off to visit some family and friends in Asheville, NC. It was a great time and I was happy to see my family and go hiking with a good friend. I then spent a night in Blacksburg, VA visiting with some good friends and having a few beers. After my evening in VA I headed to Mom's house in Lancaster, PA. Finally, on September 14, I made it home to CT for a baby shower. I am proud to report that very baby was born today (December 14). Welcome to the world Lincoln Xavier Dean :)

For approximately 6 weeks I stayed at home in CT with Gram. I had a good time, even when I was washing windows with my uncle. I saw all my family and friends, went for some epic fall hikes, and survived Hurricane Sandy. After a week with no power, cooking ramen on the front porch with my camp stove, it was nearly time for me to set off on another epic road trip. Joined this time by my friend Sam, I set out west toward Montana again. We managed to outrun the snow storm in the north east only to be faced with an epic snowstorm in Montana. Luckily we made it to our destination unharmed. It took a little patience and a lot of time but we made it through.

After 2 weeks playing in the snow and eating elk meat (and cooking one seriously awesome Turkey dinner), I set off yet again. First I spent a night in Moab, UT. I was pleased to have a bit of time the next morning to check out Canyonlands National Park. I also made a stop at the 4 Corners of the U.S. Monument. I am proud to say that I stood in 4 states at once. I came to rest that evening at my auntie's house in Rio Rancho, NM. I spent a few days there visiting with the Auntie and the Uncle and some cousins. I learned how to play cribbage. I'd say it was a productive few days.

After New Mexico I met up with Steph in Texas where we split a hotel room en route to our final destination of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. We are just about as far south in Texas as you can get. What, you may ask, am I doing in Texas again? Well I am looking at Piping Plovers. Like you really had to ask. After this week we will be heading north to my beloved Padre Island. I am excited to spend 2 months back in Corpus Christi.

So... now you know where I have been and what I have been doing for the last 3 months.

SOMETIMES...

Sometimes I feel like screaming from the top of my lungs.

Sometimes I do it.

Salt Water

I have lived all over this great country of ours. I have lived in the deserts of New Mexico, the mountains of western Wyoming, the plains of South Dakota, the bayou of Louisiana, and many more I'm not even remembering.

I have lived in all these places and learned to love them for all their unique properties. Alas, I am never truly happy until I am home by the sea. I tried living on the west coast, but every time I drove north, the ocean was on the wrong side. The Texas Gulf coast was alright I guess, but the beaches covered in pick up trucks and RV's were no match for a beautiful rocky New England coast line..


Next on my agenda is the Pacific Northwest, and the Big Sky Country of Montana. Eventually I will find my way home to the Atlantic coast where I will be happy to be. In the mean time I have a lot more exploring to do...

I suppose I have no point in my rambling except to say that right now I miss the smell of the salt air ..

Finding my own motivation via Google

You know it's bad when you have to google motivational images

R.I.P. Curtis

At 4:30 this morning I came out to the kitchen and cheerfully greeted Curtis as I do every morning. He did not come out to the sound of my voice. I then turned on his light, as this usually draws him out of his little tent if my chipper greeting does not do the trick. Alas, he did not come out. Lastly, I sprinkled some food in the tank. It was then that I knew something was wrong. Curtis does NOT miss breakfast.

I am sad to report that sometime between 9:00 last night and 4:30 this morning, Curtis passed away. I feel like I lost a good friend. He has been with me every day since May of last year. We go every where together. My road trips will certainly be very lonely from now on. And who will eat breakfast with me?

Boats and Birds

Well folks, as you probably know I am spending yet another summer of my life chasing around good ol' Charadrius melodus, aka the Piping Plover.

My hand and the Piping Plover that just flew out of it

I am once again stationed in Vermillion, South Dakota for the summer. This year, however, the Mighty Mo is not flooded, and we are getting tons of work done on our stretch of river below the Gavin's Point Dam in Yankton, SD. Of course I have not forgotten about my beloved Niobrara River in Nebraska, and I visit her once a week (ish). I like driving our skiff, but I think paddling will always be my preferred mode of transportation.

Things started off slow this year; the birds seemed to take their sweet time returning from their wintering grounds in the Gulf of Mexico and on the Atlantic Coast. Once they got here they wasted no time getting eggs on the ground. We had our first chicks hatch last Saturday and they've been popping up all over the place since then. It is quite difficult to focus on work when you have adorable baby plover chicks all over the place...

This nest hatched today.. well, most of it did anyway

Other than all the birdy business.. things have been pretty quiet around here. I am missing the ocean quite a bit these days but trying to convince myself that the River is an acceptable alternative. I miss everyone back home, but I am surrounded by lots of good friends out here to keep me busy.

Sadness

Today we lost our friend and brother Matt. I don't have words to express what this feels like.

We will miss you more than you know.

Killingworth man dies in early morning crash