Finding Friends in Olympia

You know you are curious. What is Hundreds of Beavers about?

This is how the Olympia Film Society describes it:

All new introduction! Hundreds of Beavers, one of the most entertaining independent films of the past decade, is coming to the Capitol Theater on December 4. Called “gonzo cinema distilled from Buster Keaton to George Miller” (LA Times), “one of the most inventive comedies in years” (RogerEbert.com), that “puts most big screen comedies to shame,” (The Daily Beast), this impossible indie has become a word-of-mouth phenomenon — selling out theaters, melting Letterboxd & Rotten Tomatoes, and putting audiences worldwide into stitches.

In the early 1800’s, Jean Kayak, a drunken applejack salesman, finds himself stranded in a surreal winter landscape with nothing but his dim wits to guide him. Against a backdrop of ruthless elements and forest creatures – all played by actors in full-sized mascot costumes – Kayak develops increasingly complex traps in order to win the hand of a mischievous lover. When he discovers that the Beavers have formed their own secret society, he must infiltrate their lair to uncover their secrets and win the day. Equal parts silent-era stunt work, Looney Tunes energy, and pure filmmaking lunacy. See the cult hit that’s too much dam fun for streaming.

Dir. Mike Cheslik / 2024 / US / 108 min

OFS will be showing Hundreds of Beavers once only at 7 p.m.,Thursday, Dec. 4. Tickets are $16.25 for General Admission and $13.25 for OFS members. They can be bought online in advance (recommended) or at the box office starting an hour (6:00 p.m.) before showtime.

The Capitol Theater seats more than 700 people. Unless OFS website is showing that the show is sold out, you should be able to get a ticket if bring your hard-earned cash (or plastic) to the box office before the movie.

The Capitol Theater offers soda, and popcorn and your very own, narrow, squeaky seat (no cup holders provided). You’ll also be able to get a beer, wine, cider, or canned cocktails.

I plan to arrive no later than 6:35, linger around outside for 10 minutes or so before heading in to get my popcorn and beverage and find a seat. Seating is by general admission so we may be able to sit together.

Also, the movie should let out a bit before 9:00 p.m. so a post-movie beverage and/or dessert at The Spar is a possibility if anyone is interested.

The December King Tides arrive in Olympia this weekend pushing Puget Sound up over 16.5 feet (that’s a lot of water) so how about a nice easy walk to see all that water?

Join me for an relaxed 4–4.5 mile morning walk through the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge as most of it submerges under the high tide. I’m not sure what we will see—lots of birds sure—maybe some seals, and deer? You will want to bring binoculars if you have them, and a mug or Thermos of your favorite hot beverage.

Kids are welcome.

The refuge opens at sunrise—7:43 a.m. Sunday—and the highest point of the tide will be right around 8:10 a.m. so the plan will be to meet at the front of the visitor center by 8 a.m. so we can start our walk towards to boardwalk promptly at 8 a.m. and catch as much of the high tide as we can. I expect we will be back at the parking lot no later than 9:45 a.m.—in plenty of time to check out the visitor center and gift shop (it opens at 9 a.m.) Restrooms should be open and available at the visitor center.

Parking is $3 (cash or check—no credit cards). And, yes, you can also use your valid National Parks Pass (“Interagency” pass) but your Discover Pass isn’t valid.

Please note: Dogs (pets or comfort animals) are not allowed at the refuge—not even in cars in the parking lot. There are narrow exceptions for well-trained service dogs, but it is likely that refuge staff will ask if you show up with a dog.

You can check out all the details of the walk on AllTrails:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/nisqually-estuary-boardwalk-and-twin-barns-trail

And at the Washington Trails Association (WTA):

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/nisqually-nwr

A week out, the forecast calls for a chance of rain with temps in the low to mid 40s—so rain gear and some warm layers (thick fluffy socks!) would be appropriate and, as there’s a good chance your feet will get wet, waterproof shoes or boots. Heavy rain or really nasty weather will cancel and I will make that decision by 6 p.m. Saturday. You can check the current forecast here:

https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/dupont/98327/weather-forecast/2084370

I live on Tumwater Hill and am happy to offer a ride to anyone who lives nearby.

Please note: I’m not a birder or particularly good at recognizing and naming plants and animals—so if you have those skills don’t be shy about sharing them!