A Spit In the Ocean

2010-07-29T13:45:00.004-08:00

** This blog stands as a journal of a seasonal round, composed when I lived in Homer, Alaska. I have since left Homer, and moved north to Fairbanks. This blog is on hiatus until such time that I might return this way again.

An assortment of my creative writing can be found at Relationalisms **

Magritte's Duck

2009-06-04T09:47:00.027-08:00

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Fragments: Brush Strokes

2009-06-02T17:13:00.022-08:00

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Departures

2009-05-18T06:04:00.040-08:00

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...of a Feather (Sandhill Cranes)

2009-05-17T19:26:00.112-08:00

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A Watchful Eye

2009-05-17T17:56:00.034-08:00

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Candid

2009-05-17T01:24:00.044-08:00

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An Intimacy with Mountains

2009-05-16T15:25:00.101-08:00

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Revelations at Low Tide

2009-05-12T22:10:00.072-08:00

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Wary

2009-05-11T19:35:00.102-08:00

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Talisman

2009-05-10T00:16:00.092-08:00

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Remnants

2009-05-07T22:24:00.031-08:00

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Close of the Day at Anchor Point

2009-05-03T00:37:00.099-08:00

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Dixon & Portlock Glaciers above Bear Cove

2009-05-02T19:34:00.060-08:00

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Sea of Clouds

2009-05-02T09:51:00.030-08:00

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Inversions: Drive By Shooting

2009-04-28T21:29:00.011-08:00

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Hallowed Ground

2009-04-27T22:48:00.070-08:00

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Arrivals

2009-04-26T23:53:00.000-08:00

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Vernal Rove

2009-04-25T22:35:00.030-08:00

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Vestigial Trace: Winter Recedes

2009-04-24T18:28:00.029-08:00

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At Land's End

2009-04-23T17:28:00.090-08:00

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Balance

2009-04-22T22:00:00.010-08:00

Poot Peak

2009-04-21T17:54:00.204-08:00

Poot Peak (1,230 ft), is set on China Poot Bay, directly across the waters of Kachemak Bay from the Homer Spit. Although it is not nearly as lofty as many of the neighboring heights, the Poot is one of my favorite mountains in the Kenai Range. It has character, and a charm of its very own.

Poot Peak also maintains a place in the local lore, with many folks claiming that a bear's face can be clearly distinguished on the side of the peak when it is dusted with snow. I'll let you decide for yourself. Here are a few different photos taken yesterday.

The Poot can also be seen in the sequence taken from the Perch in the previous post. Look for it in the third photograph of the series.

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Full Panorama from the Perch (Almost)

2009-04-21T17:07:00.016-08:00

They don't make a camera that can capture the panorama from the Perch in one photograph, but I can give you a closer approximation of the experience with a sequence of photos.

These fourteen photographs were taken from my front door this evening, and from top to bottom they connect as a series, providing a pan shot from left to right of my view of the Kenai Mountains and Kachemak Bay.

If you look closely, you will find that there is a slight overlap from one photograph to the next, and you can see how they should fit together to compose a single ultra-wide-angle shot.

I've titled this post "Full Panorama from the Perch (Almost)" because the view actually extends further in each direction. Grewingk Glacier and more of the Kenai Mountains are to the left (beginning the series), and the vista continues on to Seldovia, the termination of the range, and Cook Inlet to the right.

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Village by the Sea: Ghost Town

2009-04-20T20:43:00.000-08:00

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Grewingk Glacier: Two Perspectives

2009-04-20T06:15:00.003-08:00

- photos of Grewingk Glacier on Kachemak Bay

Alto Cumulus Standing Lenticular

2009-04-18T19:59:00.029-08:00

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- photo of Kenai Mountains on Kachemak Bay

Broken Promises: No to Pebble Mine

2009-04-16T22:23:00.150-08:00

The controversial Pebble Mine encompasses the projects of Pebble West and Pebble East, and as proposed, would be the largest open pit mine in North America. Pebble Mine’s intent is to turn out gold, copper, and molybdenum.

Pebble Mine is located in the Bristol Bay watershed, near Lake Clark, Katmai National Park, and the largest freshwater lake in Alaska, Lake Iliamna. The Pebble Mine site is situated in a known earthquake zone of the Ring of Fire, about 100 miles southwest of Mt. ReDoubt, and the risks inherent in the Pebble Mine plan rival those of Chevron's construction of the Drift River Oil Terminal. The potential environmental and economic impact on the region is much greater.

At this juncture, Anglo-American, and their Canadian subsidiary, Northern Dynasty, oversee the project and have stated that they are "undecided" as to whether or not they will use cyanide to process the gold at the site. Their stated indecision is not comforting, as cyanide, which is highly toxic, is the most common method of gold extraction. The metal-containing ores at Pebble Mine are also rich in sulfide minerals, a major source of water pollution at mines.

The Pebble Mine operation requires the creation of two very large lakes to store the discharge chemicals, tailings, and other waste from the project. The proposed lakes would require the flooding of two valleys, via the construction of four large dams. The largest dam proposed would be larger than the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington. The mine would also require more than 250 megawatts of power, which is more electricity than is currently used by the entire Kenai Peninsula. Northern Dynasty’s apparent intent is to utilize Homer Electric to provide the power through a power line run across Cook Inlet. Additionally, the project would necessitate a freight road, or a pipeline on the north side of Lake Iliamna to transport slurry.

The proposed mine pit sits in the Pebble Valley, at the headwaters of the Upper Talarik Creek, and the Koktuli River. Downstream these creeks feed into two of the world's largest salmon spawning rivers - the Nushagak and the Kvichak. Northern Dynasty has asked for water rights to remove all the water in the Upper Talarik Creek, and the Koktuli River. The Upper Talarik Creek, for which Northern Dynasty has applied to drain the headwaters, is a noted major salmon spawning stream. The Nushagak and Kvichak Rivers have some of the world's largest sockeye salmon runs, in the tens of millions, and the Nushagak hosts one of the world's largest king salmon runs.

The wildlife populations at risk are immense and diverse. At the center of the controversy are the fish and fisheries, and the regional subsistence lifestyle. All five species of Pacific Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, and a variety of other species live and spawn in the waters downstream from Pebble Mine. The Bristol Bay watershed is home to the Mulchatna caribou herd, which is the third largest in Alaska. The Mulchatna herd depends on the vegetation near the mine site, and the herd calves in the Pebble Valley. Migratory birds from all over the world nest and feed in the wetlands around the rivers in the area. Lake Iliamna is also home to one of only two populations of freshwater seals in the world.

The Pebble Mine issue has attracted world-wide attention, and is prominent on the agendas of environmental and commercial/sport-fishing groups. A delegation of Alaska Natives recently brought the issue to the fore when they traveled to the Anglo-American shareholders' meeting in London this spring. As a result of their efforts, many jewelers world-wide have pledged not to buy Pebble Mine gold.

Anglo-American and Northern Dynasty have made many condescending promises during the exploratory stages of this project, and they are already breaking those promises. As the poster states, "If Pebble breaks their promises during exploration, what can we expect when they really start digging?"

I join my voice with the others who say, “No Pebble.”

(click on images to enlarge)
- images courtesy of Nunamta Auluketsa

Pushki Stalks: Snow Blooms

2009-04-13T17:40:00.055-08:00

We have been graced with a much needed dusting of snow to help settle the volcanic ash, and freshen our landscape sullied from the ashfall from Mt. ReDoubt’s recent eruption on April 4. Although I would have preferred rain, I welcome the late snow. The lingering ash has been pervasive, and a general nuisance. A “Big Thanks” to Mother Nature for the assist. The photos of the pushki stalks with their snow blooms were taken from my front yard yesterday morning.

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The Beauty of the Beast

2009-04-12T19:30:00.001-08:00

- photo of Mt. ReDoubt as seen from near Homer taken April 11 by Turea "Midge" Grice

Mt. ReDoubt Update: Danger Not Over

2009-04-11T10:15:00.173-08:00

There was a great and prolonged tension leading up to the April 4 eruption of Mt. ReDoubt. Over 6.2 million gallons of oil were poised precariously at the Drift River Oil Terminal threatening a major economic and ecological disaster as the eruption cycle of the volcano increased in magnitude. The significant eruption of April 4 resulted in a scurry of action resulting in the subsequent suspension of Cook Inlet Pipeline Company’s operations in Cook Inlet, and a partial drawing down of the oil at Chevron’s Drift River Oil Terminal. Like a magician’s sleight of hand, the action seemed to satiate the audience’s desire to witness a performance - any performance - and a silence has blanketed the auditorium. Only a few seem to question the ruse performed.

There is still 2.5 million gallons of oil at the Drift River Tank Farm, and the current eruption cycle of Mt. ReDoubt is not over, nor can future eruption cycles be accurately predicted or prevented. Many questions remain unanswered. Yet the audience is quiet - stupefied. The legerdemain of Big Oil has acted like an opiate, and the public has been left mum, because something has been done. Has that something been enough?

Chevron initially hid behind the Homeland Security Act, refusing to disclose the amount of oil at the terminal, or disclose their readiness plan for a volcanic eruption. To the contrary, tank volumes at Valdez are announced on a daily basis. All information with regard to the Drift River facility has been securely controlled throughout ReDoubt's current eruption cycle. Chevron has restricted employees from discussing the events at the facility with the media. The Coast Guard has restricted the air space over the terminal. Photographs of the facility obtained by the Alaska Volcano Observatory early on were not released until nearly a week after they were taken. Images of the tank farm from AVO have since ceased. The only images of current relevance are the ones obtained through NASA's imaging via satellite, and they do not provide any assurance.

Why is there a discrepancy in the confidentiality of data between Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound? How is it that the potential of a terrorist attack can be cited as a means to thwart the right of the public to have access to information of such great import, and in light of the fact that similar information is readily available at other locations? How is it that a potential terrorist attack is deemed a greater threat than an erupting volcano? Why is such secrecy allowed when a major economic and ecological threat endangers the environment and resources of an area? Why aren’t spill response plans made available to the public? What assurance is there that Chevron is prepared for an oil spill from a future volcanic disruption of the facilities at Drift River? Why is it that the public is denied access to pictures of the current conditions at the facility when so much is at stake?

Chevron has continuously insisted that a safe level of oil needs to be maintained at the Drift River facility to secure the tanks, and to keep them from being torn from their foundations in the event of flooding in the Drift River. Despite the use of water to ballast tanks being a common practice elsewhere, Chevron has maintained a position that water could not be used in this scenario. Chevron’s stance, and the water use option fact sheet initially issued by the Unified Command were both later refuted, and water was eventually used as ballast to secure the tanks.

Why weren’t the tanks ballasted with water earlier, and why has 2.5 million gallons of oil been left in the tanks when water alone as ballast would be a safer alternative? What is the potential threat of a 2.5 million gallon oil spill in Cook Inlet? Why is the facility even being maintained in such a dangerous location?

Many questions remain unanswered in light of the stratagem of deceptions employed by Big Oil. The danger is not over.

- photo of activity at Mt. ReDoubt's summit by Chris Waythomas AVO/USGS

Rapport

2009-04-08T17:45:00.080-08:00

Mt. ReDoubt Update: Oil Drawn Down

2009-04-06T18:44:00.187-08:00

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation issued a situation report at 6:00 this evening stating that 3.7 million gallons of oil have been drawn down from the tanks at the Drift River Terminal. The tanks have also been ballasted with seawater as a precautionary measure.

The aviation code for Mount ReDoubt has been downgraded to orange, but further activity is highly probable. Small earthquakes continue in the region, and such activity is a sign of endogenous lava dome growth.

Here are the highlights from the DEC situation report:

A tanker for Tesoro, the Seabulk Arctic, arrived on schedule yesterday evening and completed the transfer of oil from the two tanks in service at the DROT facility. Both operational tanks were ballasted with seawater from Cook Inlet this morning.

Preliminary figures:
• originally – 148,000 bbls. (6.2 million gallons)
•removed – 87,603 bbls. (3.7 million gallons)
•remaining – 60,397 bbls. (2.5 million gallons)
•added ballast seawater – 20,000 bbls. (840,000 gallons)

The tanker departed today at 3:48 PM. The Christy Lee crew boarded the Cook Inlet Spill Prevention and Response Inc. (CISPRI) response vessel Vigilance and departed at 4:10 PM after securing the platform.

CIPL crew currently at the DROT will secure and protect critical equipment for the facility shut down and then relocate to the Trading Bay facility by evening.

- photo of Mt. ReDoubt taken April 5 by Heather Bleick courtesy of AVO/USGS

Mt. ReDoubt Update: CIPL Ops Suspended

2009-04-05T17:15:00.197-08:00

It looks like yesterday's eruption had a greater impact than first thought. The Unified Command: Drift River Terminal Coordination has agreed to suspend Cook Inlet Pipe Line Company operations. Here are the important points from the Unified Command's news release issued earlier today:

* The Unified Command has authorized plans to draw down oil from the Drift River Terminal starting today. A tanker is tentatively scheduled to arrive this afternoon at the Christy Lee platform to begin draw down operations. The envisioned operation will reduce the current oil levels in the two active storage tanks. The goal is to reduce crude oil by about 60 percent overall. After modifications to the facility, ballast water will be added to each tank to maintain their integrity.

Oil removal operations remain dependent on weather conditions and volcanic activity as well as equipment functionally.

* “The top priorities of the Unified Command are protecting the health and safety of people and the environment and we believe this is the best option for achieving those priorities,” said Gary Folley, state on scene coordinator, Unified Command.

“Cook Inlet Pipe Line Company will not accept oil shipments for storage or transport until Mt. Redoubt volcanic activity ceases," said Rod Ficken, vice president, Cook Inlet Pipeline Company, Unified Command. "Long term plans for Cook Inlet shipping are being evaluated.”

According to the State Department of Environmental Conservation, the tanker Seabulk Arctic is being brought in, and the oil at the Drift River Terminal is scheduled to begin being transferred this evening. The generator damaged during Saturday's eruption has been repaired, and the transfer lines between the terminal and the offshore platform have been pressure tested. Oil response vessels will be on hand at the Drift River Oil Terminal during the transfer of oil, and additional oil spill response equipment has been positioned in Cook Inlet as a precautionary measure.

- photos of Mt. ReDoubt taken April 4 by Game McGimsey AVO/USGS

In ReDoubt's Shadow: A Discerning Eye

2009-04-05T11:26:00.070-08:00

I took the photographs of this eagle when I was down on the Spit yesterday. These magnificent birds are a common sight in our town. The bald eagle population that winters in Homer is one of the largest in the world. There were at least a dozen eagles foraging for food along the Spit while I was there, but this one in particular caught my eye, and I seemed to catch his.

An oil spill at the Drift River Terminal would not only impact the bald eagles in our area, but also an abundance of other wildlife.

Numerous migratory pathways intersect here, bringing in hundreds of thousands of birds each spring. The area is an important habitat for migratory and nesting birds. The islands in the area provide the habitat for nesting colonies of horned and tufted puffins, mures, kittiwakes, and cormorants. The ReDoubt Bay Critical Habitat Area is the largest nesting area for the Tule white-fronted goose. At least three varieties of Canadian geese, trumpeter swans, and sandhill cranes frequent the area. Wide arrays of ducks feed and nest in the shoreline and riparian marshes. The ducks include pintails, mallards, green-winged teals, canvasbacks, redheads, widgeons, and common eiders. Shorebirds include godwits, dunlins, phalaropes, sandpipers, plovers, and whimbrels. The largest population of migratory seabirds in the world arrives each spring.

Migratory fish, most notably the Pacific salmon, inhabit the ocean and rivers, and their eggs hatch in the early spring. Homer is noted as “The Halibut Capital of the World,” and the halibut are a local staple along with salmon, rockfish, cod, and other fish. The seas in the area are also feeding grounds for beluga whales, killer whales, harbor seals, stellar sea lions, sea otters, harbor porpoise, dall’s porpoise, and other marine mammals.

The shores of Clam Gulch, directly across the inlet from the Drift River facility, are home to the largest razor clam fishery in Alaska.

Brown bear, black bear, and other land mammal populations would also be affected by an oil spill.

Drawing down the oil at the Drift River Terminal at this time should be a critical concern for everyone, no matter where they live. There is only one ocean, and everything is connected on this planet.

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Mt. ReDoubt Update: 4/4 @ 7:45 p.m.

2009-04-04T19:30:00.021-08:00

Since this morning's eruption at Mt. ReDoubt, there have been reportings of a continuous small plume of mostly water vapor and gas reaching a height of about 15,000 feet. The winds continue in a southeasterly direction towards Homer.

With regard to the drawing down of oil at the Drift River Terminal originally scheduled for today, here are the pertinent excerpts from today's news release issued by the Unified Command:

* During an early morning eruption at Mt. Redoubt, 13 employees of Cook Inlet Pipe Line Company (CIPL) on site at the Drift River Terminal and the Christy Lee platform were in nearby safe havens.

* All 13 personnel are safe and currently assessing the terminal and platform. Initial reports are that there was no damage to the tank farm, containment berms and the protective dike. Some water was observed flowing over the previously affected runway. Water did enter one of the industrial buildings and damaged a generator necessary for oil transfer operations. Repairs are expected to take at least a day and a half.

* A Tesoro-chartered tanker scheduled to arrive earlier today at the Christy Lee platform to begin off-loading oil from the tank farm was turned around. It is currently planned to anchor in southern Cook Inlet. The Unified Command will identify an appropriate time for the vessel to return.

* Two barges from Cook Inlet Spill Prevention and Response Inc. in Seldovia are en route to the Nikiski area as a precaution. Immediately available primary response equipment in Cook Inlet is capable of handling a spill of 2.1 million gallons (50,000 barrels) a day. Additional equipment and personnel are standing by.

* Last night personnel working on scene at the terminal began pressure testing lines from the Drift River tank to the Christy Lee platform in preparation for oil removal. Approximately 6.3 million gallons (148,000 barrels) of oil currently remain in two tanks at the terminal. The intention to begin reducing the oil level in the tanks to about 3 million gallons of oil (80,000 barrels) from the facility today has been postponed pending the volcano’s activity.

* According to the Unified Command, once the immediate actions of reducing the oil currently stored at the terminal are complete additional plans for long-term operations and the further removal of oil stored at Granite Point and Trading Bay will be considered.

Mt. ReDoubt Update: Ashfall Blues

2009-04-04T16:38:00.038-08:00

The ashfall has subsided in Homer from this morning's eruption of Mt. ReDoubt. We just got back from an excursion around town to check out the aftereffects. It's a real mess out there. We collected a couple of small plastic bags full of ash with little effort.

Face masks are mandatory right now. There is a light coating of ash everywhere. If you encounter another car while driving, you'll find yourself quickly enveloped in a swirling, thick cloud of ash that diminishes visibility to just a few feet/meters.

The first photo is of my son's handprint impressed in the ash on a halibut cleaning board down on the Spit. The second photo shows the accumulation of ash on the windshield wipers and hood of our car taken just after the ashfall from the current eruption ceased.

The Unified Command's plan to draw down 3 million of the 6 million gallons of oil from the storage tanks at the Drift River Oil Terminal has been put on hold. A crew is currently at the site to evaluate the impact of this eruption on the facilities.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 4/4 @ 8:00 a.m.

2009-04-04T08:15:00.065-08:00

Another eruption of Mt. ReDoubt occurred at 6:00 this morning. The plume has reached a height of at least 50,000 ft, and the ashfall is heading our way.

A lahar has been detected in the Drift River Valley, and the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the area. The latest activity will most likely impede plans to draw down the oil at the Drift River Terminal today. Let's hope things hold.

I am going to have to sign off now, and secure the home front, as an ashfall advisory has been issued. I will report again when it is feasible to do so.

Here we go again...

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 4/3 @ 6:30 p.m.

2009-04-03T18:30:00.033-08:00

The aviation color code at Mt. ReDoubt has been reduced to code orange.

Small earthquakes continue to occur at the rate of 3-4 per minute. Such activity is a sign of endogenous lava dome growth. In all likelihood, the current eruption cycle isn't over yet.

The Unified Command has announced plans to draw down some of the oil from the Drift River tank farm beginning tomorrow (see previous post).

With regard to how much oil will be drawn down, and the subsequent tank volumes following this procedure, the Unified Command stated in a news release today:

The total oil level between the two tanks is not intended to exceed 3.3 million gallons (80,000 barrels) at any time. The transfer will be conducted in two phases -- Phase one: The load out of oil currently stored at Drift River to tanker. Between the two tanks a total of about 1.6 million gallons (40,000 barrels) will remain at the facility. Phase two: Oil from upstream reserves at Trading Bay and Granite Point will be transferred to the Drift River storage to alleviate the critical storage pressures at those locations. The oil inventory in the Drift River Terminal tanks as a result of the transfer will not exceed about 3.3 million gallons (80,000 barrels).

Currently, only two of the seven-tanks are in use and together contain approximately 6.3 million gallons of oil (148,000 barrels). When drawn down the tanks will remain at a safe working level of about 1.6 million gallons (40,000 barrels) in each tank.

Governor Palin has still not issued a formal response with regard to the Drift River Oil Terminal, despite a declaration of emergency having been requested of her over a week ago. For many of us, Palin's inaction comes off as a callous disregard for the citizenry of Alaska while she pursues her own personal agenda. If you would like to voice your concern, why not contact her office?

Governor Sarah Palin (link to contact through Office of the Governor website); ph: (907) 465-3500; or email: sarahpalin@alaska.gov

- photo of ash deposits on the upper Drift River valley by Game McGimsey AVO/USGS

Oil at Drift River Tanks to be Drawn-Down

2009-04-02T23:43:00.060-08:00

The Unified Command of the Coast Guard, the State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Cook Inlet Pipeline Company has issued the following statement:

The Unified Command Drift River Terminal Coordination, has approved a draft plan for removal of oil from the Drift River Tank Farm.

The plan includes testing infrastructure and other procedures to protect safety of the responders and the environment.

“We are working with Tesoro to facilitate the availability and arrival of a tanker at Drift River in the next couple of days to draw down the Drift River tanks to safe working level and load out some product from the Granite Point and Trading Bay storage facilities upstream through Drift River,” said Capt. Mark Hamilton, federal on scene coordinator.

A 600-foot Tesoro chartered tanker with an available capacity of approximately 6.3 million gallons is tentatively scheduled to arrive at the Christy Lee loading facility adjacent to the Drift River Terminal on Saturday to begin removing oil from the facility.

The plan is designed to alleviate critical storage level concerns at Trading Bay and Granite Point while limiting the amount of time the oil is at Drift River. This overall draw down will reduce the amount of oil stored along Western Cook Inlet that reduces the potential impact to the environment at all storage locations. The draw down plan also includes procedures to cease oil transfer operations in the event of another eruption from Mount Redoubt.

An Incident Management team of 54 federal, state and industry responders are currently working on the event. Crews have been established to handle debris removal and terminal repair as well as volcano monitoring. The team has identified and is working to pre-stage oil spill response resources and personnel nearby but out of harm’s way.

“The Unified Command is collaborating to reduce the potential for an oil spill from the Drift River Terminal and marshalling in-state and out-of-state resources to help prevent pollution in the event of future volcanic eruptions,” said Gary Folley state on scene coordinator.

Identified oil response resources include skimming vessels, storage tanks and other equipment. Spill response scenarios have been developed. A four-person crew remained at Drift River on Wednesday and continued to move debris and mud. A separate crew of seven assigned to terminal repair has so far remained at Trading Bay due to safety concerns.

“The safety of our crews working at Drift River and the other associated Cook Inlet platforms are our foremost objective,” said Rod Ficken, Cook Inlet Pipe Line Company. “No personnel have been at the terminal without our knowledge and they have had access to the safe haven when held over by weather or ash conditions.”

Redoubt Volcano continued to produce emissions of steam, volcanic gases and minor amounts of ash on Wednesday, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory.

(Office of Public Affairs, U. S. Coast Guard Seventeenth District: 4/2/09)

Mt. ReDoubt Earthquake Activity

2009-04-02T22:05:00.032-08:00

Here are few alternative map perspectives of the recent earthquake activity that has occurred at the summit of Mt. ReDoubt.

The first map offers a different viewing angle of the map presented in the previous post, depicting the earthquake activity recorded at the summit of ReDoubt during the current cycle of eruptions (March 22 - April 2).

The second map goes back just a bit further in time, depicting the earthquake activity recorded at the summit for the past month (March 2 - April 2).

The color of a circle depicts the depth of the activity recorded, and the size of a circle represents the magnitude.

If you would like to generate your own maps of earthquake activity at Alaska volcanoes, or of volcano placements worldwide...just follow the links provided. These programs are a courtesy of the Alaska Volcano Observatory, the Global Volcanism Program, and Google Earth. You will need to have Google Earth installed on your computer first. These programs are very interactive. Data can be overlaid, and fine tuned using the sidebar options.

(click on maps to enlarge)

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 4/2 @ 5:45 p.m.

2009-04-02T17:45:00.041-08:00

Small earthquakes have been occurring at Mt. ReDoubt at the rate of 3 to 4 per minute since about 8:00 this morning. Low level emissions of steam, volcanic gases, and ash continue.

The first photo of a Mount ReDoubt and the cache was taken from Kenai. The second photo of the ash covered terrain surrounding ReDoubt was taken March 31. It is offered as a contrast to photos taken before the current cycle of eruptions to show the change that has occurred in the region (for example, see "Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/31 @ 6:30 p.m.").

The map provided depicts the earthquake activity recorded at ReDoubt's summit during the current cycle of eruptions. Today's activity is not included (click on photos or map to enlarge).

- photo of Mount ReDoubt and cache taken from Kenai by Neil Sutton
- photo of ReDoubt's ash covered slopes by Chris Waythomas AVO/USGS

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/31 @ 11:15 p.m.

2009-03-31T23:15:00.057-08:00

Here are some beautiful photos taken of the summit crater of Mt. ReDoubt today. Compare these photos with those in the previous post which were taken 10 to 16 days ago...just prior to the current eruption cycle. They make for an interesting juxtaposition.

- photos of today's activity by Game McGimsey AVO/USGS

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/31 @ 6:30 p.m.

2009-03-31T18:30:00.104-08:00

It seems Southcentral Alaska has been granted a respite. There have only been low level emissions of steam, volcanic gases, and ash emitted from Mt. Redoubt today. A volcanic haze still lingers over the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley as an admonition of caution.

As an addition to these images of a pristine ReDoubt taken just prior to the current eruption cycle, here are some links for your perusal during this hiatus: Erin, Bob, Carla, Heart, Bohemian Girl, Phelan, and Sophmom. Enjoy!

Photos from top to bottom:
- photo March 21 approaching from the east by by Cyrus Read AVO/USGS
- photo March 20 of upper north flank by Game McGimsey AVO/USGS
- photo March 15 by Bill Burton AVO/USGS

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/30 @ 10:15 p.m.

2009-03-30T22:14:00.029-08:00

This photo of Mt. ReDoubt, taken during an observation and gas collection flight conducted today, depicts what the Alaska Volcano Observatory refers to as a "discreet event."

- photo by Heather Bleick, courtesy of AVO/USGS

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/30 @ 7:45 p.m.

2009-03-30T19:45:00.031-08:00

Mt. ReDoubt‘s activity has been erratic today. Activity frequency has increased, but volatility has decreased. There have been numerous tremors and small plumes reported, but they have all topped out at under 27,000 ft (5 miles). The Alaska Volcano Observatory refers to these as “discreet events.”

The Coast Guard, the State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Cook Inlet Pipeline Company have established a unified command to address the situation at the Drift River Oil Terminal. A tanker may be moved in Wednesday, to draw-down the tanks to 1.8 million gallons each. Chevron states that they are reluctant to draw-down the tanks any further, because to do so might be to risk the tanks floating off their foundations if the tank farm gets inundated by the Drift River.

Anchorage International was operational for a short time today, but they closed the airport again this afternoon, and diverted flights to Fairbanks because of the activity at the volcano. The airport hopes to be fully operational again sometime tomorrow - if ReDoubt permits.

Ashfall hit Homer Thursday afternoon. All you had to do was step into it for 3-4 seconds, and you would find yourself heavily dusted in a fine, granular grit. Breathing in volcanic ash unprotected would be like inhaling powdered glass, so face masks are mandatory at such time.

Driving in an ashfall can literally asphyxiate your car. The ashfall was heaviest during the drive home from work, and we used up a reservoir of washer fluid en route.

By the time we arrived home, the snowscape was a disgusting drab. It was a mad dash to secure the home front by duct taping, visqueening, and laying wet towels at the base of doors. We shut down and covered most of the electrical devices with plastic, hunkered down, and listened to the reports on the radio for the next few hours, waiting for things to clear.

The prevailing winds have been in our favor during subsequent eruptions, but we have been through the drill of securing and unsecuring the house a few times...as there have been a few warnings of impending ashfall announced over the radio.

The car washes have been making a fortune in town. People have been lining up, with the wait in line being easily over an hour. After Thursday's ashfall, my car made any Alcan travelers' car look pristine. The ash caked on the side and back windows had turned a bizarre green by the time I rinsed it off yesterday.

Cleaning up after a volcano dusting is like a reenactment of the "Cat in the Hat.” Luckily, we were blessed with a bit of snowfall yesterday, which covered up our sullied snow, and settled some of the lingering dust.

We look forward to returning to a dispassionate state of calm, and the preempted, regularly scheduled program soon. Indeed.

Peace out.

- photo by Tina Neal, courtesy AVO/USGS

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/29 @ 8:30 p.m.

2009-03-29T20:30:00.004-08:00

Anchorage International Airport was closed after yesterday's eruptions of Mt. ReDoubt. One of the three runways at the airport reopened this afternoon. Clean up at the airport continues, and the airport is expected to be in full operation again by Tuesday. Alaska Airlines alone has canceled 215 flights, affecting more than 10,000 passengers since the current cycle of eruptions started at ReDoubt on March 22.

There has been only low-level tremors at the volcano so far today. Seismic activity increased briefly, when a venting of gases and vapor sent a plume to 25,000 ft, but scientists are not counting it among the 18 eruptions of the past week.

The first map provided here shows the locations of volcanoes in Alaska. As noted in a previous post (see "Mt. Iliamna"), of the 162 active volcanoes noted in the United States, 90 of them are located in Alaska.

The second map depicts the earthquake activity in the Ring of Fire for the period of February 26 to March 27.

(click on maps to enlarge)

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/29 @ 3:15 p.m.

2009-03-29T15:15:00.033-08:00

- photos of yesterday's eruption by Tricia Joy Sadler

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/29 @ 9:45 a.m.

2009-03-29T09:42:00.063-08:00

The reports with regard to Chevron's Drift River Terminal are conflicting.

On one hand, Chevron's press releases assure us that everything is safe. On the other hand, many agencies, like the watershed watch organization Cook Inletkeeper, have requested that Governor Palin declare an emergency at the Drift River Terminal, and that the oil be drawn-down. Homeland Security has also been petitioned to have the oil at the facilities drawn-down (see "Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/28 @ 12:30 p.m).

What is one to believe?

These photos of the Drift River Oil Terminal were taken on March 23...nearly a week ago. They speak volumes. It should be noted that there have been at least thirteen significant eruptions since these photos were taken.

The first photo shows clearly that lahar deposits have topped the west dike in several locations, and water has entered the compound via an existing roadway. The second and third photos show the runway, the helipad, and adjacent service buildings. The entire area is covered by lahar deposits of at least one to two ft. The portent of the Drift River can be seen in the background.

Remember, there have been over thirteen significant eruptions since these photos were taken.

As an aside - one thing that weighs on many people's minds, which is talked of only in hushed tones, is the disposition for major disasters in Alaska to occur on Good Friday. The Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred on Good Friday in 1989, and the Anchorage earthquake happened on Good Friday in 1964. Good Friday is April 10th this year...just twelve days from now.

One need not be superstitious to conclude that something needs to be done.

(click on photos to enlarge)

- photos 1 & 2 by Game McGimsey courtesy AVO/USGS
- photo 3 by Cyrus Read, courtesy AVO/USGS

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/28 @ 10:30 p.m.

2009-03-28T22:31:00.059-08:00

The Alaska Volcano Observatory has reported that another eruption of Mt. ReDoubt occurred this evening at 7:23 p.m. This is the eighteenth significant eruption since last Sunday. The National Weather Service reports "a cloud top of at least 45,000 ft. Mudflows in the Drift River Valley are possible."

Ashfall from the previous eruption at 3:30 p.m. is being reported in locations from Anchorage to Valdez. Anchorage is under an ashfall alert at this time.

Currently, seismicity has decreased, but remains well above background.

It certainly has been a busy week around here. I am looking forward to things returning to a more peaceful state - like in this photo of Mt. ReDoubt that I took last summer.

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/28 @ 7:30 p.m.

2009-03-28T19:40:00.029-08:00

Mt. ReDoubt erupted again at 3:30 this afternoon, sending a plume of ash and gas 35,000 ft into the air. This is the seventeenth eruption since last Sunday.

The National Weather Service issued another flood warning for the Drift River area at 4:12 p.m. According to their release, " frequent volcanic eruptions of Mount ReDoubt will cause flooding of the Drift River drainage area. Water from melting ice will flood the river with each eruption. Mudslides are possible along the river."

This release seems to contradict the Pollyanna assurances made by Chevron in their update noted earlier (see "Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/28 @ 8:00 a.m.").

- photo of this afternoon's eruption of Mt. ReDoubt by David Wartinbee (viewed from Soldotna).

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/28 @ 12:30 p.m.

2009-03-28T12:48:00.049-08:00

Here are some links to recent actions taken by the watershed watch organization Cook Inletkeeper on behalf of the residents of Southcentral Alaska:

March 27th - Petition to Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, Requesting an Emergency Declaration for the Drift River Oil Terminal at the Base of Mount Redoubt (PDF).

March 26th - Letter to Secretary Janet Napolitano, Department of Homeland Security, requesting oil drawn-down at Drift River Terminal (PDF).

- photo of lightning from ReDoubt's eruption last night by Higman Bretwood

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/28 @ 8:00 a.m.

2009-03-28T08:00:00.026-08:00

The sixteenth eruption of Mt. ReDoubt in less than a week occurred at 1:20 this morning.

According to the most recent Chevron update, a flyover of ReDoubt conducted yesterday by the Alaska Volcano Observatory reports that lahar activity has not affected the integrity of the containment walls around the Drift River Terminal. They also report that the path of runoff from ReDoubt has shifted toward Rust’s Slough, and that this reroute of water will further minimize risk to the terminal.

I am uncertain how this is so, as according to the AVO's history of the 1989-1990 eruptions "at least six lahars in the Drift River reached Cook Inlet during the 1989-90 eruptions (Dorava and Meyer, 1994). The largest of these occurred on January 2, 1990 and inundated Rust Slough, including parts of the Drift River Oil Terminal."

The AVO has also stated that due to recent activity at the volcano, approximately 90% of the snow and ice is gone from the Drift River Basin. The presence of snow and ice in the basin typically reduces the chances of lahars and flooding.

The Cook Inlet Pipeline Company states that they are clearing debris to create access to the facilities.

CIPL also reports that Cook Inlet Spill Response Inc. has conducted soundings, and found no change in the water depths in the vicinity of the loading platform at the terminal.

There is no word on if, or when, the oil will be drawn-out of the tanks.

- photo of ReDoubt and Drift River Valley (3/26/09), by Game McGimsey, courtesy AVO

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/27 @ 10:00 p.m.

2009-03-27T21:51:00.098-08:00

Activity at Mt. ReDoubt continues. There have been two more eruptions this evening. An eruption at 5:35 sent ash to 40,000 ft. Another eruption at 7:25 sent a plume to 51,000 ft. There have been 15 eruptions since last Sunday.

According to a Coast Guard press release, "The Coast Guard and the Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation are working cooperatively with Cook Inlet Pipe Line Company to assess the situation at Drift River.

Plans are moving forward to have Cook Inlet Spill Prevention and Response Inc. conduct soundings in the vicinity of the terminal's oil load-out platform to ensure vessel traffic can operate safely."

I have composed this map for readers to illustrate the relation of Mt. ReDoubt to the Drift River Terminal.

(click on map to enlarge)

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/27 @ 9:47 a.m.

2009-03-27T09:50:00.081-08:00

Mt. Redoubt erupted again about an hour ago, at 8:40 this morning. Based on preliminary reports, the eruption has sent a plume of ash and gas 50,000 ft. into the air.

The prevailing winds are carrying the ashfall to the north.

See the previous post - "Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/27 @ 7:20 a.m." for an update on Chevron's Drift River Terminal.

- photo of yesterday's eruption by Al Grillo

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/27 @ 7:20 a.m.

2009-03-27T07:44:00.006-08:00

There was another eruption of Mt. ReDoubt last night at midnight, and another early this morning. There is seismic activity in the area of the volcano being reported at this time.

In Chevron's statement made Wednesday, they stated, "We understand how important our role is in keeping the oil flowing for the benefit of the residents of Southcentral Alaska. Our goal is to safely resume operations as quickly as possible."

Wrong. That is not the benefit residents of Southcentral Alaska are seeking. With over 6 million gallons of oil threatening Cook Inlet and the surrounding waters, resuming Chevron's profit-making operations is not our primary concern...the safety of our environment is.

The Cook Inlet Pipeline Company has landed an assessment team at the Drift River Terminal. Although they espouse a confidence in the containment dikes around the tank farm, they have changed the tone of their statement issued Wednesday. Today, Chevron's current statement is, "The initial goal is to prepare the facility to load a tanker as soon as is safely possible."

Let's hope that things remain quiet so that they can follow through on this.

- photo of Mt. ReDoubt viewed from the south, looking over the ash-covered Crescent Valley by Game McGimsey courtesy of AVO

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/26 @ 8:30 p.m.

2009-03-26T20:30:00.042-08:00

As noted in the last update, the eruptions at Mt. ReDoubt this morning produced a mud flow down the Drift River Valley.

Consequently, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the Drift River Valley. According to their statement, anyone in the warning area should "move to higher ground immediately. Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate precautions to protect life and property."

Chevron has still made no decision with regard to drawing out the over 6 million gallons of oil at their Drift River storage facility. The Cook Inlet Pipeline Company is trying to determine if a pumping system can be utilized if Chevron decides to remove the oil. Unfortunately, the runway next to the facility is currently covered with debris from today's eruptions. As pipeline contractor Lana Johnson stated, "Right now, nothing can happen, because you can't bring any equipment in, because the runway is closed."

On the home front here in Homer, the ashfall has subsided. Snowfall during the late afternoon can probably be credited with alleviating the situation.

Stay tuned.

- photo of ReDoubt's ash cloud taken this morning by Robert Cole of PenAir (click on photo to enlarge)

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/26 @ 4:30 p.m.

2009-03-26T16:32:00.014-08:00

Mt. ReDoubt erupted twice this morning. The first eruption occurred at 8:30, which sent a plume of ash and gas 30,000 ft into the air. The second eruption occurred at 9:24, which sent a plume 65,000 ft into the air.

Soon after the eruptions, seismic instruments detected a mudflow sent down the Drift River Valley. There is no word at this time whether or not Chevron's oil storage facility has withstood any damage.

The prevailing winds were not in our favor during these eruptions. At the present moment, ashfall is coming down in Homer, and it's a real mess. Face masks are the current vogue.

I am going to have to sign off now in order to secure the home front. I will try to update soon.

(click on photos to enlarge)

- photo of magnified ash particle by Pavel Izbekov & Jill Shipman, courtesy of AVO
- photo of ReDoubt's ash cloud taken this morning by Robert Cole of PenAir

ReDoubt + Chevron = Formula for Disaster

2009-03-25T17:51:00.025-08:00

Chevron owns and operates an extensive system of crude oil and natural gas pipelines in the United States. They also own numerous tank farms to support this system; one of which happens to be at the base of Mt. ReDoubt where the Drift River empties into Cook Inlet. That's right, Chevron built an oil tank farm at the base of an active volcano on the shores of Cook Inlet.

Up until now, Chevron has refused to divulge how much oil is being harbored at the tank farm. They have remained silent, standing behind the pretense of The Homeland Security Act.

Only after ReDoubt erupted numerous times at the beginning of the week did Chevron finally come forth and reveal that there are over 6 million gallons of oil contained in two of the seven tanks at the terminal. Chevron evacuated their personnel from the facility on Monday.

Chevron issued a press release and photos just yesterday, claiming in their written statement that the dikes and containment walls have performed as intended, although the photos exhibit clearly that the containment walls are being stressed. Mud flow and debris have topped the outside dike, and buildings have been damaged at the terminal.

Mt. ReDoubt is less than 25 miles from the Chevron facility, and the Drift River is currently flooding because of the recent eruptions. The high water marks on the valley walls are estimated at 20 - 25 ft. The lahars from an eruption displace massive chunks of glacial ice and rock, some as big as houses, which are then swept downstream by the Drift River. Deposits from the lahars during the last major eruption in 1990 buried structures at the mouth of the Drift River.

Mt. ReDoubt is still active, and under a Code Red aviation alert. There were two more small eruptions recorded this morning. There have been 8 eruptions since Sunday. Further activity is anticipated. It should also be noted that the eruptions of 1989-1990 continued for a period of 5 months. More than 20 eruptions occurred during that cycle - with the most violent eruption coming at the end of the period.

Chevron is being called on to remove the oil from their tanks by various agencies, but they have made no commitment to doing so at this time. The real question is, can we afford to wait, and risk an environmental disaster similar to what happened in Valdez?

- photo of 1990 eruption by J. Warren, courtesy of AVO

Calm in the Eye

2009-03-24T20:19:00.000-08:00

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/23 @ 7:30 p.m.

2009-03-23T19:07:00.007-08:00

There have been five eruptions of Mt. ReDoubt since last night, lasting from four to thirty minutes in duration. The plume has been reported to have reached a height of 60,00 ft (11-12 miles). Activity has calmed, but further activity is possible, and in all likelihood will continue for a period of weeks to months.

Although we are only 70 miles from the volcano here in Homer, so far the winds have been in our favor. Ashfall has been reported in Talkeetna (155 miles N.E. of ReDoubt), and as far away as Healy (261 miles N.E. of ReDoubt). I have put together this map to give you an idea of relative locations. We did experience a widespread power outage on the Kenai Peninsula for about four hours this morning, but things are now stable.

The eruptions have knocked out numerous web cams in the vicinity of the volcano, and the weather is currently obscuring any view. At this time, we are relying on reports from the Alaska Volcano Observatory and other monitoring agencies for information updates.

Let's hope for a quiet night.

I will update as things progress.

(click on map to enlarge)

Mt. ReDoubt Update: 3/23 @ 12:00 p.m.

2009-03-23T12:15:00.003-08:00

We've been without power most of the morning, so reports on Mt. ReDoubt have been sporadic. There have been 5 eruption's since last night at about 10:30 p.m. The plume is currently reported at about 50,000 feet. Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage has covered its planes. Anchorage airport has cancelled many flights.

The winds are in our favor at this time, and it's business as usual in Homer. I spent the early part of this morning (before going into work-school), shutting down and covering the electronics at home. Things are snug on the homefront. All's good.

I will try to update again later.

Peace out.

Mt. ReDoubt: Code Red - Errupting

2009-03-23T07:03:00.007-08:00

I awoke this morning to a report that Mt. ReDoubt is Code Red...it is errupting. I am going to sign off, wrap the computer in plastic, and head into school. I will update later today if possible.

Coastal Entities

2009-03-22T10:43:00.007-08:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

Waning Gibbous Over Red Mountain

2009-03-19T08:06:00.019-08:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

Mt. Iliamna

2009-03-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

Of the 162 active volcanoes noted in the United States, 90 of them are located in Alaska.

This is Mt. Iliamna, a stratovolcano, located on the western side of Cook Inlet approximately 30 miles south of Mt. ReDoubt. Both volcanoes are part of the same panoramic view, but unfortunately I am unable to capture them together in the same photograph with my camera.

Iliamna stands at 10,016 ft (3,053 m), and plumes are an almost constant occurrence from the fumarole fields at 8,990 ft (2,740 m).

(click on photos to enlarge)

Contrasts in Light from the Perch

2009-03-18T11:47:00.000-08:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

Mt. ReDoubt: (Re)Update - Back to Orange

2009-03-16T12:55:00.001-08:00

How quickly things change.

Within minutes of posting my last post, I was informed by my neighbor that the aviation code for Mt. ReDoubt has once again been raised to orange. Our venture to Clam Gulch yesterday afternoon was just a few hours ahead of an increase in localized activity that resulted in a steam and ash plume rising as high as 15,000 feet into the air, and seismic activity of 3.2 - 4 in magnitude.

It seems my photos in the last post were a percursor to the ones displayed here taken by the Alaska Volcano Observatory later in the afternoon.

Stay tuned. Conditions are apt to evolve rapidly.

- photos courtesy of the Alaska Volcano Observatory

Mt. ReDoubt from Clam Gulch

2009-03-16T11:17:00.014-08:00

The Alaska Volcano Observatory lowered the aviation code for Mt. ReDoubt to yellow this past week. The aviation code was raised to orange in January due to an increase in earthquake activity - a sign of magma moving up through the earth.

Localized activity continues, with seismic disturbances, high gas emissions, and melting at the summit glacier. An eruption is still possible, and things could escalate from the current activity levels to an eruption in less than 24 hours, but scientists have determined that the magma beneath ReDoubt shows no signs of upward movement at this time. The change in the aviation code simply reflects that there is not enough evidence to continue with the immediate impending doom scenario, and states an admittance by the scientists that they just don't know what nature will do, or when.

These photos were taken yesterday when we drove out to Clam Gulch to do a bit of beachcombing (Clam Gulch is about 40 miles north of Homer). The photos give an idea of the current emission activity.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Off Season Assemblages

2009-03-10T06:15:00.008-08:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

Monochrome Studies: Lines

2009-03-08T16:51:00.037-08:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

Tree Moss

2009-03-05T06:00:00.001-09:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

Vigil

2009-03-01T16:38:00.019-09:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

Prep for the Ashfall: An Answer to Soph

2009-02-10T20:58:00.007-09:00

Mt. ReDoubt is still Code Orange, with most of the scientists saying that we should expect a repeat of the 1989-90 performance. So, how does one prepare for a volcanic eruption?

Volcanic ash is very fine (less than 10 microns), and very gritty. It is crystalline in structure, and will scratch most surfaces. The ash can infiltrate all but the most tightly sealed buildings, and can destroy the electronics in a home. Volcanic ash is also slippery, and quite heavy. A one-inch layer of ash weighs about ten pounds per square foot. Too much of it will bring a roof down, and it is advised that roofs be cleared before more than a few inches have accumulated.

In preparing for an eruption, one should stock respirators in the home and car, extra food and water for at least 72 hours, cleaning supplies, and plenty of plastic to wrap TV’s, computers, cameras, and anything else electronic. I'm prepared to wrap the furniture as well.

During an ashfall, one should close windows, doors, and dampers, and attempt to eliminate all draft sources. Wet towels should be placed at door thresholds. If possible, a visqueen pre-entry should be constructed to help prevent, or cut down on infiltration. Burning wood stoves and fireplaces should be avoided, as well as running exhaust fans or clothes dryers. Furnaces should be run on an intermittent schedule to prevent clogging the filter.

People should stay indoors if possible. Driving should be avoided, and if a person must drive, they should take the extra precaution of covering the air filter with pantyhose, or similar material, as ash can quickly clog the air filter and stall a car. If possible, all machinery should be shut down and sealed.

If an eruption occurs during school hours, it is probable that we will have to remain there until things have cleared a bit. Schools will most likely close if an eruption occurs during off hours. Evacuation from Homer is not likely. Heavy ashfall will close the airport, and driving the distance to Kenai (90 miles), or Anchorage (225 miles), will most likely prove impossible. Depending on the prevailing winds, the ashfall may prove worse in either of those locations.

The best we can do is to prepare the Perch for “just in case.” Abandoning the Perch is unlikely, as it may be our only haven. In the event of an eruption, we will have to look out for each other, and wait things out.

Mt. ReDoubt: April 21, 1990

2009-02-02T22:15:00.006-09:00

With ReDoubt currently in a Code Orange, I thought that a few photos from the last eruption might best express what is possible in this scenario. These photos were taken of ReDoubt on April 21, 1990.

Last time, ReDoubt erupted for a period of five months. The mushroom-shaped plume from the pyroclastic flows shot ash 30,000 - 50,000 feet into the jet stream...over nine miles high. It coated Anchorage with a layer of ash - over 100 miles away. The ash also flamed out the engines of a KLM jet 150 miles away.

Scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory say they are expecting a repeat performance.

Let's just hope they're wrong, and that things just fizzle.

(photos courtesy of the Alaska Volcano Observatory)

Code Orange on ReDoubt

2009-01-29T06:25:00.002-09:00

The earth rumbled out in Cook Inlet Saturday morning. The earthquake was a magnitude 5.7 on the Richter scale. It gave us a good little shake on the perch.

Early Sunday morning, seismic activity around Mt. ReDoubt picked up. Things remained active for about 5 hours. The aviation color code was changed from yellow to orange, indicating that an eruption may be imminent. Based on the increased activity, scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory stated that there is a 50-75% chance of an eruption, although they cannot predict the magnitude or time with any certainty. Mt. ReDoubt is only about 50 miles west of Homer.

Mt. ReDoubt last erupted twenty years ago, in 1989. Activity continued for 5 months, and its plume coated communities in the area and as far away as Anchorage with a layer of ash.

Local emergency action plans are being revisited. People have been advised to stock up on masks, respirators, food, and water.

Welcome to the Ring of Fire.

This. could. get. interesting.

Halftones from the Perch

2009-01-28T22:14:00.001-09:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

Coffee Among the Clouds

2009-01-24T22:04:00.012-09:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

Halibut Chowder

2009-01-19T06:59:00.009-09:00

Here’s a recipe from this past week’s menu – a “Butt Chowder” that’s easy to make, deliriously delicious, and freezes well. It's also great comfort food. Freeze the leftovers in Tupperware, and throw them in your cooler for your next outing. They'll serve as ice packs in the cooler, and make for an easy, scrumptious meal.

Halibut Chowder

4 cups halibut cut up
16 oz. cream cheese
3 cups milk
1 can sliced carrots (4-5 fresh)
10-12 scallions – chopped or sliced
2 cloves garlic – pressed
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 can niblets corn
¾ stick of butter
3 cans Cream of Potato soup
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup

Add: Cream cheese and milk to crock pot. Heat and stir until creamy.

Melt butter. Sauté (carrots first if using fresh), scallions, garlic, halibut, cayenne pepper

Add sauté mix to Crockpot when cream cheese is melted.

Add: corn, Cream of Potato soup, Cream of Mushroom soup (don’t add water or milk).

Heat 3-4 hours…until good and hot.

Enjoy!

*

Ice Racing on Beluga Lake

2008-12-30T10:49:00.001-09:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

Saturday on the Spit

2008-12-27T17:23:00.005-09:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

Morning Light on the Perch

2008-12-27T00:32:00.003-09:00

(click on photo to enlarge)

Congregation

2008-12-16T19:23:00.007-09:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

First Friday: Cinema 127

2008-12-06T10:23:00.011-09:00

On the First Friday of each month the local art galleries hold their opening receptions for new exhibits. There was quite a repertoire to choose from last night. Taz Tally was showing his photographs of the Kenai Peninsula at the Art Shop Gallery. Jo Going had created a sacred grove, "Stones, Poems, and Angels," as a full gallery installation at the Bushnell Street Arts Center. Michael Murray was presenting his watercolor series "We're Traveling Musicians" at the Fireweed Gallery. Two contemporary Aleut artists, David Groat and Patrick Lind were being showcased at Picture Alaska. And there was more...

There was too much to meander through in one evening. In the end, I opted for The Homer Film Society's showing of 14 animated short films from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States at Cinema 127. It would be a one time showing, and I could catch the other presentations sans artists over the course of the month.

Cinema 127 sets unnoticed, just off of Bishop's Beach, in a warehouse tucked away at 127 Bunnell Ave. Thus the name. It is art nouveau of a different bent - it's all very Homeresque. The icy path leading to Cinema 127 was only subtly marked, with a small handwritten sign highlighted in the darkness by two brown paper bags with candles in them. Still, there was a full house of aficionados in attendance.

During the course of the evening we were treated to an array of films from the Anchorage International Film Festival that ranged from entertaining (the womencentric series "Teat Beat on Sex" by Signe Baumane), to enlightening (the fluid brilliance of "Symphony" by Erik Oh), and from the too real "Pac(hyderm) Attack!!") to the surreal ("The Misadventures of Moon Kitty"). "Codswallop" by the The Brothers McLeod, and "Yellow Sticky Notes" by Jeff Chiba Sterns, were two other notable entries. Follow the links provided off the titles for samplings, and perhaps a smile for your day. Let me know your faves.

Enjoy your weekend!

(photo - stills from "Symphony by Erik Oh)

Local Color: Cafe Cups

2008-11-02T15:05:00.007-09:00

This is my favorite local restaurant, Cafe Cups. They provide a gourmet seafood experience, and the atmosphere is uniquely Homer.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Local Color: The Old Inlet Bookshop

2008-11-02T15:00:00.012-09:00

Andy, the proprietor of The Old Inlet Bookshop, is a second generation bibliophile, and he deals in used, rare, and out of print books. This is not your Barnes & Noble. Perhaps you might be looking for a rare, signed, first edition of Robert Lowell's The Mills of the Kavanaughs? Old medical books? Early Alaskan journals?

Andy is a great guy, with a fascinating mind, and I love his place. I have found some interesting books there that just had to go home with me, including: first editions of Ted Hughes' A Dancer to God: Tribute to T.S. Eliot, e e cummings' i: Six Nonlectures, and Dali & Halsman's Dali's Moustache.

This is what I look for in a bookstore. I'm sure glad it's part of the local color.

Sunday Stroll on Bishop's Beach

2008-10-26T12:11:00.020-08:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

Lures on the Lines

2008-10-26T12:10:00.002-08:00

As I drive past the Jehovah Witness Hall on my way to work each day I am met with the site of a number of lures on the lines out front. The first time I encountered this I was mystified as to why so many lures were tangled on these lines, as the location is right on the main road, and a ways from the beach. It is not a location where you'd think people would gather to practice their casting. I initially assumed it was some sort of allusion to the fisher of men.

On closer inspection with a camera, I found that the lures are not accidental tangles, but deliberately placed with hangars. I have since been informed of their purpose.

Can you figure out why these lures are there?

A Fool's Cartography

2008-10-19T06:48:00.010-08:00

The first two photos were taken from the end of the Spit, and the last shot was taken from the perch. As you can see, the snowline is descending. Winter is icummen in*.

The mountain peeking out at you in the first photo sets between Poot Peak and Portlock Plateau. It has remained nameless on the maps - as many of the mountains around here have. I propose we name this one. I want to note it on my map. What do you suggest?

As an aside, Mt. McKinley (20,320 ft), that BIG hunk of rock north of here, was known as Denali ("Great One"), until a bit of legislation changed its name to honor a dead president of questionable genetics (I can say what I want, I'm related to the fool through my grandmother's blood). I guess this is just to say, let's leave dead people out of this. And rock singers, too. Thank you.

The mountain of grandeur in the final pic is Sadie Peak (4320 ft.).

* see Ezra Pound's Ancient Music

(click on photos to enlarge)

2008-10-17T17:00:00.004-08:00

(click on photo to enlarge)

Perch Bells

2008-10-11T05:13:00.004-08:00

Road Hazard

2008-10-11T05:00:00.001-08:00

The Sign

2008-10-06T05:40:00.000-08:00

Suddenly the pilgrimage stopped.

Everyone began pointing, and stammering, “It’s a sign.”

We'd been waiting for so long.

“What do you think it means?” we asked. “What should we do?”

Many Moods Make a Mountain

2008-09-28T09:00:00.001-08:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

Iliamna & Redoubt

2008-09-28T08:50:00.011-08:00

Mt. Iliamna (10,019 ft.), and Mt. Redoubt (10,197 ft) are both active, glacier-carved volcanoes. These two gargantuas are set in the Chigmit Mountains of the Aleutian Range, on the western side of Cook Inlet.

Mt. Iliamna maintains active fumaroles at about 9,000 feet, but there are no significant eruptions on record. Mt. Redoubt's last eruption occurred in 1989. At that time, Redoubt spewed a plume to 45,000 feet, and the ash covered an area of 7,700 square miles after it settled. Redoubt is the highest peak in the Aleutian Range.

To give you a bit of perspective with regard to the scale here - it should be noted that the mountains are about 50 miles away in the photos. Welcome to the Ring of Fire.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Flea Circus & "Buddy"

2008-09-28T08:42:00.001-08:00

2008-09-28T04:27:00.002-08:00

Scripts

2008-09-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

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(photos of The Burning Basket Project 2008)

Surpass - A Poem of Sorts

2008-09-21T19:08:00.019-08:00

(click on photos to enlarge)

- photos of The Burning Basket Project 2008

The Burning Basket Project

2008-09-20T10:39:00.031-08:00

For the past week, the locals have been constructing a large basket on the Spit under the guidance of artist/naturalist Mavis Muller. The basket is scheduled to be burned tomorrow evening during a potluck gathering.

People are invited to add prayer scripts, lists of things they would like to let go of, or tokens of remembrance before the lighting of the basket. There is also a labrynth being configured nearby, composed of small shrines that people put together from materials found in nature.

That's Mavis in the first photo. To learn more about Mavis and the Burning Basket Project - which began in Homer in 2004 - visit her website at Mavis Muller Art.

(click on photos to enlarge)