I was born in the sagebrush dotted lands of eastern Washington in the town of Tonasket. My family, still navigating their way from the east coast, eventually brought their journey to an end on a jut of land extending out into the Puget Sound.
There, surrounded by water, sky, and mountains, I grew up. With each season an new adventure awaited.
Spring hikes along flowering trails of the Olympic Mountains, Summer sailing trips up through the San Juan Isles and British Columbia, in Fall beachcombing and cookouts, with Winter finishing the year skiing the slopes of Mount Rainier.
It is a difficult choice, choosing between beach or mountain. Like being asked which you prefer, mother or father? To choose one is to spurn the other.
This filial son offers a third choice: the sea.
The sea, its supple waters lapping at the beach, embracing the feet of mountains.
For myself the sea is life, it is love, it is home.
It is both the beginning and end of my adventure.
Where journey ends and peace remains.
Ever after.
— William “Stone-Soup” Carder
