Sunset bike rides and oil slicks.

     Last night and this morning were more data which I think I am nearing the end of and that feels good.  Well except one part where I am creating a site map and layers of illustration representing densities of Olympia oysters, clam shell and oyster shell from each sampled quadrat that we took along the entire site.  That still intimidates me a bit but I have all my data and Crista is helping me with illustrator creating the site maps then Nam will help with my data point plots.  I understand it isn't very exciting to write or read about though. 
     I look for any excuse to ride my bike lately.  Tomorrow we are having a potluck for the staff here at SPMC, like they had for us when we first arrived.  We wanted to show our appreciation and admiration for all they do for us.  We realized we have no more paper pates and since we will be lunching down at the main building we needed some.  Off I went on my bike in to town.  It was beautiful out and I decided to extend my ride and take the Tommy Thompson Trail out across the trestle and back.
     Mount Baker looked just beautiful across Fidalgo Bay in the fading light.

Mt. Baker across Fidalgo Bay.

     Riding across the trestle was nice, hearing the waves gently lapping and feeling the warm evening breeze.  I was surprised when I reached the far end and saw oil in the water.  I just did quick research and Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the chemicals of most concern that leech from creosote pilings and they will leech the entire lifetime of the treated wood.  I shouldn't have been surprised after all the oil we released from the mud when we were doing our survey but I still was. 

Yuck!

Still going 100 years later.

      Regardless of the leeching creosote pilings the Tommy Thompson is a beautiful ride and I will keep doing it, probably venturing further each time. I mapped my ride when I got back and it was about 15 miles, not bad at all.

Beautiful view along a gorgeous trail.

     Tomorrow I am hoping to finish the last bit of data stuff, start on my site maps, and enjoy a fun lunch before heading out on the boat with Dr. Dinnel, Annne and Annie.  Annie and Anne will be diving in Padilla Bay seeing of they can find any Olympia oysters, fingers crossed.