Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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Cece Case and Eric Nordvold went for a hike at Bowling Ball Beach several weeks ago, and they found something interesting tossed up on the beach. Cece wrote, “Eric found a large fishing float with a Japanese name on it – Musashi. I read on the Internet that identical ones had been found in British Columbia and Washington state.

“The one in Washington had been traced to a Japanese oyster farming area that had been affected by the tsunami. I remember there was someone tracking tsunami debris, so please forward this to them.”

We haven't learned if this is tsunami debris. The California current brings items from halfway around the world to occasionally land on one of our beaches. One of the strangest items found was this intact light bulb, possibly tossed off a fishing boat. It was found by Gary Humfeld.

Just after a storm is the perfect time to search beaches for treasures from afar.

Thanks to Cece and Gary for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Craig Tooley captured this beautiful sight, a sunset before a storm.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com

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The Salamanders are enjoying the wet winter we've been having. Several have recently been spotted. Bettye Winters photographed a Speckled Black Salamander. You will see this salamander measures a little more than four inches.

Laura Baker spotted a different salamander, an Oregon Ensatina Salamander.

I learned that the Ensatina can be found under logs or brush, by or in streams and lakes, and other moist places, like the Mendonoma coast! It’s better not to touch this Salamander, as they rely on cutaneous respiration. Their skin is very sensitive and they are easily distressed by handling.

There is a great website to learn more about all things Herps. Gary Nafis created the website California Herps, a guide to amphibians and reptiles in California. Here's the link: http://www.californiaherps.com/index.html

Thanks to Bettye and Laura for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

We have three storms on the way, so we are in for another rainy period. Breaking the drought feels really good!

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Margaret Lindgren, owner of Unbeaten Path Tours, was on a tour at Salt Point State Park, one of my favorite parks. Look at the beautiful waterfall she found near the south end of the park.

She found several creeks too.

Winter is a wonderful time to be on the Mendonoma Coast.

Thanks to Margaret for allowing me to share her photos with you here. To learn more about Margaret's fascinating and educational tours, here is her website: http://www.unbeatenpathtours.com/

I can personally vouch for her tours - I learned a lot from her while having a fun hike.

Rain coming back tomorrow. The waterfalls will be pumped up, for sure!

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Dale Phelps watched some big waves just north of Gualala. Dale wrote, "We took this shot off our front deck on Jan. 21. The splashes were getting so high that is was unnerving to step up to the railing for a clean shot. It was hard to tear ourselves away from watching all day.”

People were saying they hadn't ever seen waves as big as they were seeing on the 21st. It's calm now, as our sunny break continues. Next storm is due in late Wednesday.

Thanks to Dale for allowing me to share her photo with you here.