Fairweather

The FVF Fairweather (a.k.a. the fast ferry), of the Alaska Marine Highway, makes her way into Auke Bay as an Auk Nu Tours boat leaves on a whale watching trip.

Fertilizer Picking

     After picking empty clam and mussel shells and seaweed from the high tide mark, I sat against a log to rest my back. It was so peaceful to just sit and relax in the sunshine, and watch the boats come and go from Auke Bay.

     Why am I picking shells and seaweed? Well, it’s an abundant, organic, free source of fertilizer. According the book Gardening in Southeast Alaska, “seaweed contains growth hormones, macronutrients, functional elements, and chelating agents” which helps stimulate root development and produce stronger healthier plants.
     Every year, I put a nice layer of seaweed around the plants in our garden and then place a circle of crushed shells around the seaweed. Not only does it help fertilize the plants, but it also keeps the slugs away. I add extra seaweed and shells to the garden each month when there are plants growing. In the spring, I till the shells and seaweed into the soil along with an extra helping of compost.

Auke Bay at Sunset

The past couple days have been absolutely beautiful. When the weather is nice it’s hard to find the motivation to do yard work and/or work on home improvement project when we would much rather be out hiking and exploring. After spending all day Saturday working, the kids wanted to rent the movie Sherlock Holmes. So while my husband and the kids were watching the movie, I ducked out and went for a drive out to Auke Bay. I just couldn’t pass up a beautiful evening being a couch potato.

Auke Bay

I took a stroll down to Auke Bay this morning. It’s hard to believe its wintertime. I miss seeing the snow this time of year.