The sky was a mix of sun and clouds as we stopped outside the steeply sloped inlets of Sucia Island. Briefings were truly brief, and soon we were snuggled inside Zodiacs to look at trees, birds, and spectacular scenery.

Exotic birds stood on the shores or paddled their small, webbed feet along the shore. Spring has arrived in western Washington. Canada geese proudly displayed their young while keeping a close eye on the brood. The forest is a rich canopy of thick trunked Douglas fir trees and the colorful bark of the madrone trees. We hiked in the homes of wild barred owls.

Our naturalist guides explained the boundaries between the United States and Canada. It was a fabulous tale of a renegade pig, a degree of latitude, and uncompromising coastline.