The text and paintings on The Trowbridge Chronicles are taken from the illustrated journal of Violet Trowbridge, a shrew that once lived in a village deep in the Olympic Rain Forest. Each new post will represent a portion of Mrs. Trowbridge’s journal.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

SEA STACK HOLIDAY

In case you have wondered why Trowbridge posts have slowed down recently, my father just passed away last Saturday. I've been occupied on weekends at his bedside over the past few weeks.

Mrs. Trowbridge wrote often about their favorite vacation spot, Crescent Sea Stack, on the North Channel. It was also a favorite wedding spot, as you might imagine...if you're a shrew, that is. This stack is typical of the many sea stacks on the north Washington coast, the longest remaining stretch of wild beach in the lower 48. This rugged, primeval coastline boasts more sea stacks than anywhere else in America.

Mrs. T. painted this scene in mid-morning, just as the fog was beginning to lift. I am always amazed at the painting skills that she displayed. She painted the fog so seamlessly that it would appear that she used an airbrush. But her principle media was watercolors. She ground the pigments herself, using raw materials that she gathered from the rain forest.