View from the hill

Hiking up the Dorn Nature Trail at Clear Lake State Park two months ago was one of my most enjoyable outings this year. I had the trail nearly to myself, and while the sun frequently vanished behind clouds, leaving behind a chilly wind, I was able to take things at my own pace and spend time just listening to the […]

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On the Dorn Nature Trail

One day during our stay in Nice last month, the Big Guy suggested that I drive around to the opposite side of Clear Lake and explore the trails at Clear Lake State Park. I’d been to the state park a few times in the past but only to launch the boat and go fishing. He was convinced that I’d find […]

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More from Mendocino Woodlands

I wrote about a month ago about our forest hike along the Big River in Mendocino County. here are a few more of the photos I shot on that outing. Even though at the time we weren’t sure exactly where we were or where our chosen trail was taking us, we had a great time and the scenery was really […]

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Kelsey Creek boardwalk

Even though the boardwalk along Kelsey Creek in Clear Lake State Park didn’t take me where I had been hoping to go, I really couldn’t complain as I turned around to retrace my steps. Unlike in a dry year, much of the shoreline was flooded; the views were fairly stunning; and I saw more birds up close here than anywhere […]

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Forest hike

I’m not sure if there’s a name for this phenomenon, but maybe you’ve noticed that whenever you’re driving carefully along a winding, narrow, possibly dirt road full of potholes searching for a specific location in the middle of nowhere, three miles can feel more like 50 miles. Just a few miles up Little Lake Road in Mendocino, not far from […]

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Below Timber Ridge

I just keep finding more and more photos from our stay at The Sea Ranch in Sonoma County back in September 2022. I thought this would be the final set, but there are still quite a few more images for me to go through. Every one of them brings back great memories, and I hope you enjoy them as much […]

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A walk along the creek

The dirt trail running parallel to Hinkle Creek is roughly a half mile in length, passing through oak woodland inhabited by a variety of wildlife. The murmur of the creek is never far away even though much of its banks are crowded with prickly blackberry bushes. The location is not exactly isolated; visible just up the steep hill to the […]

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More from The Sea Ranch

A week ago I mentioned that I was surprised to discover some forgotten photos from my trip to the Sonoma Coast back in September. I was sure I had posted all my pictures already; but the great thing about carrying three different cameras is that I can capture three times as many images! Today I’m sharing the photos I shot […]

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On the Bobcat Trail

I was so certain I had already blogged about exploring the neighborhood trails when we stayed at The Sea Ranch last September — but none of the photos are showing up in my media library. I guess my attempt at being organized has failed me again, but this time I don’t mind so much because it gives me an excuse […]

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