Triskele, the now-legendary three-legged deer of Surfside, Washington, has once again been seen gracefully navigating the coastal landscape. Injured long ago while jumping a fence with a parent, Triskele lost a leg but adapted to life in the wild. With each sighting, this remarkable creature has come to represent strength, resilience, and the quiet courage to keep going despite the odds.

That same spirit lives in Candace Carteen, a local writer, advocate, and environmental champion. Candace faced immense pressure when the Surfside Homeowners Association filed a lawsuit—widely seen as an attempt to silence their voice and activism. But instead of backing down, Candace stood firm, using the experience to shine a light on injustice and support others facing similar challenges.

Though one walks on three legs and the other stands against legal adversity, Triskele and Candace share a bond rooted in survival. Triskele survives each season in the forest, navigating terrain few others could manage. Candace survives each challenge in the civic arena, refusing to be intimidated into silence.

Together, they have become enduring symbols in Surfside—a deer and a defender—reminding us all that resilience is not about perfection, but about perseverance. Whether on hoof or in heart, their paths inspire a community to keep moving forward.