Tag Archives: Mendocino coast

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The Mendocino Coast has had so much rain recently that most wild mushrooms have given up. So imagine my surprise when I saw a group of rosy colored mushrooms under a tan oak, which was surrounded by Douglas Firs. I picked one and oh, was it ever slimy! The lower part of the stem was yellow. I did a spore print and it turned out dark gray. With the help of my mushroom friend, Bev, it was determined the mushrooms were Rosy Gomphidius.

With warm weather forecast I'm so hoping for another bloom of Horn of Plenty and Hedgehogs.

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The sunrise is reflected on the clouds out on the Pacific Ocean. The Mendocino Coast, in particular Gualala, has been hit with numerous power outages from the last storm and four more storms are lined up before we get a chance to dry out a bit. In this picture you can see the big swells coming straight in. A few hours later the winds shifted in the storm direction and the surface water ran south to north. The ocean was telling all who were paying attention that another storm was on the way. Still, on this morning's walk with Huckleberry, our golden retriever, we found signs that spring really is here.

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A strong storm lashed the coast last night, dropping trees and limbs and causing power outages, particularly here on the Mendocino Coast.  Driving down to The Sea Ranch for breakfast with our overnight guests we saw that the Gualala River was closed to the Pacific Ocean and in flood stage. After breakfast we walked with Huckleberry along the Gualala Bluff Trail, apparently just missing the opening of the river. It was blasting out the north end of the sand bar amazingly, dangerously fast. Oh, are you waiting to hear about the oh-so-rare moonbow? A friend, Laurie, called today to tell me she and her husband were driving back late to Gualala from Fort Bragg in the storm last night. They were near Elk when the clouds parted and the huge full moon made an appearance. To the side of the moon they saw an arcing moonbow in shades of gray and charcoal but also reds and pinks. What I would give to see a moonbow!

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A big storm lurks just off the Mendocino/Sonoma Coast. And Spring officially begins tomorrow despite the wintery weather. A small yellow wildflower with the charming name of Footsteps of Spring is blooming in sunny spots, along roads and paths, giving us hope that Spring will soon grace us with warmer weather.

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A wet and wild storm is hitting the Mendonoma Coast today. Our seasonal creek is doing its best impression of a mighty river and still the rain comes down. The many creeks of the Mendocino and Sonoma Coasts are emptying into the Pacific Ocean where Gray Whales with the calves are currently headed north. This picture shows one of the many cascades on Quinliven Creek. You can almost hear it roar...