New adventures for sure!

Hi, I'm Red, well at least that is what my nickname is :-) I grew up in Wyoming, and who would have guessed that I love the ocean and the life within. Especially the whales, which is a total culture shock to the people that I grew up with. No saddle or spurs for this girl, I'm donning an air tank and fins! After waiting what seems to be an eternity, I finally had the chance to get certified as a Scuba diver. Wahoo!! As Kate said, we took our course in June of 2007. Now I can get up close and personal with the ocean creatures that I have admired in so many ways my whole life. I cannot wait for the next opportunity to get my fins wet. I have been going to a dive club meetings monthly here in Oregon for a year now, and I have had a adventure with this group. They are the kind of group that are wonderful in so many ways and bring allot of personality and culture to the front lines. Some of them volunteer at the Oregon Aquarium and the Portland Zoo, and somehow they make cleaning tanks and scooping poop look enticing! Go Figure!

While I love the diving aspect, I also am a supporter of all ocean conservation. While I read everything that I can get my hands on, I feel like I am a part of the whole. In November 2007 I took a volunteer course from the State of Oregon Parks and Recreation for their Whales Spoken Here Campaign. I am looking forward to volunteering during Spring Break and teaching people about whales and enjoying helping them find their 'first wild whale sighting'. I can remember the first time I spotted a whale, I think that I was so excited that I about jumped out of my skin! It is so awe inspiring to me to see such graceful giants.

There are a several people that have believed in me and what I sought with the love of the ocean, it's many creatures, and of course, the cetaceans (whales). As some of them have passed on, I feel compelled to do as much as I can, as I know that they're watching over me and want me to be able to fulfill my dreams. I may be taking small steps, as that's the only way a single mom can afford to, but I'm going to enjoy every minute of it! Scuba was the biggest step for me only because I was scared out of my wits but my tenaciousness saw me through it. And Kate, who held my hand (literally, because viz was about zero to nothing) thank you so much from the top of my hood to the end of my flippers! I know it sounds sappy, but it wouldn't have been the same with out my best piratey friend there to keep me grounded and keeping me from wanting to go find the Orcas in the Sound on my first dive! I'll save that for when I go kayaking and camping in the Sound. I'll come home dry (crossing my fingers behind my back), promise!

Anyway, welcome to our blog. I am hoping to put all of the fun information that I have accumulated and harbored for all to enjoy. If you have any questions, or just want to pop in for a bit, please do. We're kind of like the Waltons - the more the merrier!

Have a wonderful day!
Red