We have been teaching ukulele at the Menucha Retreat and Conference Center for many years. It is between us and Portland, on the Columbia River with an amazing view and beautiful forests to walk through. Such a special place.

Every time we go, I seem to find time to scavenge the firewood pile for local woods to use. In this case, I grabbed some Ash for the back and sides and Alder for the top and neck. This tenor uke is a gift for the recently retired director, Spencer Parks. The rest of the uke is Walnut from Spencer’s wood stash, a nice contrast to the lighter color woods. I carved a small labyrinth in the headstock, in tribute to the labyrinth at Menucha, which I always walk through when I visit. The sound is bright, cheerful and focused and I look forward to using more Ash and Alder in the future. Congratulations Spencer on this new chapter! We’re excited to see what music comes from your new uke!