Sea Slugs

It was breezy today, but nice temperatures for hiking and we made good time. Below is a photo of the seals we were supposed to say hello to when we passed by. We had our lunch on the long bench behind the Ohlsen Ranch building and out of the wind. (NOTE: photo and write up submitted by Mary Sue. I was in my studio learning Illustrator with my tutor. THANKS AGAIN MARY SUE!!!)

Happy Cows?!

It was a beautiful (and breezy) day at Stornetta. The tide was the lowest I have ever witnessed, leaving a path viewable to the island. At lunch we had some very curious cows but Foxie and Bob and Mary Sue kept them at bay.

Harmony in Harmony

Last week I missed the hike because I was driving down highway 1 with my hubby. No road trip to So Cal is complete for me without a pilgrimage to the (very neglected) town of Harmony.

Chapel/Azalea Loop

I was in LA and missed last week's hike but thankfully Mary Sue sent me this report and the picture above.

Four people and a dog walked the Chapel/Azalea loops on the Sea Ranch. It was muddy on the trail and one of these photos shows our leader Theresa doing a detour to miss a big patch. In spite of this, we enjoyed the beautiful day and this hike which was mostly out of the wind. We still found a couple of Azalea plants in bloom and a somewhat rare bulb, Calochortus uniflorus

Beautiful Flowers & Soggie Legs

It didn't rain but the grasses were so wet from the rain yesterday that we all were very soggie from the knees down. Regardless, the flower show was INCREDIBLE! Pictured above is the mystery plant covered with raindrops and a rare purple flower whose name I can't remember.... but I am sure Mary Sue could tell us. During our lunch on the rocks we were treated to a water-firework display. Most lovely.

Not RAINED out

Despite waking up to a downpour and thinking the hike would be rained out we did not feel one drop as we walked through Bower Park and toured Mary Sue's incredible garden. The 4 brave souls were also treated to another contest this year -- first to spot the "blue airplane" won a potted Star Lily.
I once again forgot my camera so these pictures are compliments of Mary Sue. The Pin Cushion Flower (Leucospermum) is from Mary Sue's yard and the Wisteria entwined in the Huckleberry was in Bower Park. It was a lovely rain-free hike.

Hug-a-Ball

It was a glorious minus tide day at Bowling Ball Beach. This is the beach I was married on 12 years June 6th. It is a VERY special spot. Today, the bowling balls just needed to be hugged - so we did!