Growling salamanders, ancient fish-local fauna

[shootingstar]

Continuation on similar topic:

My own lack of knowledge about local flora and fauna. Am reading a book about a woman who kayaks solo (inn 3-4 separate trips) from Alaska to Bellingham, Washington along the Inside Passage, by the British Columbia Coast.

http://www.amazon.com/Spirited-Water.../dp/0898867444

After reading descriptions on some animals (differences between river and sea otters), I realize that the wall wood carving we have at home..is a sea otter. Have had carving for past 5 yrs.

Some incredible neat meals she has merely from picking 5 different types of seaweed and algae by the beaches, combining as filling for salad, sandwiches (saltiness as a condiment) or for chocolate pudding (1 variety provides natural gelatin).

I am ignorant about the biodiversity of our area, the Pacific coast. And being on the bike, doesn't necessary expand that knowledge...unless one stops, hikes and looks hard.