1500: 80F in the shade off our back deck which faces the channel. Only a very light breeze with low smooth 'channel chop' out of the W. Despite the recent Glacial release, the flood was lower than the past 2 years and barriers help-no atmospheric river to dump extra rain. It has been nearly 'rainless' for going on two weeks...the woods are dry enough to increase the fire danger warning to moderate. Two small fires out the road near a recreation are with cabins had local fire and forest service/park staff and volunteer working to contain them -even while standing by for flood rescues. Less bird life, fewer juncos, chickadees and pine siskins although the corvids seem to be in good form. A few sapsuckers and hairy woodpecker have flitted about the woods near our house. Eagles have gathered along the rivers where salmon are spawning and the black bears have moved inland a bit, not so many seen along the roads or neighborhoods. Two sets of cubs seen in our area this Spring look healthy and a few blacktail deer still munch grasses along the roads in the evening. Grasses and bushes are starting to yellow and the vine maple, devils club, mountain ash and elderberry foliage beginning to take on Fall colors along their edges.
Most trails, other than those going through muskeg are fairly dry and even the muskeg water levels seem lower.
Tourist traffic from the cruise ships is overwhelming although many are from areas where it has been hotter, drier or ''busier'...so are liking the 'relative peace and 'climate comfort'. Re: agriculture: some gardens are doing well after a late start but the wild berry crop is down-leaving most of ours for any migrating birds.
Being on hydro power, helps with fuel and utility costs although those of use with cisterns and rain water catchment are looking forward to next week's predicted rain. Roads have been dusty and air quality impacted as so much road repair and heavy construction activity ongoing with the'favorable dry weather'.