Zack, the golden retriever, was walking with his people, Rene and Martin Steinpress, along one of The Sea Ranch public access trails. As they watched the fog appeared.
There is fog offshore today, but not inland - at least in Anchor Bay and Gualala! It's sunny and warm, but we know it won't last for long.
Thanks to Martin for allowing me to share his photo with you here.
Several days ago clouds added the necessary touches for a beautiful sunset as seen from our deck in Anchor Bay. The first shows sunbeams shining through the clouds onto the Pacific Ocean.
And then the sunset.
We are having lovely weather here on the coast. I overheard two visitors congratulate themselves for vacationing here. Changes are ahead, we know, but for now we enjoy these sun-drenched days and starry nights.
Bob Rutemoeller was out last Saturday when an approaching storm brought big waves. He visited the Gualala Bluff Trail, which overlooks the Gualala River and the Pacific Ocean. The ocean was flowing over the big sandbar that currently blocks the river from the ocean.
This big tree came down the river last year and wedged in the sandbar. It will be interesting to see if it gets pushed out to sea when the river opens to the ocean again.
Having ocean water enter the fresh water of the river is advantageous for any Steelhead that were trapped in luxury when the river last closed. The salinity of the ocean mixes with the river, giving the Steelhead a taste of what is to come.
Thanks to Bob for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To learn more about the Gualala Bluff Trail and other public access points, here is the website for the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy: http://www.rc-lc.org/
Carolyn André spotted what she deemed a male Great Blue Heron and a female Great Egret. I'll let Carolyn tell the story. “So they start off like this, couldn’t be bothered to even look at each other. He’s busy looking the other way, but they keep turning to look at each other.
“Then she gets mad and starts walking his way – quickly.
"So he turns around and starts walking towards her. Then she stops, so he stops. And they’re still out there ignoring each other.”
The two species of birds usually avoid each other in order not to compete for food.
Thanks to Carolyn for a fun story, and for allowing me to share her photos with you here.
Shell Beach is one of the public access trails on The Sea Ranch. Amy Ruegg photographed the sights there recently.
The Sea Ranch public access trails are under the auspices of Sonoma County Regional Parks, so an annual parks pass is a great idea for locals and frequent visitors.
Thanks to Amy for allowing me to share her photos with you here.