Tag Archives: Salt Point State Park

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With the early rains, mushrooms are appearing in great numbers. Look what Subir Sanyal collected in just a two-hour hike on his property.

Eleven varieties of edible mushroms by Subir Sanyal

There are 11 different species of edible mushrooms in Subir's photo. Can you identify them?

Rozann and Eric Grunig went mushrooming at Salt Point State Park. Rozann reports the park has had a LOT of foragers come through but they did find nearly two pounds of Pig's Ear.

Pig's Ears by Rozann Grunig

We have three storms headed our way over the next five or six days. It will be interesting to see what these storms bring in the way of wild mushrooms - some edible, many not, but all beautiful in their own right.

Thanks to Subir and Rozann for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Yesterday on a trip down the Coast, Rick and I were amazed at the size of the waves. We have had heavy surf for some days now. John Sperry photographed the waves at Gerstle Cove at Salt Point State Park.

And Rozann Grunig photographed waves off of The Sea Ranch. You can feel the power of the Pacific Ocean just by looking at her photo.

And the photo below shows a big wave hitting Gualala Point Island, which is just off the north end of The Sea Ranch.

Thanks to John and Rozann for allowing me to share their photos with you here. To see much more of Rozann's nature photography, here is the link to her website: http://highway1designs.com/

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Big swells create big crashing waves. The Pacific Ocean today is proud and loud! Margaret Lindgren and her husband found a spot at Salt Point State Park close enough to feel the salt spray but far enough back to be safe.

The power of the ocean can make you feel great exhilaration and joy!

Thanks to Margaret for allowing me to share her photos with you. To see Margaret's website of various hiking experiences here on the Mendonoma Coast, here is her website: www.unbeatenpath.weebly.com

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Ken Browning recently led a geology hike at Gualala Point Regional Park. He showed us a small earthquake fault at the south end of the beach.

The fault is below the fence and wind-blown trees.

 Here's a closeup of the fault.

 Close by are these wonderful moon rocks. These formations are also at Salt Point State Park. I discuss these formations at this blog post: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2013/03/02/moon-rocks-and-a-few-other-oddities-at-salt-point-park-as-photographed-by-john-sperry/ if you'd like to learn more. That is Diane Hichwa inspecting the formation.

 And I was struck by this rock's impersonation of a turtle. Hope you enjoy it.

If you'd like to learn more about this beautiful park, here's the link: http://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/Parks/Gualala_Point_Regional_Park.aspx There is a wonderful campground in this park on the east side of Highway 1 with campsites right along the Gualala River.

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Pacific Rhododendrons, Rhododendron macrophyllum,  are blooming in profusion now on the Coast. Driving along Highway One by Salt Point State Park, you can see them right along the road. Another spot close by to see them is Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve. There is a beautiful hiking trail there. This bush is just off our driveway in Anchor Bay.

This native wildflower grows in acidic soil. Their appearance speaks of springtime.