Sightings

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Sugarstick, also called Candystick, is a very unusual plant that grows on the West Coast. Its Latin name is Allotropa virgata. "Allotropa" means turned differently and refers to the flowers that turn outward or upward on this plant. It's unusual in that it doesn't have chlorophyll and is incapable of photosynthesis. So how does it survive? It obtains its food from fungi that are associated with host trees such as Douglas-Fir and Tan Oak.

It's a rare treat to find one. Nan Brichetto photographed this beauty and I thank her for allowing me to show it to you here.

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Is there anything cuter than a Gray Fox Kit? I don't think so. Here are two photos from Craig Tooley that make my case. Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share them here.

Enjoy! Jeanne Jackson, Gualala

                                          Two Gray Fox Kits

                                          Fox Kit with parent

You can see more of Craig's Gray Fox photos at this link: http://ruffimage.smugmug.com/Nature/Foxes/18158576_2HmrLR#1394557014_B9vkbC3

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If you love wild blueberries, California Huckleberry bushes - Vaccinium ovatum - are loaded with berries and they are ready to pick. I call the berries "Mother Nature's antioxidant pills."

Rick came up with the ideal container for picking huckleberries. It's a box with a belt looped through it. I hook it around my waist and then I have both hands for some serious picking!

To forage for one's own food is a joy. We particularly enjoy these berries in sourdough pancakes. Brunch, anyone?

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Carolyn André caught a Wild Turkey en pointe - up on its toes. It looks like it's doing an impersonation of a ballerina. Carolyn had another thought for a title - "Dressed for Thanksgiving, high heels and all!" The two other Tom Turkeys don't seem to be at all impressed.

I hope this photo will bring a smile to you today!

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Just look at this huge Abalone! Ken, Jack Likins and Randy Jackson (no relation, darn it) were diving ten days ago in an area most divers avoid because it is "dirty," according to Jack. The secret place, off the Mendonoma Coast, doesn't have many Abalones but what is does have are big Abalones. Randy got his limit of 9+ inchers, Jack got his limit of 10+ inchers - yes, three trophy abs, and Ken got the bragging rights with this huge 10+ incher.

All of these men live on the Mendonoma Coast. They are strong and smart. Trophy Abalones are no strangers to these men in their quest for red treasure. Thanks to Jack for allowing me to share his photo. Jack and Ken, along with Richard Lewis, produced a DVD on what it's like to dive for abalone. It's entitled The Hunt for Red Treasure and can be found at my favorite bookstore, The Four-Eyed Frog. http://www.foureyedfrog.com/