Yesterday Carolyn André photographed these Sea Stacks near Elk off the Mendocino Coast. Sea Stacks used to be a part of the cliffs or headlands. Waves and wind erode the softer parts of the rock leaving the harder, more resistant rock behind. You can say they are created by Mother Nature - and she does such beautiful work! I thank Carolyn for this lovely photo and I post it here in honor of her friend, Daphne.
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.
It seems early but tell it to the first Alum Root, which has just bloomed on the forest floor. Its tiny white flowers caught my eye and I called out to Rick in delight. The leaves of this native wildflower look like maple leaves and they carpet many of the trails where we hike each morning. It's a member of the saxifrage family and their root has healing astringent qualities. Bazillions of blooms to follow this single wildflower in the months to come.
My best to you from the Mendocino Coast! Jeanne Jackson, Gualala
I love watching clouds travel down the coast. I took this photo from our deck. It had such an unusual formation I thought you'd enjoy seeing it. After a storm the Mendocino Coast can be breathtaking!
On a neighbor's property is a beautiful mass of rare plants - Fringed Corn Lilies. They are growing alongside year round water, as Frank and Nan's land has springs close to the surface. These large, handsome leaves don't give a clue about the flower to come in the fall. By the time it does flower, the leaves are brown and torn. I will make a point to photograph the beautiful white flower stalks later this year. This plant is endemic to the Mendocino and Sonoma Coast and considered an ESHA - environmentally sensitive habitat.
