This was the best year for rhododendrons we've ever seen!

Shell Beach at low tide and a great year for rhododendrons.

And now the Rhodies are in full force

Looking out the master bedroom window from the rhododendrons past the waterfall to the tulips.




Coming in the Front Gate with a closeup.

It's Spring!

Most Days, anyway.

My theory is that the SF has digital weather. Either it's summer or winter on any given day. There are just more summer days in July than in January.

Still, when the balance shifts and you start getting more summer days than winter ones, out come the spring flowers!

Flowers and Elephant Seals

Spring flower season is starting up. There first Rhodies, Irises, and Daffodils are beging to bloom.





the small purple guy in the lower right is an iris

Here are some pictures from a walk on Drakes beach at low tide on a cloudy day. The Elephant Seals seem to be extending their range down the beach from their breeding area near the south end of the point. This guy was the furthest north. We were the required 150 feet away but he was a bit skitish. Just a youngster, I think. He was fine when we first noticed him quite close and backed off quickly towards the shore. But when we stopped with camera and binoculars and focused on him he let us know we were still inside his comfort zone so we moved on.

It's important to keep the proper distance from marine mammals large and small. With binoculars or zoom on a camera you can see them clearly but not add stress to their lives.

Also out, hang gliders and para-sailors.

I keeping with my vow of photos, here's some. This is a small tree totally covered with Spanish Moss found along the trail between Sea Ridge and Heart's Desire Beach.

And a few more photos from the new year's weekend.