Olympic Refuge

Over the past several weeks we’ve been privileged to have a number of volunteers out here at The Refuge helping us in various ways. They range in size from 50 lbs to 500 lbs and from age 4 to who knows how old. Most of our volunteers are very helpful - but some of them (the 500 lb variety) are often less than helpful.

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

Dear Friends:

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