Author Archives: Jeanne Jackson

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Despite the heavy storms of March that knocked some of the blossoms off the bushes, most Huckleberry Bushes have a profusion of blossoms. A few bushes even have tiny green huckleberries already formed up. When we first bought our property and we were walking the land with our friends, Tamarrah and Bill, Tamarrah said to me, "You know all these bushes are Huckleberries, don't you?" No, I didn't. I was thrilled! Not every year is a banner year for these wild blueberries. Last year was a great year. Now it looks like we will be celebrating two banner years in a row. Life is good!

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One of the most spectacular wildflowers is about to bloom in the shadows of a forest of Redwoods, Douglas Firs, Tan Oaks, Madrone and Bishop Pines. It is the rare and lovely Red Clintonia. I'm hoping that this year a Deer won't eat the blossom before it's in full bloom! The leaves are a glossy green and seem to shine from within. Yesterday Princess, our adopted Ragdoll cat, decided to join us on our afternoon walk. She is quite  character and often hides in wait for Huckleberry, our Golden Retriever. But he's on to her now and gives her a wide berth as he trots by her hiding place.
       All the best! Jeanne Jackson, Gualala

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On a neighbor's property is a beautiful mass of rare plants - Fringed Corn Lilies. They are growing alongside year round water, as Frank and Nan's land has springs close to the surface. These large, handsome leaves don't give a clue about the flower to come in the fall. By the time it does flower, the leaves are brown and torn. I will make a point to photograph the beautiful white flower stalks later this year. This plant is endemic to the Mendocino and Sonoma Coast and considered an ESHA - environmentally sensitive habitat.

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I am lucky, lucky, lucky to live where Ospreys choose to nest. There has been an active Osprey nest on our road every year since Rick and I have lived here, which is going on 15 years. Directly in front of our house, due west and about 1/2 mile away, a young Osprey pair have built a nest the past two years but have been unsuccessful in hatching any chicks. We hope this will be the year. They have been busy rebuilding the nest that completely blew down over the winter. Yesterday four Ravens attacked the nest and the male Osprey was magnificent, wheeling, diving and chasing the Ravens away. The female stayed on the nest and flapped her big wings when a Raven got too close. After ten minutes of battle, the Ravens flew off and peace once more reigned on the Mendocino Coast.

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Driving back up the Sonoma Coast yesterday, Rick and I stopped on a bluff so I could take these pictures. The photo of the coastline almost looks like a painting, doesn't it? We looked over the bluff and saw an inacessible beach below - lovely and serene.

I see that quite a few people from Japan are viewing this blog. I post these photos today in your honor as the world knows and cares what you have gone through recently. After all, you and I are only an ocean - the great Pacific Ocean - away.