Sightings

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Just north of Stewarts Point, a bull Tule Elk has been seen on the west side of Highway One with a group of dairy cows. He might just be sharing their feed or he's a little confused during this time of the rut. Craig Tooley got this photo of the rare visitor.

Tule Elk bull near Stewart's Point by Craig Tooley

There is a herd at Point Reyes so perhaps this fellow came from there. He hasn't been seen for the past several days, so we'll have to wait and see if this was a one-time visit or if Tule elk are expanding their territory to include the coast.

Here's a photo of the elk appearing to chase the cows. This photo was taken by Ron LeValley.

Tule Elk Stewart's Point SON 10-10-15 by Ron LeValley 222926

And finally a photo of the elk bugling, taken by Rozanne Rapozo.

Tule Elk bugeling by Rozanne Rapozo

Thanks to Craig, Ron, and Rozanne for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Hearn Gulch is one of the newer public access places brought to us in part by the wonderful Redwood Coast Land Conservancy [RCLC]. Rick and I were there recently when the blowhole was going off.

Hearn Gulch blow hole 1 by Jeanne Jackson (Large)

Blow hole 2 by Jeanne Jackson (Large) Blowhole 3 by Jeanne Jackson (Large) Hearn Gulch blow hole 1 by Jeanne Jackson (Large)

When the blowhole goes off it makes a "whoomp" sound - it's quite exciting to be there when this is happening.

You can learn more about Hearn Gulch and other beautiful beaches and trails at RCLC's website: http://www.rc-lc.org/ Every new public access spot is to be cherished. Thank you, RCLC!

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Peter Cracknell photographed this surfer and titled his photos, "Wipe out!"

Wipe out in big waves off Point Arena by Peter Cracknell

You can see the Bull Kelp in the water. I'm sure this surfer got back on his or her board and road the waves again.

Thanks to Peter for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

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Amanda Stinson had just built this stone tower when this California Sister butterfly flitted down on her hand.

Amanda Stinson with a California Sister Butterfly, a selfie by Amanda Stinson

Just why was Amanda building a stone tower? I'll let her answer.

Amanda wrote, “When I caught wind of a ‘balance for peace day,’ with rock balancers from all over the world, I had to participate. When I finished, a California Sister appeared, fluttering around, made a balance on my fingers, and graciously posed for a picture. It seems butterflies like peace too.”

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

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We had a small rainstorm this morning. Any rain is welcome! Now puffy clouds are skimming across the sky. Drew Fagan recently photographed an usually-shaped cloud.

Bird in flight cloud formation by Drew Fagan

He first though it looked like a whale's tail, but changed it to a bird in flight. That works for me!

Thanks to Drew for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see Drew's beautiful artwork, here is his website: http://drewfagan.com/