Monthly Archives: January 2013

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The sound and fury of the Pacific Ocean can't be ignored. A big storm off Japan sent huge waves our way. Yesterday was a great day for watching the ocean in her finest. Paul Brewer did just that.

This is extremely high surf for the beach at Gualala Point Regional Park. In the lower photo you can see two Gulls "riding" the wave.

Today is just as exciting, though the surf isn't as dramatic. We have spotted a large pod of Killer Whales headed south. They passed Fish Rocks, which is off Anchor Bay, a little before 3 pm. They are several miles out but great fun to watch through binoculars or a spotting scope. Long lens photographers are on alert and I hope they get some photos that I will be able to share here.

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his wonderful photos with you here. To see much more of Paul's photography, here's the link to his web site: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

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Visitors from around the world visit the Point Arena Lighthouse. It's one of the jewels of the Coast. Recently Rick and I revisited the Lighthouse and visitor center. Oh boy, did we have a beautiful day for our visit.

In the visitor center/museum you can learn about the history of the Lighthouse and the magnificent Fresnel lens. Here Bill Brown, aka Lighthouse Willie, shows us the lens that used to be at the top of the Lighthouse.

The display gives more information on the custom lens. Every Lighthouse had a different light so captains could tell which Lighthouse they were passing.

 The stairs up to the top of the lighthouse are steep and winding but there are several platforms to catch your breath.

And you will need your breath for the views!  Below Ron LeValley photographed the crater known as Devil's Punch Bowl.

To learn more about the Point Arena Lighthouse, here's the link: http://www.pointarenalighthouse.com/

Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share his photo of Devil's Punch Bowl. To see much more of Ron's photography, here is the link: http://www.levalleyphoto.com/home/

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David and C'Anna Bergman-Hill were visiting relatives recently. They noticed a beautiful, vibrant rainbow just over the Point Arena Pintos.

 C'Anna took the photo below. The cliffs reflect the setting sun.

Jacqueline McAbery has taken on the endeavor of caring for the Pintos. A calendar is available showcasing these beautiful horses.

You can purchase this calendar at The Four-Eyed Frog Bookstore in Gualala or from Jacqueline's blog at: http://pointarenapintos.blogspot.com/

Thanks to C'Anna and David for allowing me to share their photos with you here. It's a magnificent day on the coast. Large swells are creating white water and it's the first day in a long while when it has warmed up. As I type this my sliding glass door is open and the temp is 65 degrees! We're singing a happy tune today on the Mendonoma Coast.

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On a recent mushroom forage with Rozann Grunig, Karen Tracy and Rick, we discovered Black Trumpets just emerging.

They are hard to spot, aren't they? They look like black holes on the forest floor. This delicious edible mushroom is also called Horn of Plenty, Black Chanterelle and Trumpet of Death. Their Latin name makes me laugh, as it sounds like a spell Harry Potter might use - Craterellus cornucopioides.

We left these mushrooms to grow more. We did find many Candy Caps and Hedgehog mushrooms and one beautiful Matsutke to fill our baskets. Thanks to Rozann for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

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Joni Goshorn was at the pullout at Schooner Gulch when she took this photograph of Bowling Ball Beach.

At low tide this is one of the best places to look for shells and other treasures of the sea.

Thanks to Joni for allowing me to share her photo with you here.