Abalone season opened as did the recreational salmon season. There are happy smiles on the faces of those who venture out onto or into the ocean to get a tasty dinner. Carolyn André photographed a recent sunset with a fishing boat in the foreground.
Thanks to Carolyn for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
With calm, dry weather forecast the Pacific Ocean will settle down. But with the several storms that hit late last week the ocean was in full voice. Robert Scarola photographed some big waves recently at Gualala Point Regional Park. The couple in the photo had to run from the big surf.
The couple below is on the sandbar, a dangerous place to be when the Gualala River is running so fast.
Thanks to Robert for allowing me to share his photos with you.
These photos are so beautiful. On March 23 we had such an unusual cloud show in the west and a magnificent rainbow formed inland. Paul Brewer photographed the rainbow over Gualala. It looks like a magical land.
And George Bush photographed it just as the sun was setting from The Sea Ranch.
You can see the setting sun reflected on the houses below. Quite a beautiful event!
Thanks to George and Paul for allowing me to share their photos with you here. You can much more of Paul's nature photography at: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/
Trilliums have been blooming on the Mendonoma Coast. Kay Martin came across what she calls Nature's planter - an old section of a Redwood Tree.
Peter Baye told me this is called a "nursery log." Below is a close-up of the Trilliums. You can tell they are newly bloomed as the blossoms are white. With age they will turn pink and then purple.
Never pick these wildflowers - it might take four or five years for the plant to recover and bloom again. Just enjoy them as Mother Nature has placed them.
Thanks to Kay for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Annie Mills couldn't believe her eyes when she and her friend came across this juvenile Elephant Seal.
They quickly leashed their dogs and left the little one in peace. They were worried it might be ill but it was gone the next day so apparently it was just resting up on the beach. It looks mighty comfortable, doesn't it?
It's good to remember that you should never "rescue" a pup. Call the Marine Mammal Center at 415)289-SEAL (-7325). They will call a local volunteer to come out and assess the situation.
News flash! The first Harbor Seal pup was born this week in a protected cove on The Sea Ranch. There are many pregnant moms waiting to give birth in the days to come.
Thanks to Annie for allowing me to share her photo with you here.