Spring Watch

We've been enjoying a range of weather here in the Bay Area, as winter starts winding down. The temperature highs range from the mid-fifties to the mid-sixties F., with a mix of sunny, rainy, and overcast days. I've taken quite a few hikes looking for mushrooms, so have been observing the subtle transition from winter to spring. Flowering trees are finally blooming, as are ceanothus shrubs. Spring bulbs are slowly emerging all over the neighborhood. Our "new" garden is waking up with a few California poppies.

Roaming in nature, looking for mushrooms and signs of spring

Last week we had a brief "heat spell" – the temperature peaked in the mid-seventies F. for a couple of days. It felt wonderful. Best of all were the warm breezes that rustled through the tall trees in the neighborhood. They stirred familiar memories of warm spring and summer days, and all the pleasures that go along with it. I've enjoyed winter, but am looking forward to spring produce, lounging on the patio with my family, tending the garden, and planning trips to near and far-flung places.

Audubon Cruise in Southeast Alaska

My brother Dave and I joined an Audubon Cruise on Berner's Bay, a fund raiser for the local Audubon Society and a chance for locals to tour Berner's Bay before tourist season kicks into high gear. It was pouring rain when we arrived at Statter Harbor, but most Alaskans are undaunted by a little rain. A pretty good crowd of us boarded the catamaran, St. Peter, and found a place to sit. We headed out of the harbor, sipping mocha coffee and eating donut holes, ready for a morning of bird watching. The spring migration is just starting, so we could expect to see almost anything!

Audubon Cruise on Berner's Bay

Dave standing by the St. Peter (a seaworthy catamaran)

We weren't disappointed! Our species list for the four-hour trip includes Surf Scoters, White-winged Scoters, Pacific Loons, Red-necked Grebes, Arctic Terns, Canadian Geese, and Mallards, as well as Bald Eagles, Ravens, and Seagulls! The further north we traveled, the better the weather got. The cloud ceiling raised, and glimpses of sun and blue sky appeared.

White-winged scoters (Melanitta deglandi)
Click on any photo to see an enlarged version

These islands are food-rich for birds, seals, and sea lions

Cruising around Point Bridget on the way north on Berner's Bay

Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) relax on the rocks of a haul-out point

We didn't just see birds. We also saw seals, sea lions, and lots of whales! It was a thrill to see the sea lions at the haul out. The males arrive first and sort themselves out, and then the females arrive and breeding begins. We saw some pretty big males sunbathing on the rocks.

The catamaran is very nimble, so Captain Dan could bring it in close enough for us to see the wildlife, and then cut the engine so as to not disturb them. At the end of Berner's Bay, the captain pulled a U-turn for the return visit. Berner's Bay is fed by both freshwater and glacial rivers, so St. Peter left an interesting wake of silty brown water and nutrient-rich green water.

Turn-around point on Berner's Bay

Whale spray to the stern, viewed from the top observation deck

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) takes a breath

Humpback whale photo-op

On the return trip we saw many whales in the Bay. They seemed to be hanging out in small groups, and just lounging in the water. Periodically one or two of them would raise up for a quick breath. Captain Dan cut the engine, and we just drifted. From the top observation deck, we had a 360° view of whale groups. Lots of pictures and lots of smiles all around.

Big sky over Berner's Bay

St. Peter's wake on the way home through the mist

Scanning for birds and sea creatures

Approaching Statter Harbor at Auke Bay

On the way back, our Forest Service docent recounted tales of shipwrecks that have occurred in the area over the years, such as the SS Princess Sophia, SS Princess Kathleen, and SS Princess May. As we travelled south, we encountered a heavy mist. The cloud ceiling lowered as we entered Statter Harbor, and the rain resumed as we disembarked. What a wonderful cruise!

Spring in Southeast Alaska

I've been in Juneau, Alaska for two weeks now, and am tracking the local flora for signs of spring. Shrubs and trees are sporting lots of miniature leaves and berry blossoms, but they are opening slowly. I've been learning about growing degree days (GDD) or heat units. GDD is a measure of the accumulated heat above a certain base temperature that a plant needs to reach a specific stage of development.

Salmon berry shrubs are starting to leaf out

The temperature has been hovering between the mid-forties and -fifties F., with lots of gray, drizzly days. We may not have met the requirements for temperature, day length, and sunlight to really kick off spring growth yet. There is growth, but it is quite slow.

Skunk cabbage

Skunk cabbage grows in bogs and along creeks 

The Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) leaves have been growing taller over the last two weeks, and turning from yellow to green. As their name suggests, they smell like skunk but, it is not overpowering. Bear and deer feast on skunk cabbage in early spring. As kids we used the skunk cabbage leaves (2-4 feet high) as shields and stripped fern fronds (2-3 feet long) as swords to act out battle scenes. Peace was quickly restored over the afternoon snack or the next adventure on our childhood docket. 

Bear sign (yes, we photograph bear scat in Alaska)

Bear sign starts to show up in early spring, as the bears emerge from hibernation. It's good to be wary of bears at this time, since they wake up hungry! Here in Juneau, they are typically black bears (Ursus americanus). Their coloring may range from black to brown to white.

Elderberry leaves stand out against the spruce tree backdrop

Trees and shrubs are sporting a "hazy green" throughout their bare branches. The miniature leaves and berries are just waiting for the right conditions to unfurl completely. Once the right heat and light requirements are met, it doesn't take long before they are covered with dense green foliage. In the meantime, I'm just enjoying the process!

 

Spring Watch

The signs of spring are starting to emerge in the San Francisco Bay Area! The temperature is still cool (highs that are between mid-fifties and mid-sixties F, and cooler at night), and we're having a range of weather including strong breezes, morning fog burning off to full sun, rain, overcast skies, and beautiful mild days. The variety is wonderful and plants are responding to the changes in temperature and conditions.

California buckeye (Aesculus californica)

The California buckeye leaves are starting to unfurl in bright spring green. I've been observing the progress on a tree that is located near the reservoir. It is amazing to see the miniature details of the leaves as they open from their protective sheaths. California buckeye is toxic, but Indigenous people processed the seeds to produce a staple food (roasted the seeds, mashed them, and then leached them to remove the poison). They also used the seeds in streams and waterways to stupefy fish for easy capture.

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

The California poppies are starting to appear along roadsides, in grassy areas, and in highway medians. The little cup of gold is bound to bring you cheer! This one is growing in our yard along with several others (lots of buds are poised to open). This poppy is the California state flower, grows as an annual and a perennial, and is self-seeding in the right conditions. Indigenous people used the seeds and leaves for food, the petals as a hair dressing and yellow dye, the pollen as a cosmetic; and prepared a tea from the chopped plant as a remedy for headache, toothache, and insomnia.

California lilac (Ceanothus spp.)

The California lilac blooms in shades from pale blue to dark blue to deep purple, as well as white. The flowers are fragrant and pollinators love them! This specimen is in the neighborhood and has been in bloom for several weeks now. Native Americans used the dried leaves as an herbal tea, and used Ceanothus integerrimus to ease childbirth. The Miwok people of Northern California make baskets from the branches.

I've enjoyed the days and weeks of winter, hunkering down at home or walking in the neighborhood and Oakland hills, but seeing the new life emerging makes me eager for the beauty and pleasures of spring!

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.

 

Urban Pastoral

Spring has come to the San Francisco Bay Area (made all the better because of all the rain we've received). The path around Bishop Lake in San Ramon is well used by office tenants and those from the surrounding community. The landscaping provides a slice of nature in the midst of an urban center, and a great place to enjoy a solitary walk, walk the dog, or meet up with friends or workmates, 

Urban pastoral in San Ramon

On this day, some ducks and geese rested on the water, while a cormorant sits high in a tree surveying the scene. In the foreground, the rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is in full bloom.

Spring Watch

It's been raining for weeks! Several atmospheric rivers have swept through the San Francisco Bay Area, drenching everything. When it's not raining, it's draining. In the midst of our landscaping project, our yard is a sea of mud. We're grateful for both the rain and our hardworking landscaping team, but wonder if spring will ever come!

A moment of sun shines on our plant delivery

Luckily, the clouds clear up periodically and the sun steps out and brightens everything. In just a few more weeks, spring will be here!

Signs of Spring

Spring has arrived here in the San Francisco Bay Area! The temperature is still cool, hovering between 65 and 70 degrees F. We've benefited from a long run of overcast skies and rain showers for several months, but now sunny skies are forecast for the week ahead. Time to get out in the garden and look for signs of spring!

A mushroom pops through the leaf duff

Another mushroom pops through the wood chips

Camellia petals for dyeing

Muscari

Asparagus bouquet

Companions

Oak tree at dusk

Passing the time until it gets warmer!

I'm gathering supplies for several projects. Seeds are on order from Renee's Garden. BeeGreen Recycling & Supply delivered several bags of potting soil along with the woodchip order. My favorite gardening tools are assembled. I'm ready for spring!

Filoli, Gardens, and Tours - Canceled!

Many of our favorite spring garden activities here in the San Francisco Bay have been canceled. Filoli Gardens and its spring blooms; Mountain View Cemetery and its tulip exhibition; U.C. Botanical Garden and its blooms from around the world; and the annual Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour are all shuttered. This is not surprising as we continue to shelter in place to protect our families, colleagues, and community from the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, I miss enjoying spring in our beautiful Bay Area, in the company of fellow nature and garden lovers!

Ornamental cherry tree

Flowering tree

For some of us, sheltering in place has its silver linings. It means more time home with family, a chance to slow down, less time on the road, opportunity to fit it weeding and pruning between other tasks, and a chance to count our blessings. Another upside is seeing all the creativity that folks bring to the situation. The internet, virtual events, Zoom calls, texting, phone calls, YouTube, and Facebook sustain us until we can return to "normal". Our technology and inventiveness can be used for good!

Pleasant stroll in the dappled shade

I'm using my extra time to take long walks and observe the spring transformation right here in the neighborhood. I'm also brushing up on some of my "Zombie apocalypse" skills, like learning how to sew face masks using what I have on hand. Take care and stay well!

Field of greens

Trip to the Desert – Canceled!

Had all gone according to plan, my folks and I would be together in Southern California right now, enjoying each other's company, searching for wildflowers, and exploring the desert. We've been meeting up in Hemet, California every spring for over a decade – they fly down from Southeastern Alaska and I fly down from the San Francisco Bay Area. From there we fan out and visit our favorite haunts, like Whitewater Preserve, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, Bautista Canyon, and more. Had life not taken another turn, we would probably be in Anza-Borrego State Park right now.

Since we are all sheltering in place for the duration, here is a tribute to our trips to the Anza-Borrego area over the years. We've approached it from the Badlands (great desolate and sweeping vistas), and from the backside of the Salton Sea (great place to look for obsidian and mud volcanoes).

The Badlands near S22 (2015)

The Salton Sea is 227 feet below sea level (2017)

We always stay at the Palm Canyon Hotel in Borrego Springs (although it is getting more difficult to get reservations, as flower viewing has become so popular). Its Western theme and shady dry gardens are welcoming, and the accommodations are very comfortable (it is a Dark Skies hotel if you like to see the stars at night).

Dry garden at Palm Canyon Hotel (2015)

View from the veranda (2015)

The Anza-Borrego State Park is a main attraction near Borrego Springs, and a short hike to the desert palm oasis is a must (preferably early in the morning before the sun heats up). On the way you can look for interesting plants and geological formations, beautiful flowers, and Borregos. No matter how dry the year, there is always a refreshing stream of water under the Fan Palms (Washintonia filifera).

Palm Canyon Oasis in sight (2015)

Searching for Borregos on the hills from a nice shady spot (2017)

Respite in the oasis (2017)

Of course there are the flowers. It is amazing that such a hot, dry landscape can produce such delicate, breathtaking blossoms. Here are a few of my favorites from the Anza-Borrego area.

Ironwood tree (2015)

Palo Verde tree (2011)

Smoke bush and ocotillo (2017)

One year a huge windstorm swept through town with 60-80 mile winds. The Palm Canyon Hotel and restaurant lost power, just after we ordered dessert. We enjoyed our pecan pie in candlelight, then found our way to our cozy rooms using flashlights. We turned in early, and listened to the Big Wind swirling outside. The next day calm and power returned. After breakfast we encountered a super bloom of yellow and orange flowers on Henderson Canyon Road.

The Big Wind stirred up a lot of dust (2017)

Henderson Canyon Road (2017)

A mass of White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata) caterpillars eclipsed the flower show. They maneuvered across the hot desert sand with efficiency until they found a plant they liked, then went to work. The caterpillars were very particular in their tastes – only the tender leaves and stems of the desert evening primroses would do. Flower seekers were just as interested in the hungry creatures as they were in the beautiful flower blooms.

Photographing the caterpillars (2017)

White-lined Sphinx Moth caterpillar (2017)

Other favorite places include the Anza-Borrego Visitor Center for its dry landscaping and interesting exhibits (and for the air conditioned theater, where you can watch and rewatch its nature videos). The metal sculptures by Ricardo Breceda are also phenomenal; they are distributed all around the Borrego Springs area.

Landscaping at the Anza-Borrego Visitor Center (2011)

Serpent, by Ricardo Breceda (2015)

Sometimes it is just fun to take a stroll, or park the car and walk out onto the desert floor. There is always something interesting to see.

Sunset stroll at the Visitor Center (2015)

Walk up Mine Wash off Highway 78 (2015)

At day's end we head for one of our favorite restaurants for dinner. Sometimes we dine at the Palm Canyon Hotel restaurant, other times at Kendall's Cafe or Carmelita's Mexican Grill, but always in good company with great conversation. A beautiful sunset, an evening stroll, and a tumble of stars finish the day.

Dressed for dinner, desert style (2017)

Sunset over the Palm Canyon Hotel (2015)

For the whole story:
Desert Delight (2011)
Anza-Borrego Desert Park (2011)
Dry Gardens (2011)
Anza-Borrego Desert Adventure (2015)
Backside of the Salton Sea (2017)
Anza-Borrego State Park and the Big Wind (2017)
Borrego Springs to Palm Springs (2017)