Evergreen shrub/hedge

Katye, how can you avoid HCG when they send out such wonderful emails with titles like the one I got today: "Height, Spikes, and Fluff"

Debris loader come in many sizes but none under an 8" diameter pipe do much picking up and shredding. They have them big enough to swallow a car. If you want a small one consider the lawn vacuum that has a 4 inch vacuum pipe and chips and shreds. I have one but it does not pick up pine needles very well. Look at sears etc for all of those.
That picture was taken by the ferry I was on as it approached Angoon. They have waterfront lots for 15,000 bucks looking at some the the most beautiful scenery in Alaska. It helps if you are native to be accepted here. This sandy beach would demand that my kayak land here and stay a while.

thanks Steve - I'll check that out.
Nothing here to be shredded that's "automobile-sized"! and a good thing, too.....

That is a tempting place to land & sit for a spell. But it still looks mighty chilly there.
There is always a price to pay for solitude.

When you are paddling in the warmth of the kayak and spray skirt, your favorite sweater, and your favorite beanie all is warm and wonderful. There is nothing like a warm afternoon fire on a cold beach and the sound of nature all around. I love the coolness of the inside passage.
Yes that was the sound of porpoise. Dahl Porpoise swimming in the warmth of Chatham Straits.

Sofer you must live a charmed life. So much beauty.

Yes I do have a charmed life. I am very fortunate to choose travel and variety over security and no change. I could be stuck in my practice in Kirkland WA doing the same thing every day. Kind of a "quiet desperation". I have always shuddered at that life and have run whenever it threatened. Of course many have stated that I suffer from a fear of success by not staying put. Maybe but I disagree. The man who is restoring this place "Retreat Light house" I met last month and he invited me to come out and stay this summer when he is repairing the lighthouse. This is a fun thought.

Oh what a great shot. I would loved to be offered a vacation there. The very successful people I know are neither very happy nor very pleasant to be around. I think you have succeeded in a healthy way.

I so love your pics, great job.