| Entry no. 4 – April 17, 2020 By Scotty Evens, Site Manager & Ferry Captain Ghost stories
Wilson’s warblers came back to camp this week. They moved right into the Salmonberry bushes plucking insects from its leaves and twigs. At the farm the Oregon state bird has arrived in full numbers. The Meadowlarks have been playing their unique song to each other across the field. With their arrival other songbirds must be right on their tails.
 It seems like it was time to party and everyone wanted to be in on the action. The Evergreen huckleberry, Salal, and Twinberry have started to bloom. Most buds are ready and not quite open but a few are open and ready for business.
      The parade of whales is still marching north to the feeding grounds in Alaska. The ocean has been like a calm lake two days this week giving a great canvas to see them blow or lift a tail or show their back as they surface on their way north.
In contrast, a front moved through right on cue helping the Pine and Spruce trees spread their pollen. Vast clouds of yellow pollen could be seen billowing from the trees. You probably also noticed this on your car windows this week.
If you have read the log from a couple of weeks ago I wrote of a big piece of timber that we cut open. At the time we thought it was 283 years old. Well Duncan Berry took it home and cleaned it up and it turns out that it is 326 years old. So that tree at the most conservative date possible could’ve been born in 1696 A.D. – such an incredible wonderful gift.
 This week has also had me thinking about ghost stories of Westwind. I’ve heard of numerous accounts over the years and I just had one recounted to me the other day by a former counselor. She got me wondering with so few folks out here what do the ghosts think? How are they dealing with it? Do they like it quiet? I’m assuming that that there are more stories out there. So I’m putting out an ask. Please share any tales of paranormal activity you have witnessed at Westwind. Should be fun to read what you all have in the way of Westwind ghost stories.
Fall came early one day this week. By that I mean while digging a long ditch in the spit forest near the well, I was overwhelmed by the super strong smell of Matsutakes. This wonderful mushroom has a very distinct smell. I smell cinnamon. Some smell dirty socks. Under closer inspection I noticed the mycelium that was living under the dunder layer was very active and prolific. The moisture content must have been just right to keep them flourishing.
Sleeping with the window open, I was awakened at 4:30 am by the sound of an owl. Not just one owl but a chorus of Barred owls. I went outside to listen. One was very near the house at Fraser. Another was in the big Sitka at the edge of the field. Two more were across the estuary, across the river on the other hillside opposite of Westwind. I stood listening to their concert of communication and comunity for several minutes. Each calling in turn, saying their piece, and letting anyone listening know that all was good in the Barred owls’ world.
Enjoy reading the Captain’s Log? Please consider supporting Westwind during this time with a donation to the Camp Westwind Recovery Fund, and ensure we all can experience the beauty of the Westwind landscape again someday soon.
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