The first Silverton "Bunkhouse" potato harvest

Today was a productive day of chopping wood in an effort to build my supply to keep the cabin and myself warm in the Winter months ahead. During a break from swinging the axe I opted for some fresh kale and carrots from the garden to keep fueled, I noticed the bed of potatoes was ready for harvesting. First one then two, then a handful. It was like a treasure chest of wonderfully red russets that kept popping out of the dark rich soil. I can't wait to make a dish with these beautiful tasty tubers.

100,000 miles of Element

Yesterday upon returning from a day of Forest Service work, just as I pulled up to the cabin the odometer on the auto turned its sixth digit to mark it's first 100,000 miles of voyage. In the coming month an additional 6-7k of mileage will be added as I once again embark on another cross country drive to the East coast. Anyone interested in joining me for a portion or say hello along the way!

Growing Veteran in Seattle

Today I returned to my Thursday tradition of working at the Seattle VA produce stand.  Growing Veterans a grass roots non-profit agricultural organization started just over a year ago choose the Seattle market spot is there sole locality at this time.  The organic farm from which all the produce derives is located just outside of Bellingham, WA, about an hour and a half north of Seattle.  The farm is comprised of a 3 acre parcel with impressive farming techniques that also utilizes a large greenhouse for some of it's produce cultivation.  The farm is run entirely by veterans from all branches of the US military, except for the farm manager who continues to share her wealth of knowledge.  If you have a moment check out the orgs web site at: www.growingveterans.org. And here are a few photos from today's market produce and the guys working it.

Wilderness Act 50 Years

Today My friend Lori and I ventured into Washington DC, our plan was to visit the National Museum along the Mall. The museum it's self a part of the Smithsonian collection of buildings,

And sits just across the mall green from the original castle smithsonian structure.

Most known for it's collection of gems,

Prehistory dinosaur fragments,

Evolution of man and special exhibits. And that's just what we took in. The Wilderness Act which was enacted on 3

September 1963 celebrated it's 50yr Mark since it's powerful piece of legislation passed. This act that many don't think applies on a daily basis does so for my agency and advocates for the preservation of our natural resources.  A few snap shots of some of the photo contest to capture and introduce a snippet of the treasures in our very own back yards around this country.  Not surprising that a healthy percentage were from the Pacific NW. The display will be on exhibit in DC till the summer of 2015.