Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

•

Scott and Tree Mercer are studying marine life off the Mendonoma coast. One of the most productive sites is the bluffs of the Point Arena Lighthouse. Scott recently photographed Tree on the bluffs. She was helping spot whales.

The Mercers post their daily sightings on Facebook at Mendonoma Whale and Seal Study. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/Mendonoma-Whale-and-Seal-Study-1421926098039236/

They also share their sightings with other research groups, and fortunately with me, for my weekly Mendonoma Sightings column in the Independent Coast Observer. Recent sightings have been young Gray Whales feeding off the coast, and several Humpback Whales about 3 1/2 miles out.

I thank Scott for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

•

The Gualala River, closed to the Pacific Ocean by a big sandbar for months, finally opened last Sunday night or early Monday morning. Bob Rutemoeller found it open at the north end when he checked mid-morning on Monday.

Steelhead, trapped in luxury during the summer and early autumn months, were swept out to sea to begin the next stage of their lives. The Gualala River didn't stay open long, though. It filled once again, and then reopened. And as of Saturday, it was closed again. With the high tides, King Tides, the river might be closed for a while. We will be watching!

Thanks to Bob for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

•

Anne Mary Schaefer captured a small green flash while at Manchester Beach a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful sunset too.

I love how the colors are reflected in the water glistening on the sand.

Thanks to Anne Mary for allowing me to share her photo with you here. Anne Mary is also a talented pet photographer. You can see her work at this link: http://www.pawpawrazzipetphotography.com/

•

To see these cheery mushrooms poking up after our autumn rains always makes me smile. We have a spot on our property where they appear in great numbers. Here is how Fly Amanitas, Amanita muscaria, look with they first appear.

Then they open up and reveal their true selves.

Here is one with a "baby" underneath.

Our golden retriever, Sunny, does his best not to step on them as he heads down into the forest.

These mushrooms have hallucinogenic qualities. It's possible to parboil the toxins out, I've been told by mushroom expert David Arora. I prefer just to watch them evolve. They make me happy to look at them!

•

Seeing a beautiful sunrise is a gift for getting up early. Last Saturday's was sunrise so beautiful I could hardly believe my eyes.

The pinks and mauves were reflected in the Pacific Ocean. And the colors were on top of me and behind me, too. Sunny, our golden retriever, joined me on the deck, and these colors reflected on his fur.  It was hard to take it all in! Here's a video I took of the sunrise.

Saturday's sunrise by Jeanne Jackson

And a short video of the sunrise looking to the east, behind a stand of Redwood and Bishop Pine trees.

Saturday's sunrise through the trees by Jeanne Jackson

It was a sunrise to be remembered. Perhaps by my sharing this photo and these videos, you can experience some of it too!