Due to the drought and the heat, large areas around Folsom Lake are already dry and full of brittle weeds; but on my visit to New York Creek a few days ago I came across a small feeder creek that was still very green and full of animal life. In the morning shade of an old oak, with a cool […]
Sometimes I have to look really hard to find the beauty that inspires me to use my camera. And other times, the beauty just pops up at me unexpectedly, where I least expect it. Like the oleanders I had just trimmed and tossed into the green waste bin. Or the late afternoon sun glowing orange on the side of a […]
It was an extremely windy spot on the Sonoma coast in Salt Point State Park, just north of Gerstle Cove, and I had the place mostly to myself as I clambered over the rocks trying to get a peek into some tide pools. I chose not to climb down too close to where the tide washed in, so my tide […]
I’ve had a soft spot in my heart for mules ever since reading The Oregon Trail, Rinker Buck’s memoir about traveling the historic overland route with his brother in a covered wagon pulled by a team of three mules, Beck, Jake, and Bute. As I hike the dirt trails within Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, I frequently encounter people riding […]
I shot these images of a Great Blue Heron wading in tide pools and catching his breakfast on a foggy morning; I also shot them using my Canon’s Raw mode. I’m still learning about Raw and how to edit for best results — and it’s a bit of a challenge since the majority of online tutorials focus on Photoshop or […]
Today, June 8, is United Nations World Oceans Day; the UN General Assembly created this day of observance in December 2008 by passing Resolution 63/111. To celebrate our beautiful, amazing, and life-giving oceans, I thought it was only fitting to share a few of my favorite images from trips to the Sonoma coast over the past year. The ocean covers […]
One reason I enjoy staying at the Fort Ross Lodge is the open field between the motel buildings and the ocean cliffs. There is plenty of room to wander and enjoy the view without risking your life along the narrow, winding road that is Highway 1. Our previous stay here was back in November 2020, and while the natural area […]
I have some great childhood memories of exploring tidepools along the Northern California coast, but it’s been ages since I had the chance to repeat the experience. Not long ago I happened to read an article about tidepooling at Gerstle Cove, so on our most recent coastal trip I was determined to climb around and spot a few sea anemones. […]
Over at the coast, I saw (and heard) quite a lot of Song Sparrows chirping brightly amid the shrubby areas near sea cliffs. Even a foggy morning didn’t slow them down; it was fun watching them busily foraging and throwing back their heads to sing their songs.