We've had early storms, thank goodness, and once they clear, they bring the chance for beautiful sunsets.
The first was taken by Peter Cracknell, the middle one by Richard Hansen and the last one by Cathleen Crosby. All from different vantage points and all so lovely. I thank them for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
We had a second storm hit the Mendonoma Coast on Wednesday and we are thankful for this early rain. Following the storm were beautiful clouds and several rainbows. Thursday was an incredible day to be on the coast. Bettye Winters got these photos in the Irish Beach neighborhood.
The clouds cleared and Cathleen Crosby got this photo of Friday night's crescent moon.
There is always something beautiful to see here on the Mendonoma Coast!
Thanks to Bettye and Cathleen for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
Cathleen Crosby spotted this pair of California Walking Sticks, Timema.
She commented, "Making little sticks." It does look like they might be mating. But I've learned that the smaller male spends much of his life hitching a ride on top the larger female. Doesn't seem quite fair, does it?
Here is a photo Cathleen took several years ago of a single CA Walking Stick.
These insects are only found in the far western United States. They feed on leaves or bark. In our area they might be found feeding on Ceanothus.
Thanks to Cathleen for allowing me to share her photos with you here.
On May 26th, a very strange looking vessel was seen. Rick wondered at first if it was an ice breaker because of its prow. We could see the boat's name was Oberon. Cathleen Crosby noticed it too. She was able to pull over along Highway One and get this photo.
We found out it is a support vessel for Super Yachts, a Sea Axe 5009 Oberon. You can see a smaller boat on the back. Apparently they carry supplies and extra crew for a luxury yacht. It's top speed is 28 knots, a very fast vessel indeed.
To learn more about this yacht, here's a link: http://www.charterworld.com/news/sea-axe-5009-oberon-yacht-changes-the-superyacht-support-vessel-market
Thanks to Cathleen for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Cathleen Crosby has a family of Gray Foxes near her home in Gualala. What fun she will have in the days to come, watching three Fox Kits growing up. They are very playful with each other and the Fox parents are quite devoted to their welfare.
It will be wonderful to see more photos of these cute kits in the days to come. Here is a favorite photo of a Gray Fox mother, perhaps exhausted from nursing. She's relaxing in a birdbath. This photo was taken by Lynda Opperman.
Thanks to Cathleen and Lynda for allowing me to share their photos with you here.