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October sunsets on the Mendonoma Coast are to be savored. Paul Brewer photographed last night's magnificent sunset.

October 15 Sunset by Paul Brewer

The color didn't last long but Paul's photo will help us relive it.

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is the link to his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/

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Glenn Funk found this Gray Fox kit enjoying the sun on top of his hot tub.

Young Gray Fox on top a hot tub by Glenn Funk

This photo was taken in late August and this kit has undoubtedly grown since then.

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

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It's the kind of day to step back from the bluffs, as big waves are hitting the Mendonoma Coast. Richard Hansen is fortunate to live where he can view Castle Rock, one of our many offshore rocks. This is what he photographed this morning.

Surf's up by Richard Hansen

You can see the mist from the crashing waves is drifting through the air. We have no fog today and it's downright warm.

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

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We've had enough rain for a Porcini, Boletus edulis, bloom. This choice, edible mushroom is such a treat to find. Paul Kozal hit a goldmine of Porcinis, over ten pounds of them.

Basketfull of Boletus edulis by Paul Kozal

And, this very morning Rick and I discovered this bloom of Coccora, Amanita calyptroderma.

Coccora by Jeanne Jackson

Coccoras should only be picked and eaten by the most experienced mushroom forage as they have a deadly look-a-like, the Destroying Angel. Since Rick refuses to eat a mushroom that could conceivably be mistaken for a deadly one - a wise decision - we leave these beauties alone and admire them growing in the forest.

Happy foraging! We have rain in our forecast for next week but for the weekend we are having a short heat wave.

Thanks to  Paul for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Paul's photography, here is his website: http://www.paulkozal.com/

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Linda Bradbrook noticed a Butterfly Bush with dozens of beautiful Monarch Butterflies nectarying right outside her inn, the Gualala Country Inn.

Gualala Country Inn Monarchs on Butterfly bush by Linda Bradbrook

This is the time of year for their great migration, as these butterflies travel thousands of miles to our south. They are definitely flying through the Mendonoma Coast now, adding a touch of beauty to our lives.

Thanks to Linda for allowing me to share her photo with you here. To learn more about her pet-friendly inn, here is the link to their website: http://www.gualalacountryinn.com/