Tag Archives: Gray Whales

•

Gail Spencer photographed a beautiful sunset at Gualala Point Regional Park. This park is one of my favorites for a walk on the bluffs or a visit to the beach. It's the perfect place to watch the sunset too.

Rick and I had a memorable day there when a Gray Whale and her calf were rolling in the surf. Two visitors from New York were on the beach too and were they ever thrilled. Here's a link to find out more about this park. http://www.sonoma-county.org/parks/pk_glala.htm

It's also a wonderful place to walk your dog on leash. Huckleberry, our golden retriever, gives it two paws up! Thanks to Gail for allowing me to share her photo.

• 2 Comments

•

A mother Gray Whale and her calf were photographed by Richard Denniston from his vacation home, Serendipity, which overlooks the Gualala River and the Pacific Ocean. Rick has shared some fabulous photos of whales with Sightings over the past several years from this vantage spot. Looking for a special place to rent? This is it! http://www.serendipityview.com/

 There had been numerous Gray Whale sightings until the winds began several days ago. Hundreds of whales could be passing by and we'd never know because of the white caps. Last week though, a Minke Whale was spotted swimming with two female Gray Whales and two calves for protection. They were, of course, migrating north. Lots of krill reported in the waters off of Point Arena, which means good feeding for our beloved cetaceans.

• 2 Comments

•

Traveling north to the Mendonoma coast means a slow ride on the Jenner Grade of Highway One with its many switchbacks. Once you reach the top, the views of the Pacific Ocean are breathtaking and it's possible to see Gray Whales on their migration north this time of year. Many people dislike this part of the drive though and it is one of the reasons why this part of the coast is so sparsely populated. If it was easy to get to, it would be overrun like Carmel, so here's to the Jenner Grade! While you are driving slowly, you have the chance to look for wildflowers and the many cascades from seasonal streams - a nice reward.

•

April showers bring May flowers and the Mendonoma Coast has been receiving its share of spring showers. But in-between we had a beautiful day. And Gray Whales were spotted, Moms and calves, headed north. I hope I never take for granted the sight of these great cetaceans. I'm grateful to get a glimpse of them as they pass by.

•

After Saturday night's/Sunday morning's wild storm, Rick and I checked our forest this morning for wind damage. We found surprisingly little though neighbors have big trees down and power is out for many of us still. I saw the first green tips of several Red Clintonias, one of my favorite wildflowers. It doesn't usually bloom until the first of May but seeing the first shoots brings the picture of its lovely blooms to my mind's eye. Along a shady path on a dead Tan Oak we stopped to admire a beautiful group of Turkey Tail mushrooms. This wild mushroom is being studied by scientists for its medicinal qualities. We might have a wonder drug growing wild in the forest! My wonder drug was seeing a large pod of Gray Whales late yesterday afternoon with at least two calves headed north.