Lately the Mendonoma Coast has had so much wind that we wouldn't be able to see a whale even if it were just offshore. The Pacific Ocean is filled with whitecaps. But several weeks ago Kathy Bishop spotted a mother Gray Whale with her calf quite close in. As she was photographing them, the calf breached.
Kathy said she knew it was the young calf because the mother was covered with barnacles. What a great photo! Thanks to Kathy for allowing me to share it with you here.
The air is soft and warm here on the Mendonoma Coast today and a string of good-weather days is in our immediate future. This would be a great time to visit the Coast.
Carolyn André was delivering Meals-On-Wheels to her clients recently. She took a break to photograph the coastline. Can you hear the murmur of the Pacific Ocean?
Thanks to Carolyn for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
The dark of the forest is brightened with the sightings of Western Trilliums, Trillium ovatum. As I learn more, I pay attention more. I had noticed the red stems earlier this month with the leaves closed like hands praying - that's if one had three hands. As the days went by the leaves slowly opened to reveal the exquisite white flower. Here's a photo from our place in Anchor Bay that shows three stages of development.
You should never pick these wildflowers as it seriously sets the plant back. The leaf-like bracts by the flower provide food for the next year. Just enjoy their loveliness in their natural habitat.
We are having a wild and cold storm today on the Mendonoma Coast. The rain is very welcome. With the storm cells marching across the Pacific Ocean, there might be some wonderful sunset photos to share with you tomorrow. And I almost can't believe my eyes when I just now looked out the window and saw it was snowing! That's an extremely rare occurrence here.
Fog is part of living on the Mendonoma Coast. When it burns off, or pulls back to hover over the Pacific Ocean, the color of the trees and ocean seems even more vibrant. Cathleen Crosby photographed the fog line by Bowling Ball State Beach.
Bowling Ball Beach is one of the best places to beachcomb on the Coast. It has unique stones that look large huge bowling balls. They are uncovered with a low tide.
Thanks to Cathleen for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
The highest tides and the lowest tides occur when the moon is full or when it's new. We had a full moon this week and a high tide mid-morning. Rick and I had breakfast at The Lodge at The Sea Ranch followed by a hike out to the bluffs. Huckleberry, our golden retriever, accompanied us on the hike. What we found was a turbulent sea, crashing waves and a feeling of excitement the churning Pacific Ocean brings to those who stop to admire its beauty.
Below the waves have receded for a moment, revealing the rocks just offshore.
And this is a photo looking to the south. It's a bit washed out due to the brilliant sunshine but it shows you the waves crashing up against the bluffs. Imagine what it must sound like to those who live right on the edge.
The mesmerizing Pacific Ocean - I will never tire of its many moods.
My best to you today! Jeanne