Some sunsets are over in a few minutes and some last a good long while, unfolding before our delighted eyes. The latter was the case last night as the sunset evolved for what seemed like forever. Red and oranges transformed into blue and purples - it was simply magnificent.
The first photo was taken at 5:30 pm, just after the sun had set.
And the next at 5:44 pm
And look what happened at 5:53 pm - even the Pacific Ocean appears to be purple!
It's a privilege to watch a Mendonoma Coast sunset.
Irene had her video camera in hand when the Gualala River opened up on Jan. 20th. The river had been closed for months. As you watch her video you will see a large tree shoot through the new opening. It was an amazing spectacle to see the river meet the Pacific Ocean.
http://leidnerpics.shutterfly.com/pictures/9
Bob Rutemoeller photographed the moment when the river finally spilled over the big sandbar. The photo below was taken at 10:24 am.
And the photo below was taken at 11:09 am.
Thanks to Bob for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
To see my photos of that day, here's the link on this site: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/01/20/the-gualala-river-finally-opened-late-this-morning-and-it-was-an-awesome-sight/
Wendy Bailey was driving up Highway One when she pulled over to watch and photograph the sunset. She was at Stillwater Cove, hoping for a green flash. She didn't get a green flash but she did capture this lovely sunset.
There is a Sonoma County park at Stillwater Cove. Here is the link if you'd like to learn more about it: http://www.sonoma-county.org/parks/pk_stwtr.htm
And if you'd like to see Frank Vaskelis' photo of a green flash shared on this site, here is the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/04/28/the-green-flash-its-not-a-myth/
Wendy didn't see a green flash but Rick Denniston reported seeing a beautiful, two minute long green flash that night from his home in Gualala. Location, location, location!
As I posted yesterday, Rick and I were recently shown how to access the Salal Trail. It turns out the trail starts at Gualala Point Regional Park. It makes sense because there is public parking there. Of course you will have to pay a parking fee or, like us, buy an annual Sonoma County Parks pass. You drive by the pay station and and turn to the left into the small parking area. (Note: There are two small parking areas at the entrance. You want the second one in. If you traveled more than 20 yards from the pay station, you've gone too far.) Here is where you will find the beginning of the trail. Who knew?
The sign below tells you to look for signposts with this symbol on them. You will need to look for them to help guide you along the way.
Here's the Salal Trail where it runs in-between Highway One and the golf course fence. I had no idea there was a trail down in this swale.
This is one of the sign posts to watch for. You will cross the golf course driveway entrance. The lines on the driveway, which delineate the trail, are almost gone.
I hope you will experience this beautiful trail for yourself soon! My best to you, Jeanne Jackson
I have been wanting to hike the Salal Trail but couldn't find where it was on The Sea Ranch. On Friday a friend took Rick and me there. It is so very beautiful and it has a fantastic waterfall, which is running strong from our recent rains.
Tomorrow I will show you a few more photos and give you directions on how to access this wonderful trail.