Knock your breath out cold

Only a couple nights of Spotted Owl surveying left for us.  Sadly, we will soon be leaving the great coast of Oregon and saying so-long to its....well....umm.....hmm....indescribable beauty.

BUT...not quite yet....

We're sticking around to gaze at a few last sights and try and soak up as much of the rain forest and salty coast smell into our pores and clothing as possible.

Where are we off to next? 
What critters will we work with in the near future?

Well, those are good questions.

We're not sure yet, a few things are in the mix, but don't worry- 

you'll be the first, or maybe third or fourth to know...

 Adult Barred Owl vs. juvenile fledgling complete with fluff on top of head.  Juvenile chicks often outweigh their parents during this period of life, but are quick to lose the excess weight after learning to hunt for themselves.

Northwestern Garter Snake - 
Notice the musk dripping down the finger...Not to worry,  
enjoying the little guy's company outweighs a few hours of stink any day.

Young's River Falls south of Astoria 

Coldest pool of water EVER.... knock your breath out cold.

(Judging by your expressions, you'd like to know just how cold,
after all - how cold is cold?) 

We would say it rivals the Pacific Ocean's temps right now ~ 58 °F.  

Colder than last summer's river crossing Teton Wilderness escapades.

Basking rocks for afterward, however, were conveniently scattered about.

The sun was ridiculously bright this evening- even for a sunset.  Luckily, we happened to drive by an overlook that provided us with the opportunity to see above the cloud line as well as to the ocean below.  Almost like something you'd see out of an airplane window.