Are You That Woman

Wild Rivers Coast: There’s a reason why

The sun was barely breaking through when fog began rolling in across the mouth of the Smith River. Where river and ocean unite – feels holy. Harbor seals, almost ghostly, gaze out across the shallow. A community of cormorants Zen(ly) attempt drying their wings. Brown pelicans and American oystercatchers share the spit. A lone angler casts again and again. He confides it’s been rumored salmon are running better on the Rogue and Klamath rivers. Still, he’s content. I watch with quiet respect and retreat once my camera is satiated.

Some 30 miles away, we walk a considerable sandspit separating the Klamath River from the Pacific Ocean. One more peaceful world, the lone inhabitants strolling or sitting quietly, we reverently contemplate this sacred space. The tide is returning and waves crash to the shore. A swift undertow – the cold water just licks my naked feet as I scramble away.  The Klamath has journeyed far – 263 miles from Southern Oregon – to wed itself to the churning ocean.

 

Morro Bay: Nature Sublime

Inhale. Watch the sun set behind Morro Rock, bark at sea lions, call to a night heron, and walk in silence beside a forest of pygmy oaks.  At every turn, open spaces and environmentally sensitive biomes of extraordinary splendor await.  Miles and miles of nature preserves, state parks, state beaches, and magical places with names like The Elfin Forest elevate Morro Bay’s allure.  From a waterfront perch at the Inn at Morro Bay, only one question emerges, “What next?” Mother Nature worked overtime to create this canvas.  It deserves all your attention.

Turn right out of the Inn’s parking lot. Head for Montaña de Oro State Park toward shoreline and estuary views.  In just a few miles, the road narrows; the “real” world drops away.  Some days are sunny.  Today, fog drapes the hillsides but without diminishing the heightened anticipation to reach Sandspit Beach – a four-mile “ecologically diverse” sand dune area separating Morro Bay from the Pacific Ocean.

One vehicle in the parking lot alludes to a park ranger, nowhere to be seen.  Out of your own four-wheeler, the world is quiet. You zigzag along with the boardwalk, along sensitive dunes dotted with sand verbena and lupine.  A slight rise in the dune and –  suddenly – stillness to crashing waves! A view that thrills you to the bone.

Breathe. One seriously long, deep breath of the fog, the mist, the ocean air.

See. Open your eyes, wide! Really, really wide to an abundance of sand, shore birds, ocean debris, wildflowers, pounding surf. Incredibly, you are the sole inhabitant on this expanse of beach inside Montaña de Oro State Park.  Imagine the coastal Chumash who once called this home.

Step. Follow the footprints – some four-footed – the comings and goings of previous visitors. The tide rushes up and laps at your feet, washing away remnants of your passing and those before you.

Gaze. Scan for signs of life. A troop of curlews hurries in and out of the surf chasing an elusive breakfast.  A band of brown pelicans rises and falls with the light as if on some unseen carnival ride.  Bashful snowy plovers sneak – left, right, left right – over dunes to  protected nesting ground.  A gang of turkey vultures nibble on the carcass of a dolphin, its mouth agape in a petrified smile.  Heartbreaking, still, it is the nature of things and now part of this memory.

Sun and fog debate which will prevail over today’s weather. Fog appears to be winning.  Though a distance away, you linger in hopes that Morro Rock will reappear through the mist. Not to be on this adventure. After a mile on the spit, it’s time to turn back.

A ghostly surfer slips the top of a wave, a solitary figure, as you depart. Exhale.

Falling for Yosemite Autumn is Awesome

Even during these trying Covid times, for most travelers, Labor Day signaled the unofficial end of summer. Vacations are over. Kids are back in school. It's the last bona fide summer holiday weekend and, from this point forward it's a slow, steady slide into the New Year.

Fall Equinox occurs around September 23rd each year. The sun crosses the celestial equator, from north to south, heralding the end of summer marking the official start of autumn. Days are getting shorter; shadows are longer; nights are cooler, and you can feel the change in the air. It's inspirational! It's also one of the best and most inspired times of year to visit Yosemite National Park!

When it comes to visiting Yosemite, fewer travelers visit in this off-season. Annually, millions of people throng to see the splendor of the granite cliffs, cascading falls, giant sequoias, and the grandeur made famous by the likes of John Muir and Ansel Adams. During late spring and throughout the summer months, Yosemite is teeming with guests from around the world. There's more traffic and making lodging reservations, especially within the park, can be a challenge. Post-summer, the visitor tide ebbs, and the park begins an unhurried progression into a seasonal hibernation. Fewer cars on the roads in, out, and around the park, are definitely a big plus. The availability of lodging – at all levels – is much more attainable.

Autumn weather remains comfy with daytime temps warm enough for shorts and river sandals; nights can be chilly but cozy – even more so as the fall season evolves. Changes in temperatures and weather should be considered when packing. Better to err on the conservative side – the layered approach is usually best – and remember, rain and early snows are always a possibility; come prepared.

Yosemite Valley is famous for its colorful dogwoods – shades of pink and red; and California live oaks turn a golden amber color mid-October to November. Throughout the season aspens adorn themselves with seasonal hues. The onset of autumn colors can't be timed. Lengthening nights and colder temperatures signal the change. So in other words, later in the season is better but is no guarantee. In the solitude and calm of the autumn season, you can be assured that Yosemite will not disappoint even the most ardent leaf peeper. Look for the landmark blazing red sugar maple near Yosemite Chapel. Take Tioga Road along the Merced River for some of the best fall foliage photo-ops.

Visitors should keep an eye out for mule deer and coyotes, which are now seen frequently as they move from the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada down into Yosemite Valley. Bears should always be a concern – though not as frequently sighted. Do not leave any food or sunscreen, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, gum, candy, and any other items that have a scent in your car. If camping, be certain to take precautions and use food storage lockers.

From Sacramento and foothill locations, you have easy access to one of California's most scenic byways, Hwy. 49. There's no better way to begin this fall foliage sojourn. As fall flourishes, sightings of color along Hwy. 49 are clearly an added attraction to this multi-hued escape.  Also known as the Golden Chain Heritage Corridor, Hwy. 49 passes through charming and historic towns. Allow time to enjoy the sights and an occasional stop at towns along the way. Amador City, Sutter Creek, Angels Camp, Sonora, and others offer outstanding opportunities for shopping, sightseeing, and maybe a fresh-baked loaf of bread or a glass of wine. California's past lives on in these Gold Rush-era gems. If you choose to bypass downtown Sonora's two-lane traffic, a detour on Rawhide Road saves about 15-20 minutes of driving time. It's always best to travel with a detailed map as cell service can still be spotty.

Hwy. 49 has more than its share of twists and turns and slow-moving vehicles. Relax and enjoy the ride. Remember, getting there is half the fun. If you've never driven to Yosemite via Hwy. 120 you may want to avoid Old Priest Grade. This incredibly steep, two-mile stretch of road is not for the weak-of-heart. We love it and wouldn't think of going any other way, but never with a trailer or motor home! Think about staying on Hwy. 120 on the west side of the canyon. This will meet Old Priest Grade at the top. About a six-mile trek, the New Priest Grade bypass is longer and somewhat winding, but the stress-free ascent can easily accommodate trailers and motor homes as it's the preferred route for tour buses.

If heading down the "vertical” Old Priest Grade, make sure your brakes are in good working order.

Hwy. 120 passes through the Gold Rush-era town of Groveland, an excellent pit-stop or place to stay outside the park if that's your choice. The 3-diamond Groveland Hotel has been greeting guests since 1849. All the rooms have been completely updated and are twenty-first century fresh. The new Groveland Provisions Taproom & Bourbon Bar provides small bites and libations.  The Iron Door Saloon claims to be the longest continuously operated drinking establishment in California. About 23 miles away is the Big Oak Flat entrance to the Yosemite National Park and you'll be required to purchase a $35 vehicle pass, valid for seven days.

Tip! Be sure to gas up before heading into Yosemite Valley. The last chances are in Big Oak Flat, Groveland, and Yosemite Lakes Road (Hardin Flat). There is another chance for fuel at Crane Flat inside the park.  Yosemite Valley Shuttles are not running in 2021. Check schedules for YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System.

 

Retreat to Fern Canyon Trail in Mendocino County California

Silence . 

Eyes closed. The stillness beats in your ears. The hammering Mendocino ocean surf is replaced by giggling streams and fern grotto waterfalls. Blue skies and sunshine swallowed by towering redwoods, ferns and moss – kept lush by the dark, dank, and cold of this rainforest environment. Walking more than five miles in this tranquil woodland, you are alone on the planet. The silence broken mostly by small bird voices and a lone tree frog far and away. Other hikers occasionally cross your path with a nod and a smile.

The magic and spirit of Fern Canyon Trail at Russian Gulch State Park is ancient. Life here began long before humans breathed on this Earth. Despite human intervention, its mystical soul survives. Worth the ascent, the north trail (2.6 miles) is up and over and gets heart and lungs pumping for the Fern Canyon waterfall trail (another .7 miles). Loop back along the flat bike trail.

Slowly come to your senses as you leave this dreamscape behind.

 

Butte County Watchable Wildlife

California Watchable Wildlife (CAWW) celebrates the state’s wildlife and diverse habitats by acknowledging and elevating the value of wildlife viewing and nature tourism to benefit individuals, families, communities, and industries while fostering awareness and support for conservation and protection of wildlife and habitats.

Throughout Butte County, a wide array of feathered friends, mammals, reptiles, insects, and fish are full-time residents, making it an ideal California Watchable Wildlife (CAWW) destination.

Discover red-tailed hawks, Swainson’s hawks, falcons, river otters, owls, Mexican free-tailed bats—and too many more animals to list—at Butte County’s urban parks, neighborhoods, and rivers. With its myriad of lakes, seasonal wetlands, vernal pools, and creeks, Butte County also welcomes millions of migratory birds each fall and winter as a major player on the Pacific Flyway. Each year, winged visitors make their way to flooded rice fields, nature preserves, parks and refuges where you can watch breathtaking fly-ins and showstopping fly-outs of ducks, sandhill cranes, Canada geese, snow geese and tundra swans (and more!).

Whether you walk, paddle, hike, or observe from your car, it’s easy to get up close and personal with nature in and around Butte County all year long (just look for the binocular signs).  Discover more about a few of Butte County’s official California Watchable Wildlife locations and check CAWW as more locations are added:

• Bidwell Park
  • Premium Site: worth visiting if you have limited time; has wildlife values year-round
  • The habitat: Blue Oak foothills woodland, Riparian, Grassland, Foothill Pine-Oak Woodland, Freshwater seeps/wetlands, pond
  • With both a lower and upper part to the park, Upper Bidwell Park is the Watchable Wildlife focus, with over 100 species of birds found during various seasons and critical habitat for the Eastern Tehama deer herd, the largest in California. The area also provides critical habitat for and spawning for threatened Spring Run Chinook salmon and hosts larger, seldom seen, animals, such as mountain lion, black bear, coyote, and bobcat.
• Chico Seed Orchard
  • The habitat: Oak woodland and riparian
  • Originally known as the Plant Introduction Station with the purpose of plant breeding research and plant introduction from all over the world, today the Chico Seed Orchard produces plants for projects such as reforestation, wildfire recovery, watershed restoration, fisheries, riparian habitat for threatened and endangered species, oak woodland restoration, and more. The trees and plants from around the world provide shelter for 200 species of bird throughout the year.
• Feather River Fish Hatchery
  • Located on a scenic stretch of the Feather River just below Oroville Dam, this hatchery offers stunning scenery, an underwater window view of fish using the fish ladder, close-up views of Chinook salmon and steelhead spawning and rearing, and opportunities to see fish spawn naturally in the river gravels below the hatchery. The Feather River Fish Hatchery handles 30 million eggs, 15 million fingerlings, and 17,000 adult salmon and steelhead annually. Approximately 20 percent of the ocean sport and commercial catch originates here. Best viewing will be during the salmon spawning season (mid-September to November) and steelhead spawning season (late November to February 1). Find other wildlife viewing opportunities along the Feather River, where you’ll enjoy views of waterfowl, wading birds, songbirds, birds of prey, and small mammals.
• Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
  • Premium site: worth visiting if you have limited time; interpretive programs and/or displays, well-developed facilities
  • The habitat: 35% upland, 5% permanent wetland, 60% seasonal wetland, 5% riparian, plus delivery ditch, natural slough, and creek banks.
  • Gray Lodge Wildlife Area is a spectacular, seasonal wetland, located 5 miles north of the Sutter Buttes. Wintering waterfowl, which includes over a million ducks and more than 100,000 Ross' and snow geese, enjoy loafing on the shallow ponds of this 9,200-acre wildlife area. Occasionally, muskrats and river otters are seen swimming through the deeper waterways. The upland fields and tree-lined canals provide habitat for warblers, red-shouldered hawks, ring-necked pheasants, tricolored blackbirds and much more. You may even spot some of the nocturnal life, such as barn owls and black-tailed mule deer, some of which are albino.
• Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge
  • The habitat: Butte County’s part of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge is the Pine Creek Unit, which consists of 141 acres of native grasses and 423 acres of mixed riparian forest
  • The Sacramento River is an important breeding area for migratory songbirds and other migratory and resident land birds. This River is also an important migration corridor that provides stopover resting and feeding habitat for birds that breed in the nearby northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade foothills and mountains. Many mammalian species are year-round residents of the Refuge. Fish species occur at the Refuge in the main channel, sloughs, oxbow lakes, and on the inundated floodplain. Visitors to the Pine Creek Unit can enjoy about 2 miles of trails, accessible by foot or boat.

Photo Contest:  California Watchable Wildlife administers the annual California Wildlife Photo of the Year Contest. Photos can be present or past, but must have been taken in California, including the wilds of Butte County. The contest has five submission entry periods, beginning in January 1, 2021 and ending October 31, 2021. The final judging period, November – December, is reserved for selecting the Photo of the Year. Learn more about this annual contest at California Watchable Wildlife and submit your photos for your chance to win!

 

 

 

Made in America: Florence & New Italian Art Company

Yes, Made in America has been a mantra. Embraced by many. Now, more than ever, it should be embraced by all Americans. During the pandemic, we could clearly see how out-sourcing nearly all of our manufacturing put us at an economic disadvantage. Many everyday items - appliances, electronics, parts - were unavailable or taking many weeks or months to arrive. This was not the case pre-COVID.

So, when I decided to buy a new garden birdbath I would have nothing other than "Made in America". Thanks to online searches, I quickly located Florence & New Art Company. Imagine my delight and doing a joyful dance!

Family-owned and operated for decades, the original Florence Art Company was founded in 1916 by Tuscan artisans living in San Francisco. A leading San Francisco statuary manufacturer established in the 1920s, New Italian Art Company, bought Florence in 1950 and the next generation of garden art began. One of the West Coast's premier manufactures of garden décor, Florence & New Italian Art Company hand-casts a wide variety of fountains, birdbaths, containers, and assorted garden accents.

I immediately called the Hayward-based company. Yes, they were still making birdbaths. And incredibly, my local Ace Hardware of Chico was one of their distributors. Just two tiny glitches.  (1) Ace Hardware was out of the hummingbird birdbath I was seeking. (2) COVID! In the early days of the pandemic, Florence & New Italian Art Company was not considered essential and had to close down for several weeks. By the time they re-opened, they were many weeks behind in manufacturing.  The ups and downs of being a small, locally-owned, operated and Made in America company. Sigh.

I would not be deterred, the birdbath was ordered and the waiting began. Tick tock. The days and then weeks slipped by. Every so often I would call to confirm. "Yes, we have your order." The promise was always "soon". Months passed.

Then, sometime in November the call finally came. My birdbath was in on truck and on its way from Hayward to Chico. The long wait was over. I could hardly contain my joy. Now mind you, I had never actually seen this birdbath. I was hoping against all hope that it would be everything my garden and bathing birds would love. 

And it is! The proof is in the splashing. 

California is the Color of Autumn

FALL FOLIAGE IN CALIFORNIA:  Places to Go, Colors to See 
by Barbara L. Steinberg

Summer’s golden, sun-filled hours have shortened and the evening air is turning crisp and cool, Mother Nature takes her cue to begin a spectacular and colorful show of fall foliage in the Golden State.  Autumn’s palette of deep reds, glowing yellows and warm, earthy browns may be enjoyed in many of California’s regions.  Visitors taking a relaxing drive, hike or bicycle ride through the scenic countryside will be instantly immersed in the season’s breathtaking beauty.  

Click here for some of the more popular places to view the best California fall colors. 
             The Rest of the Story....

Autumn Dance

The wind blessed the trees 
With its caressing autumn breeze
And gently plucked the painted leaves
As I glanced up in time to see
The leaves dance down from the waltzing  trees.

Barbara L. Steinberg
Sacramento
10/19/89

Sacramento Valley Conservancy needs $45,000 for Tiny House

On Friday, July 3rd a huge Alder tree fell at Camp Pollock causing damage to the caretaker trailer. Tim and his two yellow labs (Philbin and Luther) were inside the trailer when the tree came down, and while very shook up, thankfully they were all able to walk away. The tree pierced the roof and side of the trailer and caused damage to the inside. While they haven't received an official assessment (no one available on the July 4th holiday) the trailer is likely totaled. 

Tim and his pups have lived on-site and managed this beautiful hidden jewel for the last 5+ years.If you've ever met Tim, you know he's a kind and caring person with a HUGE heart, he works hard to manage the entire 11 acres and is always willing to lend a hand to visitors. Sacramento Valley Conservancy (SVC) owns the trailer and manages the site without any dedicated funding. With COVID-19, SVC has lost nearly all rental income and does not have the funds to purchase a new caretaker unit. This is where they are asking the community for help. The trailer is insured but it's an older model and even though they've worked hard to maintain it, the insurance likely will pay out a few thousand at most and not cover the cost of a replacement. Caretaker housing needs to be durable, and quickly movable since Camp Pollock floods. A tiny house is the best long term solution. SVC will raise as much as they can and go from there.

Having a 24-7 caretaker presence is a critical component to keeping Camp Pollock open to the public. SVC board and staff is scrambling to secure a safe unit (trailer or tiny house) for Tim to continue living on site and fulfilling the essential role of taking care of and looking after the site. It's critical that they have eyes on the property at all times and the unit has to be moveable since the property has flooding most years. 

Can you help keep Camp Pollock a safe and free location to access the American River? Any donation you can give will help make an impact. They are raising money to help SVC purchase a safe trailer or tiny house for Tim to stay in, so he can continue caring for the space 24-7. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me .  

More information about Sacramento Valley Conservancy:
SVC's mission is to preserve the beauty, character and biodiversity of the Sacramento Valley landscape by protecting and stewarding natural and working lands, and scenic open spaces for the benefit of current and future generations.

SVC's vision is to permanently protect a network of natural and working landscapes in the Sacramento Valley.

#RecreateResponsibly

With or without Covid-19, the concept of responsible recreation should come as naturally as breathing. Loving the land. Leaving no trace. Following the rules. Building an inclusive outdoors for all people regardless of race, color, religious, or sexual orientation access to natural resources. It is a human right. Nurturing the soul by thanking Mother Nature for all she has provided - she sets no barriers or borders.

The new #RecreateResponsibly coalition embraces all of these guidelines and more. Seven guidelines, in fact. The guidelines are meant to provide a starting point for getting outside during COVID-19, and as things have evolved in 2020, the guidelines have too. Most importantly, the critical seventh guideline, “Build an Inclusive Outdoors,” recognizing that safety in the outdoors is not just about packing the right gear or bringing a face covering, but ensuring everyone feels safe and welcome.

As we venture more into the great outdoors - urban and rural open spaces, public and private lands - #recreateresponsibly! We have just this one planet that is depending on all of us to help Her survive.

More than 400 organizations have signed onto #RecreateResponsibly. An all volunteer organization, you can  join the coalition. Or just adopt and share the guidelines. We all win!