Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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One of the secrets of the Mendonoma Coast is the beautiful weather we usually have in between storms. Inland may be covered in dense fog while we bask in sunshine. Storms bring - or leave - magnificent sunsets. Allen Vinson photographed Thursday's sunset, which was sandwiched in between two storms.

Rick and I always try to watch the sunset. If the horizon is clear there is a chance for a green flash. It doesn't happen often but when it does it is thrilling. To see a photo of a green flash taken here on the Coast by Allen, here is the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/10/04/sundays-green-flash-as-photographed-by-allen-vinson/

My thanks to Allen for allowing me to share his beautiful sunset photo with you here.

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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

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The newest additions to the B. Bryan Preserve in Point Arena are male Rothschild Giraffes that came from the San Diego Zoo. Allen Francis recently photographed the G Boys. You will see in the second photo that carrots are a big hit!

Frank and Judy Mello had to build a special heated barn for these endangered Giraffes. We hope they will thrive in their new home in Point Arena.

To learn more about the preserve including tours or lodging, here's the link: http://www.bbryanpreserve.com/

Thanks to Allen for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see more of Allen's photography and web site design, here is the link: http://www.cristalen.com/

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Gulls gather in the hundreds on the sandbar and in the Gualala River at Gualala Point Regional Park this time of year. Rozann  Grunig recently photographed a huge group. You can see the river open to the Pacific Ocean. The river will open and close many times during the winter months. It's quite a phenomenon to watch.

We are catching a break from the wild and wet weather though another storm is due tomorrow. Today we'll enjoy the sun accompanied by the sound of a turbulent ocean.

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

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We have been on "Al" watch since late last month and we were beginning to think this unique Laysan Albatross wasn't going to grace us with its presence this winter. There was a possible sighting on Dec. 6th by a visitor from Chicago but there was no confirmation by others and no photo. Nancy Morin saw Al on Saturday, Dec. 22nd and her sighting was confirmed.

Mark Ricci photographed surfer Kim Swenson interacting with "Al" in the late afternoon on Dec. 24th.

To learn more about Point Arena's most famous visitor, here's the link to the Mendocino  Coast Audubon Society: http://www.mendocinocoastaudubon.org/mcas_al.html  It has a schedule of Al's (or Alice's) comings and goings.

Thanks to Mark for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see a close-up photo of Al, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/12/06/al-the-laysan-albatross-returned-yesterday/