But then suddenly, we are brought up short, when we realize that whatever has been accomplished so far is solely God’s Doing! He has been the “Driving Force” behind everything. He provided the idea in the first place! He worked the miracles that made it possible for us to proceed. He is the one who put it in the hearts of those who agreed to serve as Board members. He is the one who energized our many volunteers. He is the one who has moved our dedicated supporters to provide the financial resources. He is the one who enables us to keep going – looking to the day when we will open the doors to serve Him.

All of us – managers, board members, contributors, volunteer workers and other ” praying friends” need to be reminded from time to time that The Refuge is God’s Doing in His Time and ultimately, it is for His Glory. Hence the title of this post – “Soli Dei Gloria” For God’s Glory Alone. Let’s go public with this statement, lest at any time, any of us (partners in this venture) are tempted to think that we’ve done it. Sure, in a sense, thanks to all of you who give and help and pray, we have done it – or more properly – are still doing it. But it has only been because God has enabled us to do it.

Now having said all that, it’s important to note that we’re not done yet. We’ve still got a good ways to go. As I write this we are about to get our final “revision” plans which incorporate the many changes that we’ve made as we’ve gone along. This will enable us to complete the roof over the great room so that we are truly “dried in”. It will also mean final approval of our sprinkler system design and then, following that, our mechanical design and permit for our heating, cooling and venting requirements.

Two weeks ago we ordered all the cultured stone (river rock) for the central four fireplaces, which will enable us to get started applying “facia stone” (stone veneer) to this massive structure. For those of you who might be worried about a smoke-filled great room and lobby area, we’ve been “exercising” our two Rumford woodburning fireplaces, and they are working beautifully. Smoke goes up the 30 foot high chimney flues and only heat flows into the room. This past week volunteer Jan Friend and I poured the first of the three concrete slabs for the three stone hearths.

We’re scheduled to pour the others next week. (The in-room fireplaces will not have stone facia hearths but tile instead). We’re especially grateful to Ron Kingham and Dave Gibson who constructed the hearths and helped build the forms for the concrete slabs.

Ron and Cathy Kingham

Dave Gibson helps cut boards.

Then today, thanks to a special “window of opportunity” we ordered the remaining windows for the great room west wall. These windows soar up to the top of the cathedral ceiling in the great room 21 feet above the floor. They form an Eastern Cross with their upper and lower cross beams (already in place). This special order will be ready in 30 days, about the time we hope to have the final great room roof in place. Some dear friends recently gave us a contribution to cover the cost of these eight large windows. We are thankful indeed for their kindness.

Meanwhile the (somewhat) tedious task of cutting out and staining the balcony railing boards (hearts & crosses) and battens for the exterior upper story cedar planking, proceeds apace. Very labor-intensive, but something that volunteers can do well.

Winter has come to The Refuge in force. Because temperatures in this valley tend to run about 4-5 degrees lower than the surrounding area ( such as along Hood Canal) and winter sun only penetrates for 4-5 hours per day, our snow (deposited via 2-3 snowfalls of late, is still on the ground and our driveway (aka as sledding hill) has remained snow-covered (and not accessible for vehicles without chains). Needless to say, the younger set, such as Wesley, Nicholas & Peter Kosierowski had a wonderful time speeding down the hill on sleds and mini-toboggans, not always making every turn. Jerry & Diane Kosierowski worked alongside Robbie and me felling trees and clearing brush. The boys helped too, taking a break from sledding.

Late update: Due to warmer temperatures, wind and rain, most of our snow is now gone. But up on the mountains and hills around us, it is an everpresent reminder that it is, in fact, winter at The Refuge.

Robbie takes a ride with grandson Daniel.

UP-COMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES: On Friday, 25 January, Robbie hosted the first (of what will eventually be many such activities) “cookbook giveaway.” Thanks to a gift from Elaine Davia, The Refuge has so many cookbooks that we can share them with ladies from the valley. Then in February, two groups will be coming to The Refuge; Faith Presbyterian Elders retreat at Duckabush House, and the Whidbey Island OCF Bible Study Group. The latter group will be coming to help us with various projects. They are a fun group to have out here to work.

A NOTE OF THANKS! As many of you know, back in early November, I (Jim) fell asleep at the wheel of The Refuge Van, ran off the road into a ditch and totaled the car. Happily, I walked away without a scratch (praise be to God). But, no more van – what to do? Then some very kind friends donated a 1999 Mercury Villager Van to The Refuge so we would have transportation in carrying out Refuge activities. This was no hand-me-down junker. This was a top of the line vehicle with relatively low mileage. What a Christmas present to The Refuge and to us. We are still thanking God for these generous friends and their timely gift. Here is a picture of the Van with its new owners (Actually The Refuge owns the van).

VOICES FROM THE REFUGE: About the time we get the first of the Tales From The Refuge series published, we plan to also release a CD with Grandpa Edgren reading some of the tales (with the voices) to include the first published tale. If you are interested in receiving such a CD, let us know.

VOLUNTEER WORKERS ALWAYS WELCOME: Since we have plenty of work to do inside the building, as well as much clearing and picking up as a result of winter storms outside, we can use volunteers regardless of the weather. But we do need to know in advance when you are coming and how many of you, so we can plan accordingly.

A group of volunteers move tables and help ‘winterize’ the Refuge.

OUR MAILING LIST: We only mail our newsletters to folks with whom we’ve had contact. We do not take the “blanket marketing” approach to getting the word out. Except for this website and “word of mouth,” we trust God to bring people into our circle of Friends of The Refuge. We do not solicit. So, if you read this blog and want to be included on our mailing list, please let us know and we’ll put you on our list. We encourage folks to read our Statement of Faith before getting involved.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this blog, our purpose is to Glorify God in whatever we do and how we live.

SOLI DEI GLORIA

Robbie & Jim Edgren, Hosts

Dear Friends:

In our most recent newsletter (August 2007) we talked about the importance of keeping a journal on God’s faithfulness to us – to recount His gracious provision over the years that The Refuge has been in the making – and to chronicle our progress and the involvement of our faithful supporters and volunteers. So, we thought that we would begin with our September blog to tell The Refuge Story; (Past); to talk about where we are in the process (Present); and to lay out for you some of the plans for current and future ministry.

The Board Members break ground and ask for the Lord’s blessing on the Retreat Center.

As many of you know, we’ve been at this project of building and developing The Refuge Retreat Center for a number of years, having begun the process of acquiring land and forming a board of directors in 1999, just 8 years ago. To some folks this seems like a long time to be about this task. And from time to time, we too, get impatient. But, given our founding principles (incurring no debt and building only as God provided the resources) it isn’t such a long time after all. In fact, it’s just a fleeting “moment” compared to Noah’s construction project which took 120 years. There’s no time like God’s time. So, we press forward at the pace that He has set for us and rest in His perfect will for The Refuge.

The great blessing in all of this is that we’ve been able to have a viable Ministry out here at The Refuge even though the main building is not yet completed. Those of you that have been out here know that having Duckabush House available as well as the beautiful environment surrounding us, has made it possible for ministry to take place. Since we last wrote on this web page (August 8th) much has happened that you should know about. Duckabush House continues to serve as a place of “refuge”, relaxation and rejuvenation for families, couples, individuals and groups.

We hosted two large families (Roths & Hastings), several short visits from old friends (Sherrards, Prouts, Struthers), missionaries-in-residence (Bemenderfers), father-son work group (Blais, Quarto & Steinborn families) and of course our Annual Labor Day Pastors & Wives Retreat. Twenty-eight folks (including supporting staff) were present for that one-day retreat, led once again by Carl & Betsy Armerding, which proved to be a refreshing time of singing, teaching, sharing, prayer & fellowship (not to mention the great food prepared by Robbie with help from Dottie Cole and Sharon Bridwell).

At the same time, thanks to the volunteer efforts of Jan Friend, Ted Roloson and Diane & Dave Gibson, we were able to complete the staining of all the logs (to include final protective coating), the boards and battens and about half of the cutting of the balcony and porch balustrade pieces (hearts & crosses). We are still waiting for final inspection of the north end of the building exterior framing before we can apply the remaining pre-stained log siding there, but that should be forthcoming shortly.

In our August newsletter, we mentioned opportunities to fund specific projects – among them the north handicapped entry door – which we estimated would cost about $2500 to build. Well, here’s an example of God’s provision. No sooner was the newsletter in the mail than some dear friends committed to underwriting the entire cost of the door while another couple gave an additional $500 which we will use to install automatic handicapped-access door openers for those approaching by wheel chair. God is good. We give thanks for those who listen to His voice and become His instruments.

At the end of this month we will be providing a quiet time of retreat for a young wife and family welcoming back their husband/father from Iraq. We will continue to minister to wives and families of deployed service members in the days ahead. We will also be hosting a group of pastors from Mason County for a one day Prayer Retreat in October. An event to which we are looking forward with anticipation. So, as God continues to shower us with “minor” miracles, He likewise brings folks to us for ministry – both theirs and ours.

We are also looking forward to a time of great enjoyment when we get to host five of our grandchildren out here at Duckabush House for a week. For many grandparents, having their grandchildren with them for any period of time is a “chore” at best and a difficult time at worst. But, we are happy to report, having Joshua, Rachel, Daniel, David and Sarah with us is always a joy. We thank God that we are so blessed.

Well, I think this is enough for this time. Next installment we’ll talk a bit about our “founding fathers” and how The Refuge came into being – as well as how God met us in a wonderful way to confirm those early decisions.

Sincerely,

Robbie & Jim Edgren
Hosts at The Refuge

For the past six weeks we’ve been privileged to have Chaplain Ted Roloson, US Army, Retired, with us out here at The Refuge as a volunteer worker. Ted is on the pastoral staff at Victory Highway Wesleyan Church in upstate New York, and was able to take time off to help us out here. His help has been invaluable, particularly since he has so many construction skills and is, like some of our other volunteers, a very hard worker. He’s also a dear friend.

We were talking recently about how working on a project such as The Refuge can be a ministry – both to the organization and to the person volunteering. As we talked, I asked Ted if he would write something up for our blog/newsletter on the subject. So, here are some of his thoughts:

Each day that God gives us is part of a plan for our lives. His purpose for us is to become more like Jesus as we serve him by helping to advance His Kingdom. Some people are content to live selfishly seeking pleasure as they travel to and fro. Others are idle and waste opportunities as they sit back simply rocking away in their chairs. Neither find joy or satisfaction.

Jesus’ Word gives direction for purposeful living and finding real joy. I’ve learned the truth of Jesus’ words – “It is more blessed to give than to receive” and His direction to use our God-given gifts and talents for His glory. I’ve found real joy volunteering by visiting the sick and shut-ins in hospitals and nursing homes, putting roofs on houses after Katrina, or cutting trees after a tornado in Missouri. In each situation I’ve come away feeling that I’ve received more than I’ve given.

There is also joy and blessedness in volunteering at The Refuge. First, I’m blessed as I realize that I can have a part in providing a refuge for the needy Christian Community. Second, I’m blessed as I see God provide for this faith venture in both small and big ways. I’ve found joy in making new friends and seeing others encouraged. As I do some of the menial tasks I feel good because I know it frees up the contractor to do what only he can do. There is joy in seeing tasks completed (i.e. getting the logs and cedar siding stained). There is joy in using the richness of God’s blessing to help advance His kingdom.

Finally, there is real joy in working in the beautiful Olympic Mountains, enjoying meals together (and Robbie’s great cooking)and watching a beautiful building take shape. We can all be blessed, whether we pray, give or labor, we’re equally part of a great work.

Someone said, “If not me, who?” “If not now, when?” The need is great. There is real joy in praying, giving and working. Some can do all three. I am truly blessed as a volunteer and consider it a privilege to serve my Lord and Savior in this way.

Ted Roloson

Chaplain Ted Roloson puts a corner balcony banister in place as Tim Edgren assists from above.

REFUGE MAIN LODGE – PROGRESS TO DATE:

Here are a couple of pictures of the Main Lodge as seen from the south, showing log and board siding in place with balcony railing also in place. Note our signature design of the Maltese Cross and the Heart in our balcony railings. The balcony that looks out to the South is known as Grandma’s Balcony because this is where Robbie will display and nurture some of her best cascading flowers from flower boxes to be installed below the railings. This area gets a lot of sun, and we think that a beautiful floral display there will be an inspiration to all who see it.

As I write this, we continue to apply stain to the logs and the vertical cedar boards and battens and should be getting the finishing touches to the roof early next week. That will still leave us the great room roof to complete, but with additional volunteer help we hope to be dried-in before winter. Also within the next two weeks we expect to work on the main entrance structure and install the main entrance door. So, we press on toward completion of the main lodge. God is faithful and He continues to provide for us.

Samuel Edgren helps with the balcony.

Our next newsletter should be out within the next three weeks.

Thank you for standing with us in this Faith Adventure.

Robbie & Jim Edgren

They mean well, I’m sure, but they can be downright destructive. As soon as some volunteers plant, these big (and smelly) volunteers arrive to pull-up what has been planted. They usually come late in the afternoon or evening, and hang around all night. We could do without this kind of volunteer “labor” – I think you know who we’re talking about – the “Elk-qaieda.” (They do bestow one benefit. They help fertilize our grass – if you like that kind of fertilizer).

But enough about them. Recently we had a family commit to spending the better part of a day (in the rain) pulling weeds (oregon grape & blackberry thorn bushes) and then planting small fir trees. From the youngest to the oldest, spirits remained high – though we all were a bit soggy by early afternoon – so we went inside and played games.

The past couple of weeks Chaplains Jan Friend and Ted Roloson have been out here staying at Duckabush House and helping with a number of projects – to include the staining of the hundreds of logs needed for the exterior siding. They also installed guard rails along the road over our culvert and replaced our meadow fence. (The elk had pushed down some of the fence posts and cross rails). They (Jan & Ted – not the elk) have been a tremendous help to us in so many ways.

We thought you’d like to see the latest pictures of the main lodge. Note the new balcony under construction. We call this our “Romeo & Juliet” balcony, since it is high enough to preclude any climbing up. Seriously, it will provide additional light on the upper stair landing. We can already see the mass of beautiful hanging geraniums cascading down in the Alpine style.

Well, getting back to the subject, the bottom line is – we can use volunteers – all ages, all sizes. Come on out to visit. We’d love to have you.

That’s the latest from The Refuge. Thanks for stopping by.

Robbie & Jim Edgren, Hosts

Greetings from the Duckabush Valley where, believe it or not, the sun is so bright it tends to be “blinding.” Yes, Spring may have finally arrived – or at least a harbinger of Spring – here at The Refuge. And just in time. What with its yellow sheet-rock sheathing and bright forest green roof, the main lodge reminds us of a field of yellow daffodils amidst fresh greenery.

Our first trillium has poked through the forest floor and daffodils are springing up all over. Reminders of the Resurrection are all over the place. And, as we celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus on Easter Sunday, we give thanks for all that God has done for us – in so many ways.

Recently we got together with our neighbors the Muellers, George, Kathy & Marjie (Peggy was unable to be with us) for supper and fellowship. Some of you may know that it was this family who sold us the first parcels of land upon which The Refuge is now being developed. Their generosity in selling to us at a very reasonable price, was part of the miracle God worked in getting us started. They were able to share a good deal of the history of the valley with us. We enjoyed getting together.

Early last week Jan Friend and I spent two days staining logs. We’ve got a lot more yet to go, but we did make a dent. We plan to have a workday (for men only) on Saturday, 21 April, devoted to staining.

Our next full-scale work day will be Saturday 12 May – 0900-1600 hrs. Bring your own lunch – we’ll provide beverages, snacks, etc.

Well, that’s it from The Refuge. We hope you had a Happy Easter celebrating the Resurrection of Christ.

Robbie & Jim Edgren

Amy, Desiree & Daniel catching a ride back to the burning pile.

Even though it rained off and on all day Saturday, this crew managed to get our trails cleared and cleaned (groomed) (the girls handled that task), the upper parking area cleared of trees and brush (men & boys on that project) – and still had time for a hike to Murhut Falls.

“And who is this feeding the fires?”

Three teenage boys, James D., Daniel Q. & Gabriel R. took turns driving the tractor and hauling load after load of cut-up logs to the firewood pile for future splitting – (guess who’ll do that).

Daniel & Gabriel hauling logs.

Meanwhile the menfolk (Nathan, Mike, Dennis and Doug) were busy with four chainsaws, dropping trees, cutting slash and cutting up downed trees (from previous windstorms). By Saturday evening, so much progress had been made that it looked like a swarm of locusts had swept through.

Here are some pictures of the gang in action:

Mike, Nathan & Denis burning slash.

Doug cutting up firewood.

Meals were provided by Grace, Bonnie and Cheryl. The women and girls also helped Robbie in various ways. Robbie & I were invited to dinner both Friday & Saturday nights and shared in their group devotions as well. Of course Grandpa Edgren read the traditional stories to the group, which have become a part of these group experiences at Duckabush House.

Our special thanks to these dear friends for all their hard work. It is folks like these who are making The Refuge dream come true.

Until next time, Jim (& Robbie) Edgren
Your hosts at The Refuge

Perhaps some of you may recall a famous painting of Jesus, standing at the door (our heart’s door) and knocking. The door in that painting was a Roman-arched door with no handle on the outside. That painting was the inspiration for the south entry door of The Refuge, which arrived on site today (20 February). I had drawn up a rough sketch of the kind of door we wanted, and Mark, our craftsman-contractor had said, “I can build that door”. Since we wanted a uinque design – a raised cross – the door had to be hand-crafted. No such door was comercially available. And so, for the last several months, working on it little by little, Mark finally completed the door just in time to be placed in position as the south stairwell is installed.

Robbie & Jim “standing at the door” prior to it being installed at the south entrance.

This door is no ordinary door. First it is wider than most doors (42 inches) and far heavier (over 300 lbs). It is made from one of the large Douglas Fir stumps that we saved when we excavated. The wood is more than 225 years old. It was that old when it was felled, which we think was about 80 years ago. The raised-embedded cross is made from beautifully figured big leaf maple, also from a tree that we felled a couple of years ago, and likely over 150 years old. The Black Walnut wood on the outside (and cross on the inside) was obtained locally but we don’t know how old that is. It took our boom truck to lower the door into place.

The door, being one of the three entry doors into the lodge, with its embedded crosses on both sides, will be a reminder to all who pass through it, that this lodge is dedicated to the service of Our Lord Jesus Christ – and a further reminder that our spiritual life was made possible by just such a cross.

This shot shows the door being swung into place by a crane. Alan is steadying the door.

Since the door will be surrounded by stone facings, this southeast corner of the main lodge will have a decidedly medieval European look. The window will be barred (in medieval fashion) but with stained glass. Wrought iron lanterns will hang on either side of the door.

Mark (who handcrafted the door) and Alan about to set the door into place.

So, the arrival and installation of “the door” was kind of a big deal around here. We thought we’d share it with you.

A warm & sunny day in February – Dave & Diane Gibson & Robbie on Refuge balcony

More next time, from The Refuge. Robbie & Jim Edgren

Robbie with Dave & Diane Gibson on the balcony of the master suite

Normally, we write to you in these “blog” pieces about progress on the physical plant, but this time it’s about the way in which God has used a talented professional to bring a blessing to The Refuge while presenting a program of music which was both inspiring and entertaining. Diana performed a “Beethoven Sampler” of his piano sonata music. Robbie and I have never heard better playing on the concert stage. Diana’s handling and interpretation of several of Beethoven’s most challenging works was superb.

We also wanted to offer refreshments after the concert that would leave a “good taste” in everyone’s mouth. Reminiscent of Vienna in the days of Mozart & Beethoven, there was a long table spread with 10-12 varieties of cakes, tarts & assorted fruits, snacks, finger foods and cookies. We were blessed with help from Friends of The Refuge, to include help with clean-up. We wanted folks to go away feeling “filled & fulfilled” so that no one need go away hungry.

The net result – about 75 people came to the concert and gave a handsome offering to The Refuge, for which we are thankful. Our special thanks go to those who helped in so many ways. Among them, Daniel & David Edgren, who handed out programs, Rachel & Sarah Edgren, who presented the flowers to Diana at the end of the concert, those who brought cookies, cakes & assorted goodies, the Bridwells, Coles, Websters & Nancy Ham who stayed to help clean up. And special thanks to SFC White, who assisted in many ways. Our thanks also to anyone we might have failed to mention.

Well, that’s the news from The Refuge for this week. We’ll include an update on construction next time.

In the service of The King, Robbie & Jim

PS. Once the main lodge is finished, we’ll be presenting concerts like this one in the Lodge Great Room.

Well, that warming trend that we mentioned in our previous letter (“blog”) came indeed, and with it a mid-January thaw. All our snow is gone now, except for remaining piles (former snow forts) and some stuck on part of the roof. But while we had it, there was much fun. Here’s a picture of two of our grandchildren, Sarah & David, “holding the fort” during a full-scale snowball fight – with good packing.

The next picture shows Daniel in the act of launching a long-distance bomb, with Joshua in the fort, preparing to launch. Some pretty swift sledding was also the order of the day, what with a slippery (and somewhat icy) driveway. So, while we had the unusually long cold snap, it did allow for us to enjoy the winter wonderland.

This past weekend we had a group of Elders from First Baptist Church of Shelton here at Duckabush House for a retreat. Eleven men arrived Friday afternoon, departing Sunday afternoon. They left Duckabush House spotless – you’d never believe that eleven man had occupied the house for three days. We enjoyed having them here and trust that they enjoyed their time here as well. We’ll welcome them back anytime.

When we returned from Fort Lewis on Sunday evening, we heard the ominous sound of water shooting out of one of our outside pipes, which had burst when the ice that had formed, melted. We thought we had insulated that pipe properly, but apparently not. Of course this meant shutting off the water and figuring out what to do next. We expected our plumber to be back during the next week, but meanwhile faced the usual difficulties with burst pipes.

Monday morning we heard work sounds over at The Refuge (normally no one is at work on Mondays). I went over to investigate, and there was Art Casillas, our plumber. “Boy, am I glad to see you,” I said. “Didn’t expect you until later.” “Well, some materials didn’t come for another job I’m working on, so I decided we’d come out here, he said.” Twenty minutes later he had the pipe repaired, faucet fixed and we had water again.

Now to some people, this would be a seredipitous coincidence. They’d say we were “lucky” – we’d say, no, this is God’s perfect timing – bringing our plumber out to us, before we even asked. You can be sure we gave thanks to Our Lord, big time. We share this with you, only because this is an example of how God has taken care of this project, and us, as we work on it. Sure, this was not really a big thing – this happens to people under these conditions all the time. But for us, it is a reminder that God is the God of the “little things” (as well as the big things) and that He is always right on time. Yes, His time is the right time.”

Meanwhile work goes forward on the main lodge-retreat house. Here are two shots of our plumber, Art and his helper, Cory at work. We will let you know soon about our next work party – we’ve got lots to do and can use volunteers.

Well that’s it from The Refuge for this week. Come visit us. But let us know when you’re coming in advance, so we can host you properly.

Robbie & Jim, Hosts

We send greetings from the “frozen” Duckabush Valley. It is very unusual (for us) for snow to stay on the ground and on the trees for four to five days – but that’s the case here. Because this part of The Refuge only sees the sun for about 4 hours in dead of winter, and with the temperature not getting above freezing much during the day, we have this rather beautiful “winter wonderland” setting, while a short distance away, and up on the south-facing hillsides, the sun has melted all the snow off the trees and open spaces. This is what it looks like at Creekside Cottage.

From our snug little cottage in a winter wonderland.

Our backyard at “Creekside Cottage.

Two of our Memorial Sequoias (now about 10 ft tall).

An unusually cold and dry day at The Refuge.

Since we’ve had five straight days without precipitation and sun at least part of each day, it would have been nice to take advantage of the time. But, because the roof has been covered with snow and the temperatures are low, we’ve not been able to make progress on the roof.

Partly sunny, but very cold – no roof work today.

However, Mark & Alan have been able to move ahead with installing doors despite the cold.

Mark & Alan installing French doors in the master suite.

Doors are now in place in three of the suites plus the master suite and the room above the master suite “the Upper Room” – so we’re happy about that.

Robbie steps out onto a balcony through one of our newly-installed french doors.

On Saturday, Jeff & Jan Brown came out to pay a visit and have lunch with us. Jeff is President of BCRA, Inc., the architectural firm that did our basic plans. Mark & Irene Pomerinke also joined us for lunch. Mark, as many of you know, is our Contractor. It was the first time they had met. Since we’ve made many changes in actual construction, Jeff’s firm is going to be assisting us in working up the revisions. We are extremely pleased with the work of these fine Christian gentlemen. They were able to talk about important construction issues – and there was a true “meeting of the minds.”

Mark Pomerinke, Jeff & Jan Brown on site.

A brief walk around the property reveals that despite the cold, our streams are still flowing.

Water still running under the bridge.

Despite the cold, this stream doesn’t freeze.

“Coyote Gate” — The Refuge West Entry.

A warming trend is on the way. And we’ll welcome it, to be sure. But, if you want to “tromp around” in the snow, now’s the time to come visit. Don’t let a “gate” keep you out. Five of our grandchildren will soon be joining us out here for some snow fun, before a warm wind wipes it all out.

Well, that’s it from the Duckabush valley & The Refuge.

Robbie & Jim Edgren