Before returning to Beaver Dam Elementary School, Alexander Eagle (protector and mascot) visited one last habitat of his eagle family. He traveled south from Victoria, Canada into the remote region of Washington State known as the Olympic Peninsula. This scenic spot includes rugged ocean coastlines and vast forests. Much of the area is not accessible by car and is home to tall tales and mysteries such as the famed Sasquatch.
Alexander was immediately welcomed by many family members who have made this area their home for generations. Most of the peninsula is either Native American Reservation Land or Olympic National Park. The area became a national park in 1938 and was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1981. Ninety-five percent of the park is recognized as a wilderness area.
Alexander's first stop was in a nest high above Lake Quinault. The lake is surrounded by a temperate rainforest of giant trees. It is owned by the Quinault Indian Nation who warmly welcomes all visitors, feathered and otherwise. Alexander was delighted with the misty rain and comfortable temperatures he enjoyed during his visit. The area receives an average of 131 inches of rain per year which is about 130 more than Alexander is used to at home!
The most exciting part of this journey was Alexander's flight into the Hoh Rain Forest. This is the remnant of a rain forest which once extended all the way from Alaska to California. The trees appear to be bridges to heaven; they so clearly reflect the beauty of creation and wonder of nature! Nestled in the branches are homes to many protected animals. The forest is a cacophony of birdsongs and trills. Perhaps more so on the day Alexander arrived - so happy were they to greet the friendly diplomat from the Southwest.
The last section of this wild country which Alexander had the good fortune to visit was the rugged Pacific coastline. His feathers shook just a little as he read the many tsunami warnings posted throughout the area. Some of the barren beaches are sandy while others are strewn with giant rocks and large logs. Perched high in a treetop, Alexander was able to listen to the waves break while peering at the majestic Olympic Mountains which rim the rainforests. After a delicious meal of fresh salmon with his family, Alexander knew it was time to return home to his beloved eaglets. He bid his Northwest friends farewell and set out for his sunny homeland of Beaver Dam Elementary School, the hidden gem of the Valley.