Although high tide wasn't until 10 am this morning, Uno could be seen swimming pretty far out in Elliott Bay about 8:17. First Responder Robin and volunteer John closed off the small cove as soon as they sighted her. Uno then swam in close and began a series of futile attempts at coming ashore around 8:50. Uno would flop onto the steep-sloped beach, only to get sloshed by the incoming tide and swim off in a flurry. Then, a few minutes later, she'd try again.

This went on for some time before Uno finally gave up and disappeared from view for a good 30 minutes or more. Maybe she decided to do a little more foraging before another long day, resting out of the cold northwest waters. Volunteer Buzz and Robin kept checking for signs of her glistening head in the flat, gray Bay.

It was almost 10:20 before Uno was able to get settled on shore. She was very skittish, but with big bright eyes a plump belly. What a joy it is to look after such a seemingly healthy weaner. Scheduler Molly was notified and, of course, not long after she efficiently lined up volunteers for the day, Uno bolted from the beach for some unknown reason. But we figured she'd be back - and she was within 5 minutes!

Volunteers Helen and Barb showed up for the first shift, followed by Jimi and Jay. First Responder David couldn't bear to miss seeing Uno, so it was no shock to see him walking up from the West Seattle Water Taxi parking lot. We fully expected Uno to stay ashore til almost dark again today. Dave and Suzanne arrived for their 2pm shift. The vols did a great job as usual, talking with passersby and encouraging them to peer thru the scope.

Uno did her typical pattern of staying within about 10 feet of the receding tide, but surprised us all by suddenly returning to the water around 3:30 pm.

Tags: Uno