I'd like to thank all of you once again for your interest in Clearwater and your fine care of the guesthouse while visiting. 2004 was a fine year all around. Many of you reported wonderful stays that included all the activities that a visit to Clearwater provides, beachcombing, crabbing, fishing, canoeing, hiking, mushrooming and birdwatching. No doubt about it: Clearwater offers something for everyone whose interests are focussed on the outdoors along the Northcoast of Washington state. In fact, from reading your entries in the house record and from your e-mails and phone calls, I always end up learning new things about the area myself. Turns out there more things to do and places to see than even I've bragged about in past newsletters and comments to visitors.

As usual I spent New Years Eve at the house where my Clearwater neighbors and I celebrated a little, told a few lies and dined in the Clearwater way with more than enough delicious treats. Outside the lights on the grand fir along the driveway twinkled and the stars shone in a clear, cold sky, a perfect end to another year in the valley.