The eclipse took place in the early hours of the morning. Paul Kozal got this beautiful photo at the tail end of the eclipse.
There was a full moon to add to the magic. These farm buildings are relics on The Sea Ranch from the time the property was used as a sheep ranch.
Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.paulkozal.com/
Harbor Seal pups are being born on secluded coves. The bluffs at The Sea Ranch are one of the places you can quietly watch without disturbing them. Barbara Thrush saw a birth from start to finish.
Finally the little one is born.
Next the pup and its mother bond. They are also marking each other's scent so they can find each other.
And lastly the newborn pup tests the waters with mom watching close by.
Once again let me caution people not to "rescue" a pup left alone on a beach. The mother will leave her newborn while she fishes to feed herself. She will return!
Thanks to Barbara for allowing me to share her wonderful photos with you here.
We are always on Harbor Seal pup watch every spring and it's exciting when the first one appears. Allen Vinson was there on a bluff at The Sea Ranch when it happened on the first of April.
And soon the little pup was nursing.
Since then 18 more have been born. It's that time of year to especially keep your dogs on leash when approaching a beach. Pups are very vulnerable. Never "rescue" one. The mother leaves her newborn soon after birth so she can fish for herself. She will return to her sweet pup. If you do find a marine mammal in distress, call the Marine Mammal Center at 415 289-7350. They will send a trained local to assess the situation.
Thanks to Allen for allowing me to share his photos with you here.
The Sea Ranch Chapel is so lovely. Many couples have been married inside this intimate chapel. Bill Oxford recently got this beautiful photo.
Next month there will be a renewal of wedding vows here, as part of The Sea Ranch's 50th anniversary celebration.
Thanks to Bill for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Bill's Sea Ranch photos, here is his website: http://www.searanchphotos.com/
Usually we see rainbows in the morning, but conditions were perfect for rainbows just before sunset. Peter Cracknell photographed a double rainbow on The Sea Ranch. You can see the setting sun reflected in the windows.
I love rainbow days. I saw a photo taken last Saturday of a rainbow soaring above the Gualala Hotel. That was the day the restaurant opened for the first time in several years. I hope it is a good omen for the venerable old gal. It's so good to see it open.
Thanks to Peter for allowing me to share his photo with you here.