Fall Watch

The fall equinox is just three weeks away, but I've been sensing the change since mid-August. The first thing I noticed was the hint of autumnal crispness in the early morning air, as Bobo the Husky and I set out for our morning walks. It was a topic of conversation with my fellow dog walkers. Then I started to notice that it stays darker longer in the morning, and gets darker earlier in the evening. Now I'm noticing that the afternoon chill comes on stronger and earlier in late afternoon, prompting me to reach for a sweater to ward off the chill.

With our Mediterranean climate, the hot summer dry weather is still to come. The Bay Area can expect several significant heat spells between now and the end of October, relieved by stretches of our typical temperate weather. Fall fires are a constant worry, bringing danger and the smell of smoke on the air. Hopefully the rainy season will start in early November.

Roasted vegetables are perfect for fall eating

What to eat is a conundrum. During the heat spells, we still enjoy barbeque, green salads, corn on the cob, and cold summer salads. But on the cooler days, we start craving soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and baked goods.

Fall Watch

We are definitely experiencing our "summer" weather now, despite what the calendar says. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area the traditional summer months of June, July, and August are typically fairly cool. We often have "June gloom", meaning cool, overcast, morning fog that burns off in early afternoon. The temperature may approach the high 70s F. during the day. but then cools as evening approaches. We actually experience summer weather in September and October, when it is hot, dry, and sometimes smoky.

Fall colors

Lately however, I've been feeling that crispness of fall around the edges, and seeing red and yellow leaves that also foretell seasonal change. These clues are very subtle compared to other climates, but they are evident if you watch for them. Fall is coming!

Fall Outing

When it is raining in Juneau, Alaska, Eagle Beach is the place to be. The Eagle Beach State Recreation area is 27 miles north of Juneau, and often has milder weather than elsewhere in the Juneau area. The Rec area provides firepits, trails, and restrooms, and expansive views of the sound and distant Chilkat Mountains. I've posted about Eagle Beach and Eagle River in the past (see Eagle Beach Adventure, Eagle River and the Crab Feed, and Beautiful Juneau).

Eagle Beach area, with a view across Favorite Channel

For this fall outing, Mom and I ate our lunch in the car, while soaking in the view, and then hiked across the sandy beach for a closer look. We saw lots of birds congregating close to the water's edge. Salmon spawn in the area, and are frequently snapped up for a quick meal by eagles, or trapped in pools of water when the tide goes out and eaten by birds or bears. Nothing goes to waste. We met several family groups out walking with their dogs. It was great to see dogs off leash and running, jumping, and diving into the cold salt water with abandon!

Birds congregate on Eagle Beach

Later we drove to the nearby Eagle River picnic and camping area. The Eagle River changes its course frequently, and we found a section of the bank cordoned off with a former bench precariously close to the edge. The view toward the Chilkat Mountains is spectacular.

Salt water from Favorite Channel meets fresh water from Eagle River

We walked along the Beach Access Trail that parallels Eagle River, catching glimpses of the river along the way. We saw many eagles, ravens, sea gulls and shore birds feasting and communing on the sandbars in the river. Mom and I had a great time together enjoying the views and being in nature!

Mom strides along the Beach Access Trail by Eagle River

Three Seasons of Sunsets in Juneau, Alaska

I've been in Juneau, Alaska for three seasons now (late spring, summer, and early fall), as my folks, siblings, and I navigate new seasons of life. My husband is holding down the fort in the San Francisco Bay Area, along with our son who is navigating his own transition to a new season of life and Dakota the Husky. It has been difficult to be apart, but I've enjoyed spending more time with my folks and siblings in Southeast Alaska. 

One pleasure has been experiencing the beautiful sunsets here in Juneau. My folks have a wonderful view of the Chilkat Mountains down channel, and the sunsets are spectacular. Here is a sampling of those experiences!

Spring Sunset in Juneau, Alaska

The front yard looked like a meadow for this late spring sunset. With plenty of rain and longer days, the grass and native flowers grow like lightening (until they are tamed with a good mowing). The puffy clouds and angle of the sun made for some lovely sunsets.

Summer Sunset in Juneau, Alaska

Sunsets in late summer are often tinged with fiery reds and oranges. This may be due to wildfires in the Interior of Canada and Alaska, dust in the air, or simply the angle of the sun, but it makes for some dramatic sunsets.

Fall Sunset in Juneau, Alaska

As we ease into early fall, the sunsets become more understated, but just as beautiful. The muted grays, blues, and greens are tinged with golden light. Needless to say, the sunsets appear earlier and earlier as the days shorten dramatically.

 

Fall Watch

It's still summer here in Southeast Alaska - the days are long (but getting shorter), and the weather is the usual mix of misty, rainy days that are punctuated with high clouds and brief glimpses of the sun. Around the edges are early signs of fall. Squirrels and birds are stashing nuts and cones and berries. A few leaves are starting to turn red or gold and others just look spent. The lovely wild roses are producing their rose hips. The golden light of the early evening is one of my favorite indicators of fall.

Alaskan rosehips in golden evening light

I'm loving these last days of summer, but looking forward to autumnal equinox in just a few weeks.

Fall Light

What is it about the golden light of autumn? Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, the afternoon sunlight of fall seems to glow. I've celebrated it before (see Golden Hour at Lake Temescal, Fall Colors, and Fall Fun), and it never gets old.

Fall light at Bishop Lake

In the fall, the sun changes its position, from high in the sky during summer to low in winter. Due to the 23.5 degree tilt of the planet, this change in position causes the sunlight to strike the earth at an oblique angle, which changes our perception of the light, from a full beam to a slanted glow.

Colors and textures come alive in the fall light

After the time change (fall back), the golden hour falls earlier and earlier, and finally fades to cold winter light. Celebrate the golden fall light for as long as possible!

Mendocino, Fort Bragg, and the Rugged Coast

My husband and I love travelling in the fall - fewer crowds, beautiful foliage, and golden sunlight. This year we decided to return to Mendocino on the rugged Northern California coast. We last visited in fall of 2020 when the pandemic was in full swing (see Visit to Mendocino), and wanted to do some more exploring now that things are opening up. We armed ourselves with warm clothing, maps, a bucket list of activities, and our cameras.

Highway 128 is very curvy!

Navarro Vineyards and Winery on Highway 128

From the San Francisco Bay Area, we headed north and then followed the very curvy Highway 128 through oak forests, vineyards, and redwoods to the coast. The sky was gray and overcast, with a weather forecast of rain, but periodically the whole landscape lit up with golden fall light, and then just as quickly returned to gray. Many deciduous trees sported fall shades of yellow, gold, and red, so we had to stop to snap a few pictures.

Room with a view at Little River Inn

Little River Inn Restaurant for dinner

We checked into the Little River Inn just south of Mendocino, relaxed and prepared for dinner at the inn. It's hard to beat a room with a view of the Pacific Ocean. The rain storm blew in at sundown, so we walked to the Little River Inn Restaurant through pouring rain, and then enjoyed a delicious dinner in the main dining room.

Breakfast at Flow Restaurant (with some brief sunlight before the next rain storm)

The Ford House Museum

Historical diorama showing the logging operation in Mendocino

Exhibit of local mushrooms

We spent a day getting reacquainted with Mendocino, starting with breakfast at Flow Restaurant (last time it was "to-go" only), and then spending some time at the Ford House Museum across the street. We learned about the origins of the Victorian-era town and its logging heritage; and about local mushrooms (Mendocino artist, Miriam C. Rice, developed dye and papermaking techniques using the mushrooms).

Blair House Inn (a.k.a., Jessica Fletcher's home)

Trillium Café for dinner (you can still dine in the tent if you choose)

Another rain storm blew in, so we ducked into Mendocino Jams and Preserves to stock up on a few supplies; and then drove by Jessica Fletcher's "home" (technically, the Blair House Inn, where some scenes from "Murder She Wrote" were filmed). During a break in the rain, we walked on the headlands north of town and snapped a few photos of the churning waves. We ended the day with a delicious dinner inside Trillium Café.

Breakfast at Egghead's Restaurant in Fort Bragg

Craggy coast seen from Noyo Headlands Park near Fort Bragg

A very bold raven greeted us at Noyo Headlands Park

We spent a day in and around Fort Bragg, just up the road. We started with a late breakfast at Egghead's Restaurant (Wizard of Oz themed), and then explored the botanical garden (see Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden). We stopped at Noyo Headlands Park to walk along the bluffs and enjoy views of the rugged coast and Glass Beach; and then headed back to Mendocino for dinner.

A sunny day after lots of rain

The beautiful coast as we head south to Point Arena

The Point Arena Lighthouse

The Point Arena Light Station Museum

The lens

A very unique slate fence

A protected cove near Elk

On our final full day, the rain storm had finally passed through the area, leaving full sun, blue skies, and sparkling clean air. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at Good Life Café & Bakery (inside) and then headed south to Point Arena and the Point Arena Lighthouse. We pulled the car over several times to enjoy sunny views of the rugged coast and snap a few pictures. Back at the hotel, I enjoyed our final sunset from the rocking chair on the veranda (with a large wool blanket), and then we headed to Patterson's Pub (inside) for a delicious dinner.

Our last sunset from the hotel

A dinner guest

The next day, we returned home via Highway 128 feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. We saw many new sights, tried new things, and enjoyed eating inside with fewer restrictions (but still with caution). We had a great time exploring the beautiful Northern California coast!

Fall Back and Full Moon

It's that time of the year again, where we move the clocks back an hour (Fall Back, Spring Ahead). It's great to be getting up in the light again on most mornings, but it is a drag to leave the office in the dark. The nights seem darker this time of year, even with all the extra street lights and porch lights that help push back the darkness.

Full moon on a dark night

Moonlight through a ring of oak boughs

The light of a full moon is especially welcome and cheerful, and adds to the coziness of fall evenings. Time for inside projects, tasty soup or stew, good company or an entertaining book or movie.

Golden Hour at Lake Temescal

It is October and starting to feel like fall here in the San Francisco Bay Area. We still have the dry, hot days that are characteristic of our Mediterranean climate. Plants are looking a little dry, leathery and dusty, and the hills are brown. But, the days are getting shorter and cool off nicely in the evening, and the golden light of fall is magic!

The Lake Temescal boat house bathed in golden light

My husband and I recently attended a wedding reception at the Temescal Regional Recreation Area in Oakland. Besides all the fun of celebrating the happy couple (in person), we had the opportunity to hike around Lake Temescal. This provided some exercise and a chance to enjoy the view in the fall light of late afternoon and early evening.

View of the East Shore fishing pier, from the West Shore Trail

We left the celebration feeling energized, ready for more outings and gatherings, and eager for all the pleasures of fall!

Fall is in the Air

We're in the late-summer-to-fall transition here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Temperatures range between a comfortable mid-70 degrees to a hot mid-80 degrees during the day. Everything is bone dry and covered in dust, since we haven't had rain for months. The soil is like a brick. But the mornings and evenings are fairly cool now; the light has changed (more slanted and golden); and you can feel a subtle change in the air.

Late summer solar dyeing

End-of-summer flowers in fall colors

Lady bug visitor

Hot air balloon puzzle

Wood supply

Hummingbirds welcome

Ready for fall planting

Leaf beetle artwork

Pampas grass up close

Inexplicably, one starts thinking about soups and stews and roast chicken; inside projects; and the holidays ahead (but comfortably in the future). It's time to clean up the yard; put away summer gardening projects; and prep the raised bed for fall greens. The rainy season is ahead. Fall is definitely in the air!

Visit to Mendocino

My husband and I recently took a four-day, socially-distanced trip to Mendocino. We rented a cabin (where the state's COVID-19 guidelines are strictly enforced), ate only in outdoor restaurants that complied with state mandates, and spent most of our time in the great outdoors. We were armed with warm clothes, a collection of face masks and multiple bottles of hand sanitizer.

Highway 128

The Andiron near Mendocino

From the San Francisco Bay Area, we followed the winding path of Highway 128 through oak forest and then majestic redwoods to the coast. We shared the road with only a handful of cars (one of the perks of the pandemic), and then checked into the Andiron Seaside Inn and Cabins (located about four miles from Mendocino). Our cabin (named "Curious") was filled with science-based games and activities, two telescopes, and binoculars. We ate a delicious dinner at the Trillium Cafe (in the garden, under a tent decorated with white lights, warmed by propane heaters, and socially distanced from other diners).

Contactless check in at The Andiron

Trillium Cafe for dinner in the garden

Mendocino is a charming Victorian era town of about 1,000 people (in its logging heydey, it boasted 20,000 inhabitants). The architecture is lovely, as is its situation on the Mendocino headlands, overlooking the ocean. A short walk across the headlands to the cliff-edge yields beautiful views of the rugged coastline. We found excellent menus at Flow Restaurant and Good Life Cafe & Bakery, and enjoyed watching wildlife in the evening, followed by fires in the wood stove, and episodes of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries.

Mendocino on the headlands

Mendocino coast line

View of the ocean

Curious (the cabin)

Russian Gulch State Park is just up the road, north of Mendocino. We snapped pictures of the Russian Gulch bridge glowing in late afternoon sun from the lower parking lot, then again from the Headlands Trail. The winter light intensifies the yellow sediment of the cliffs and illuminates the dense vegetation that covers the headlands. The crashing of the waves and turning of the tide is so therapeutic.

Russian Gulch Bridge

The caves at Russian Gulch State Park

Dramatic skies at Russian Gulch

One day we ate a late lunch in Fort Bragg (a bustling city of about 7,000 people) at Silver's at the Wharf with the sun on our backs, and then headed for the Point Cabrillo Light Station. We saw the charming lighthouse and more of the coastline, with everything bathed in that golden, late afternoon light. The tide surged into the fjords that cut into the coast, and birds and sea lions foraged for food. 

Lunch in Fort Bragg

Fjord at Point Cabrillo

Light station at Point Cabrillo

Rugged coastline (definite need for a lighthouse)

Golden sunset

We spent our last afternoon exploring Mendocino, and visiting the shops (I felt a serious obligation to stimulate the local economy)! Shopping has changed - hand sanitizer at the door, 20-minute stays in the store, limited number of shoppers at any one time. The Mendocino Presbyterian church on Main street was constructed of redwood and dedicated in 1868, and now operates a food pantry and conducts online services. Multiple water towers are scattered throughout the town. Shops are tucked into Victorian buildings that are well maintained and all painted up. We enjoyed a hot toddy and corn dog at Patterson's Pub.

Mendocino Presbyterian Church

One of the water towers in Mendocino

Bead shop along the wooden boardwalk

View from Flow Restaurant waiting for to-go order

Back at the Andiron, watching the deer graze at dusk

We returned home via Highway 128 feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Even with all the restrictions and precautions, we had a great time exploring the beautiful Northern California coast!

Nature therapy