Magnificent waves off The Sea Ranch photographed by coastal photographer Craig Tooley

We are experiencing high surf and crashing waves here on the Mendonoma Coast. Craig Tooley has been out with his camera and he caught a wave alright - a beautiful wave with iridescence.

And another spectacular shot. These were taken from The Sea Ranch.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share these with you here. Here's a link to Craig's web site to see more of his work: http://ruffimage.com/

Sunrise with the full moon and Manzanita Blossoms

Watching a lovely sunrise with the full moon glowing in the west is a treat given to those fortunate enough to be on the Mendonoma Coast. You can also see the lights of a fishing boat out on the Pacific Ocean.

 And here is the rest of the sunrise, looking southwest, from our property in Anchor Bay - sheer loveliness!

 The earliest of the Manzanitas have begun blooming. These exquisite white flowers are shaped like upside-down urns. Some people remove Manzanitas bushes from their property and the ecosystem is hurt because of it. These blossoms feed our year 'round hummingbirds, the Anna's. They provide food for our native bees and butterflies. Since Manzanitas are the first to bloom in the winter, they are crucial for our wildlife.

A mushroom forage on Saturday - gifts from the forest

Our chef friend, Barbara Bourke, visited last weekend. Saturday morning we headed out for wild mushrooms. We didn't have to go further than our own property. We found Black Trumpets, Bellybutton Hedgehogs, a lone Golden Chanterelle, Candy Caps and Shrimp Russulas.

Barb decided to use the Black Trumpets in a scalloped potato dish. She chopped them and layered them in with the potatoes. No need to cook them first as the dish takes an hour in the oven.

And here is the finished product. I can attest to the deliciousness of this dish!

What a treat. Thank you, Barb!

Dramatic photo of the Sonoma Coast by Carolyn André

The Mendonoma Coast has been experiencing big waves this past week. To our south they are holding the Maverick's surfing competition because the waves are so huge. Our waves certainly don't get that big but they are impressive nevertheless.

Carolyn André recently captured a beautiful photo of the Pacific Ocean and the coast of The Sea Ranch. Carolyn commented that this photo looks like a Japanese painting. I agree. You can almost hear the waves crashing onshore.

A tiny frog, here is a juvenile Foothill Yellow-legged Frog

Will Ericson loves exploring the reaches of the wild Gualala River. A while back he discovered this juvenile frog, a Foothill Yellow-legged Frog, Ranas Boylii. You will see it is not much bigger than a quarter.

Here it is in one of the tributaries of the Gualala River.

 And here is an adult Foothill Yellow-legged Frog photographed by Peter Baye. You can see that it blends in well with the rocks in the river.

They are found in Oregon, along the California Coast and down to Baja California. To see another frog, the Pacific Tree Frog, here is the link:
http://mendonomasightings.blogspot.com/2011/10/tiny-frog-with-big-voice-meet-pacific.html

Ho Hum, another beautiful sunset, this one photogaphed by DeAnn Steele

Our dry weather continues on the Mendonoma Coast, as do the fabulous sunsets. There is something special about a winter sunset. DeAnn Steele photographed this one on Wednesday on the Jenner Grade.

And here is one I took the same evening, from my home in Anchor Bay

A bit of loveliness for you today!

I've just fallen in love with Hearn Gulch

Hearn Gulch was recently opened to the public due to the efforts of the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy. What a treasure this is! Found at mile marker 10.00 north of Anchor Bay in Mendocino County, there is parking for several cars.

It's an easy walk out to the bluff with Rick and Huckleberry leading the way.

Below you will see a dramatic fissure in the bluffs.

And here is the beautiful pocket beach, which is called Saunder's Landing. There is a trail down to this beach. The majority of the trail is easy but the last part is steep and the rocks were slippery. Ropes have been installed to help people navigate the lower part of the trail.

As we stood on the bluffs, the Pacific Ocean slammed onto the bluffs, making a loud booming sound and sending great plumes skyward.

And here is a sea tunnel. I will go back when the tide is right to see it in action. I believe I need to go at mean tide. We were on the tail end of a high tide yesterday.

In spring the wildflowers should be amazing. I am so grateful these acres were preserved so everyone can experience this beautiful place. Here's a link to the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy to see what other gifts they have given us: http://www.rc-lc.org/