Clouds overhead but clear on the horizon is a wonderful recipe for a striking sunset. That's what we witnessed on Friday night. I took these photos from the deck of our place in Anchor Bay.
In the last photo, the golden photo, you can see a faint sun pillar. My visiting friend, Shelly, and I almost couldn't believe what we were seeing!
It's sunny and windy here on the Mendonoma Coast today, temps in the high 60's.
On Sunday Sept 18, we had a vigorous storm that dumped quite a bit of rain on the Mendonoma Coast. I've previously written that we got 4.55 inches at our place in Anchor Bay. Last Tuesday morning I drove down to the iconic spot at Gualala Point Regional Park to take this photo of the mouth of the Gualala River. This part of the river is called Mill Bend.
The river had been quite diminished so it's wonderful to see it so nice and full. You can see the big sandbar at the mouth that "closes" the river to the Pacific Ocean. With enough rain, this sandbar will be breached, always an exciting event. But for now, the river is still "closed."
I hope you enjoy one of my photos for a change.
Heavy, drippy fog along the coast for much of the day, though the ridge had blue skies.
If you are looking for a wonderful gift that might inspire a youngster to fall in love with Nature, Illustrator Genny Wilson's and my children's books, Sunny Loves Spring on the California Coast and Sunny Loves Summer on the California Coast would fit the bill. Here is where you can see sample pages: http://sunnylovesnature.com/ You can order them directly from the Sunny website or from the Four-eyed Frog Bookstore, 707) 884-1333 or the Frog's website https://www.foureyedfrog.com/ Let them know how you would like the books inscribed, and I will be happy to head to the Frog and do that. The Frog will also mail them to your chosen recipient or to yourself.
Many adults have told me how much THEY enjoyed these two Sunny books. They told me how much they learned and how touching the books are. I guess one is never too old for a wonderful children's book!
Here are two pages from Spring:
And here are two pages from Summer:
These books have been a popular gift for baby showers, along with birthdays and holiday celebrations. The other two seasons will be out later this year.
Fall in love with Sunny...and Nature!
A faint outline of a Sun Pillar appeared just before the sun set yesterday, Saturday. But after the sun disappeared, a beautiful, vibrant Sun Pillar was evident in the night sky.
We don't see this very often, so it was special to witness it. And I'm happy I have a photo of mine to show you today. Here's some info on Sun Pillars from Wikipedia:
"A light pillar is an atmospheric optical phenomenon in which a vertical beam of light appears to extend above and/or below a light source. The effect is created by the reflection of light from tiny ice crystals that are suspended in the atmosphere or that comprise high-altitude clouds."
Another spectacular, warm Autumn day on the Mendonoma Coast.
RCLC would like to have you enter your photos of Mill Bend in their photo contest. Mill Bend includes the estuary of the Gualala River and extends up river to the boundary with Gualala Arts. RCLC has extended the final date for submission to Sept. 6th. You can find all the details here: https://www.rclc.org/8003-2/
Here's a photo Rozann Grunig took of Rick and me kayaking on the Gualala River some years ago. Rozann, you could have a winner here!
Thanks to Rozann for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Foggy this morning, clear and warm this afternoon, a lovely late summer day.