Raining Cats and Dogs

I am so glad that I headed out today! I had thought I would head into Samuel P Taylor State Park to look for mushrooms in the rain but I've never been there and couldn't figure out where the trail heads were located. I found several turn outs but the only "official" looking area was the campground. So instead I drove past and ended up in Point Reyes... the clouds were breaking up to some extent so I went looking for raptors. I found several Red-tailed Hawks, a Red-shoulder Hawk and a Harrier Hawk but they were all pretty skiddish and flew away just before could achieve a focus lock.

The highlight came in the Tule Elk reserve. I noticed a bit of brown/gold fur poking out under the guard rail. Low and behold a beautiful coyote came into view. He gave me one split second look before trotting off to hunt more mice.

Later in the day I ran into several very cooperative Mule Deer.

To top it all off, on the way through Olema I found a beautiful Bobcat mousing in a field. What a wonderful day!

Bogged Down

It is way too easy to get bogged down in the day to day of life and forget about getting out there to photograph. I've been on hold for a bit, knowing that I am hitting the road in another week for a crazy month and a half long road trip through the desert and on to Yellowstone. Enough is enough, even though it's raining... I am hitting the trail tomorrow! Wish me luck in finding some inspiring subjects!

Wake Up California

We are in a severe drought. The utility companies are telling us this, the media is telling us this, the bright blue beautiful summer sky in the middle of what should be a dreary, rainy winter is telling us we are in a severe drought.

However, it is hard to believe when we turn on our faucets and the water runs fast and clean. So on to the photographic proof. John Wall is a Bay Area photographer who has covered the hills and forests for years, revisiting areas and monitoring the changes. He recently posted a comparison that shocked me. Check it out: John Wall's Natural California

If that doesn't make you think twice before leaving the water running while you brush your teeth, nothing will. Every drop saved helps so don't fall into the trap of thinking you are just one person, what difference can you make... Instead, make a difference one drop at a time.

Tips:

• Scrap your dishes after a meal instead of rinsing in running water.
• Turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth.
• Inspect your pipes and fix any leaks you may find. Even a slow drip wastes water over time.
• Use a compost bucket in your kitchen rather than the garbage disposal.
• Consider a drip watering system for your garden rather than running the hose for hours.
• Run your dishwasher and clothes washers with full loads.

For more tips on how to cut your water usage check out the websites listed below.

Senator Barbara Boxer
Santa Clara Valley Water District
Be Water Wise
California Water Service Group

Saying Goodbye to a Legend