Magnificent Bryozoan

Day 326: This is a colony of Magnificent Bryozoans (Pectinatella magnifica). Yes, that's really the name of the organisms which form this gelatinous underwater mass. I would imagine (I would hope!) that some of you are opening your mouths and/or limbering up your fingers to ask, "A what? What's a bryozoan?" The word translates as "moss animal," and that pretty much says it in a nutshell. Although they could easily be mistaken for a coral or blob of algae, these creatures (zooids) are filter-feeding aquatic invertebrate animals. Seen singly, they resemble tiny sea anemones. A colony begins when a single zooid buds to reproduce genetically identical copies of itself asexually. As the colony matures, the reproductive process converts to a sexual one. Large colonies such as this one are a mosaic of smaller colonies (each with its own individual genotype) which must merge before their gelatinous exoskeletons harden. The Magnificent Bryozoan is unusual in that it occurs in fresh water (most bryozoans are marine). They are native to North America and to the Pacific Northwest, although until recently, they were considered rather rare here.

I encountered my first Magnificent Bryozoan colony in Swofford Pond two years ago. I had no idea what I was seeing, and quite honestly, I was rather repelled by the great gobs of goo I saw floating just below the surface of the lake. I made some inquiries and found out that these creatures are becoming more prevalent in our lakes, and some scientists believe that this is due to a rise in water temperatures. I am inclined to agree. During my September Morn paddle, I encountered HUNDREDS of colonies along the west edge of the Tilton Arm where it debouches into Mayfield Lake. Most were attached to submerged logs and branches, but a few were free-floating.

Magnificent Bryozoan colonies are large (up to two feet across) and surprisingly firm, if reports are to be believed. Thank you, I will admire this life-form from the 'yak. I feel no compelling need to lift one out of the water for the sake of science.

Adams' Island Adventure

Day 241: I let myself get psyched out by a log from another geocacher for a hide on Adams' Island, or I would have been out here in my kayak last fall. He'd mentioned taking an "accidental swim," so I assumed that getting in and out of the boat was tricky. Someone else had mentioned "ledge jumping," and that was enough to put me off the cache. Nevertheless, Mayfield Lake presented a kayaking opportunity even if I couldn't attain the island. In other words, I decided I had to see it for myself.

Now it has to be said that I am not the world's best example when it comes to filing a flight plan with anybody. I've hiked alone all my life, and seldom told anyone where I was going. Chances were good I'd deviate from the agenda anyway...one thing leads to another when you're an adventuresome sort...so telling someone I'd be up the Blah-blah Trail and would return at 4 PM seemed entirely pointless when I'd more likely head off with map and compass to try to find some bathtub-sized tarn and might not get back until almost bedtime. However, with concerns about dumping myself in the Cowlitz River, I took exception to the standard disregard for protocol and told three friends where I was headed. It was a classic GAR model...Global Assessment of Risk...Green-Amber-Red. For me, this one lit up the caution light.

Well, I got all anxious for nothing. There were several spots to bring the 'yak in on tiny Adams' Island, and while I didn't pick the easiest one, at no time was I in danger of tipping myself into the lake. I was more at risk when I went further up-river and got into whirlpool eddies just past the bridge. It was the closest I've come to being seasick in the kayak, and I prudently retreated before it could become an issue despite the fact that I really wanted to see what was around that next bend. Knowing when to call it quits has kept me going this long, even though my friends might tell you I sometimes push the envelope; I think I've struck a workable balance between "old" and "bold."