Suzie Chapler captured the last sun rays yesterday afternoon that ushered in the Winter Solstice. My thanks to Suzie, and her mom Gretchen, for allowing me to share her evocative photo here.
Today we celebrate the first full day of winter. Gray Whales continue to be seen. I saw a pod of five Gray's headed south from my home in Anchor Bay.
Yesterday on our morning walk with Huckleberry, our golden retriever, Rick noticed the first Horn of Plenty mushrooms growing at the base of a redwood step. They are also called by the rather ominous name of Trumpet of Death but that is because of their somber color. These are growing under Tanoaks, a hardwood. They are deliciously edible and their appearance is most welcome!
On Thursday Rick and I were having breakfast at The Sea Ranch Lodge. It is one of the premium places to whale watch as the Gray Whales come in close just in front of the bluffs there. Sure enough, a large Gray Whale appeared, as close as we've ever seen one. It stayed on the surface for several minutes before diving and disappearing to the south.