Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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Our dry weather continues on the Mendonoma Coast, as do the fabulous sunsets. There is something special about a winter sunset. DeAnn Steele photographed this one on Wednesday on the Jenner Grade.

And here is one I took the same evening, from my home in Anchor Bay

A bit of loveliness for you today!

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Hearn Gulch was recently opened to the public due to the efforts of the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy. What a treasure this is! Found at mile marker 10.00 north of Anchor Bay in Mendocino County, there is parking for several cars.

It's an easy walk out to the bluff with Rick and Huckleberry leading the way.

Below you will see a dramatic fissure in the bluffs.
And here is the beautiful pocket beach, which is called Saunder's Landing. There is a trail down to this beach. The majority of the trail is easy but the last part is steep and the rocks were slippery. Ropes have been installed to help people navigate the lower part of the trail.

As we stood on the bluffs, the Pacific Ocean slammed onto the bluffs, making a loud booming sound and sending great plumes skyward.

And here is a sea tunnel. I will go back when the tide is right to see it in action. I believe I need to go at mean tide. We were on the tail end of a high tide yesterday.

In spring the wildflowers should be amazing. I am so grateful these acres were preserved so everyone can experience this beautiful place. Here's a link to the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy to see what other gifts they have given us: http://www.rc-lc.org/

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Steve Serdahely found a unique piece of driftwood on the beach at Gualala Point Regional Park. It looks just like a whale.

 One day Rick and I were on the same beach when we saw a Mother Gray Whale and her calf rolling in the surf. Apparently the mother was getting barnacles off her back. Whatever was going on, it was magical to see them so close.

  Adrian Bennett needed a new handle for her microwave. When she was told how much one would cost, she said the heck with that! She found a piece of driftwood that served the purpose with a lot more style.

Thanks to Steve and Adrian for allowing me to share their photos with you.
 If you'd like to see a chair made out of driftwood, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/03/31/a-chair-made-out-of-driftwood/

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Scarlet Waxy Caps, Hygrocybe punicea, are fruiting on the forest floor. These mushrooms are found in Northern Europe and are suppose to be edible there. But the ones in North America are not edible, causing adverse reactions for some. Golden Waxy Caps, Hygrocybe flavescens, have also appeared. I think of these small mushrooms as the "flowers" of winter and I just enjoy looking at them peeking out of the duff of the forest.

Craig Tooley recently photographed one and has kindly allowed me to share it with you here.

Craig has more mushroom photos on his web site, which you find using this link: http://ruffimage.com/

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Siegfried Matull caught a male Anna's Hummingbird hovering in the air, showing the fast wingbeats of this beautiful creature.

Anna's Hummingbirds are year 'round residents of the Mendonoma Coast. They are already feeding on the first blossoms of early-blooming Manzanita plants.