Happy New year everybody and thanks for your interest in and visits to the guesthouse during 2010! We've managed to work our way through another year-our 23rd-at Clearwater and we did it without a single major catastrophe. Sure, we had the usual power outages during big storms and a few high water situations that made some of our neighbors in the valley a little nervous but otherwise things went smoothly for us and our visitors. In any case, it's time to get you all up to date on the goings on in Clearwater and at the guesthouse.

2010 was unremarkable weather-wise, other than a January windstorm that blew down some trees in the forest out back, one of which(the biggest of course) fell straight into the pond where it had to remain until late this past summer when I could buck it up and clean up the aftermath. Ever try carrying 90lb rounds of soaked hemlock across soft mud? Whew! Anyway, I got the job done, promptly collapsed in the shade with a highball and went on strike for a couple hours. I got to thinking that between bucking, lifting, carrying, splitting and stacking I spend an inordinate amount of time with wood when in Clearwater, so much in fact that when I'm here in Tacoma I tend toward being a bit peevish whenever Pat suggests a winter time fire in the fireplace, requiring of course, my well-honed skills of splitting and carrying...But, I know our visitors enjoy building a nice, hot fire on a chilly night so wood gathering and preparation will remain a large part of my Clearwater chores.

And, although the weather was unremarkable storm-wise, it was unusually cool throughout the summer, so much so that my little garden struggled to give us tomatoes, squash and pole beans, which get very cranky when they don't get enough warmth in our short summer. So, ended up with tons of lettuce, cabbages and snow peas that wouldn't quit bearing until after Labor Day. Speaking of the garden, I began a slow(everything is slow in Clearwater) process of preparing the greenhouse for a major rehabilitation which will involve lots of work but which should be well worth the effort. The job will require that the boatshed that blocks the greenhouse's sun during the afternoons be skinned and "de-roofed", then I'll replace the plastic on the greenhouse structure itself, since the original stuff does not permit enough sunshine to penetrate the building. I've only thought about doing this for 25 years (as I said everything is slow in Clearwater) so I hope I've got a good plan. Being able to raise things in the greenhouse would be a dream come true for me since I'd be able to start things earlier and keep them longer. The outside gardens would remain as they are but could be stocked with locally grown flower and vegetable starts.

Inside the house we replaced some furniture and removed-would you believe it?-the old dishwasher. I figured that after 23 years of it being "out of order" I might as well go along with the suggestion of an August visitor who was encouraging me to do the deed. Thanks for poking me with your stick, Shirley.

2 This was the year for Pepper to retire. After several more skirmishes with coons and God knows what other animals she had retreated to the greenhouse where she felt safe from the many predators that have threatened her the past 15 years. We brought her home with us where she's absolutely thrilled to stay inside, sleep and amuse us with kitten-like antics. Since she doesn't mind being in the car, we take her with us to Clearwater when we go and she enjoys re-visiting her old haunts in the sheds and around the property. I know you'll all miss her caterwauling for attention but this was the best solution for her.

Clamming has come back to Kalaloch as of this past fall and there are good numbers of medium sized razor clams for the digging. Watch your newspaper for scheduled openings and pray for decent weather so that you'll be able to dig in reasonable comfort.

Smelting has been slower the past few summers, though they're still there on certain days. These ocean smelt are still legal to take, contrary to the Columbia River species which has been made illegal recently.

Mushrooming was terrific this year due to the same cool, damp weather that slowed down the vegetables. Find yourselves some cool forest tracts and enjoy the hunt and the chanterelles at the end of it.

If you're a fisherman you know that the salmon season was very good this fall and steelhead season has gotten off to a great start. As always the river conditions are the most important factor for anglers. It's hard to catch them if they can't see what you're offering.

I still receive a few questions about the Queets Road's condition. The old Queets Valley Road ends at Matheny Creek, about 7 miles up from highway 101. But, the Upper Valley can be accessed by the West Boundary Road which is 7 miles further south on 101. This road will take you to the campground and upper valley spots and it is in good condition. There is a sign where it leaves 101.

If you need to have your rig spotted for a drift Mr. Fred Emmett is still available for this service. Let me know if you would like his services and I'll put you in touch with him.

Speaking of services, I can arrange for the house to be cleaned for you if you wish. A young lady who lives nearby does this for visitors who would like to head home without the burden of cleaning up. Just let me know and I can usually arrange for her to cover for you.

Rates this year will remain as before except for the fact that the basic rate will be for 4 visitors instead of 5. Each extra visitor adds $5 per night to a stay. This small adjustment is the first since 2004 and I'm sure most of you will understand.

reservations are simple. Just go to clearwaterguesthouse.com, check to see if the dates you'd like are open and then go through the simple steps requested. Once you've done this and clicked on "submit" I will automatically receive your request. I will respond to your request and confirm the reservation. Remember: A non-refundable deposit for one night ($50) must be mailed to me within one week to finalize the reservation.

Summer rates (June 11-Labor Day) remain $60 for each of the first two nights and $50 for each additional night (4 visitors or less)

Winter rates (the Tuesday after Labor Day until April 15th) are $50 per night for each of the first two nights and $40 per night thereafter (4 visitors or less).

Returning customers receive a 10% discount except during the spring special period.

For those of you who would like to take advantage of my spring special period it will again be in effect between April 16 and June 10. During this time (except for the Memorial Day Weekend) you get a three night stay for the price of two nights. So, three nights costs you only $100 and 6 nights only $200 if you have a party of 4 or less. Spring may not be the warmest or driest part of the year but we do have wonderful stretches during this period and at no other time of the year is the rain forest as lush and heavily perfumed as at this time. It's also a time when the local wildlife is more likely to be relaxed and easily-viewed, both near the house and along the Queets Valley Road where you're likely to see bands of elk, deer, coyotes, foxes and even the rare bobcat as you drive slowly up the road toward Matheny Creek. The mosses hanging from the timber and blanketing the forest floor are never brighter green and if you get out of the car and walk quietly along the road, you might hear the distinct drumming of the male ruffed grouse as they seek a partner for this year's mating season. Of course, this is also the time when you're going to have the beaches and forests to yourself and for many spring visitors that is the best part of all. And, if it decides to rain, you'll have real experience of being in a rainforest at its most distinctive time-besides, you've got an ace up your sleeve: a warm, dry guesthouse and a cozy fire to repair to with friends, family and a cup of coffee or tea.

Again, thanks for the time you've spent at Clearwater during 2010 and other years and let me know when you're ready for another stay.

Happy New Year!

Joe Novak