Day 1: Hartford - Seattle - Iron Creek
We are leaving Hartford at some ungodly hour before sunrise. Prof. Geiss doles out breakfast treats at the airport and we dine in style while waiting in line to go through security. In Pittsburgh Prof. Morrison notices that she is hatless and is looking for a replacement. Unfortunately we are unable to convince her that she looks great in Heinz - 57 varieties gear.
In Seattle we pick up our van and get out of town . While buying gas Prof. Morrison finally finds the type of outfit that suits her: black with a blaze orange Stihl chainsaw logo. During the rest of the trip her inquiries regarding potential spotted owl breeding sites remain fruitless. Park rangers and Forest Service volunteers have never heard of the elusive bird...
Our first campsite, Iron Creek, is reached after a short drive through forest. Tall trees and clearcuts everywhere. We stop a few times talk about tree species, the effects of clearcutting and how to tell managed forest from old growth. We set up our tents under gigantic trees. Tomorrow, when we measure their height, our clinometers will max out somewhere near 200 feet.
We set up tents and have have plenty of time before dinner to hang out, explore the forest, walk along the stream or prepare for upcoming campfire talks.
