To celebrate the day of love, here are some hearts for you. First, heart-shaped rocks found on the Mendonoma coast, hand-painted by Jann Littleton.
And a driftwood heart, photographed by Craig Tooley.
A heart-shaped cave photographed by Kate Gelles.
And the heart-shaped blow of a Gray Whale, photographed by Carol Bogovich.
Happy Valentine's Day, from me to you!
Ken and Martha Fischer went hiking on the north end of Manchester Beach with friends recently. Ken wrote, “We try to pick up plastic and glass debris, and Martha found this nice handmade glass fishing float, which looked like a bottle from a distance. A real gift from the sea! Too bad it can’t tell us about its travels.”
The California Current brings unexpected items from halfway around the world. Mel Smith has been collecting glass fishing floats for decades. Here is his collection of a lifetime, photographed by Craig Tooley.
Thanks to Ken and Craig for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
Larain Matheson stopped on a trip down the coast to photograph this lovely sight through her windshield. You can see the Russian River entering the Pacific Ocean. And the headlands are draped in fog.
Highway One, with it's curves and cliffs, can be scary for some to drive. Many of us who live on the Mendonoma coast just resolve to take our time and enjoy the beautiful vistas.
This afternoon we are getting a little rain. As it hasn't rained in February before today, we are grateful for any wet stuff Mother Nature gives.
Thanks to Larain for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Teresa Denniston was watching for Gray Whales recently. Their southward migration is in full swing. Teresa saw this Gray Whale spyhopping, a thrilling sight.
Here is a photo her husband, Rick, took from their home overlooking the Gualala River and the Pacific Ocean of another Gray Whale spyhopping.
I saw a spyhopping Gray Whale once, off of Biehler Point on The Sea Ranch. The whale was so quiet, took a quick look, and then just as quietly sank back down into the water. I almost doubted what I saw!
Thanks to Teresa and Rick for allowing me to share their photos with you here. Their home is called Serendipity and is available as a short-term rental. You can see it at this link: http://rentals.coastinghome.com/rns/property/Serendipit.aspx
Milkmaids, Cardamine californica, are members of the Mustard Family. They are one of the earliest blooming wildflowers on the Mendonoma coast. Jinx McCombs recently found one in bloom.
Western Trilliums, Trillium ovatum, are up too! Rick and I found a half dozen today in the forest. Members of the Lily Family, they are sometimes called Wake Robin because their bloom can coincide with American Robins returning from their wintering grounds. Here is one just appearing on the forest floor.
Native wildflowers are a treat to find. Thanks to Jinx for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
We are having warm, dry weather. It doesn't feel like winter here on the Mendonoma coast today. No rain in the forecast for the next week. We may have to start planning for a rain dance.