Points in Bloom

Springtime is many a hopeful humans' favorite time of year. And why not? It's getting warmer, the sun is in the sky for longer and longer each day and mysteriously delicious aromas begin to fill the air.

Here in Point Reyes the misty ocean air falls dutifully onto plants and trees that held strong through a windy and rainy winter and begin softening their edges, stand tall, and open their petals to the sky. This Douglas Iris offers a brilliant example.

This makes for many a pleasantries for hikers, bikers, kayakers, crawlers, prancers, soarers, and other passersby. It can't be confirmed that migrating whales can see the golden poppies waving to them from the hillside, but many giant sea creature eyes have been spotted sneaking a peak from awfully close to the shore. And really, who can blame them.

We highlight a few more of the currently blooming varieties of herbs and flowers below and suggest that the migrating whales take note... and perhaps meet us out at the point to ooo and ahh together.

Checkerbloom is a perennial herb.

Checkerblooms with a view.

Douglas Iris thriving in the sunshine.

 Mustard along the Kehoe Beach Trail.

Pussy ears!

Indian Paintbrush soaking in the recent rains.

 California Poppies and Lupine blooming in harmony.

Enjoy the springtime sunshine everyone. 

If you want an expert guide to take you along the best trails, call Point Reyes Outdoors.

Winter Paradise: The Lighthouse & Kehoe Beach

As winter continues on, our days grow longer, yet out in Point Reyes, it already feels like spring. Daffodils are popping up, I had one bloom in my yard last week! Wildflowers are getting ready to bloom. The crisp, clear days beg for exploring places that often find themselves shrouded in fog, or gusting with wind in the "summer".

Checking the park webcam, is often a first step for me. BTW, don't forget to click on the picture to see a live photo. Is it sunny out there? Is the wind blowing? (Try the WindAlert app) What is the wind forecast? (Try NOAA) I know that lots of folks just find themselves out here, but a couple of savvy checks can really make the difference in your adventure. Knowing the wind direction and how that would impact your hike, may seem a bit dorky, but often means avoiding less optimal winds, which translates into a higher enjoyment factor. Plus I like to be prepared, is a windbreaker enough or do I need a puffy? Anyway, I ramble.

 Kehoe Beach:

The photo at left was taken mid-morning in early January.  I was feeling cooped up. It had been raining. Again. I love the rain. We need the rain. But it had rained all morning in Point Reyes Station and it was my day off. It was still overcast and drizzly, but on a whim, a webcam check showed the clouds breaking near Tomales Point. So off I went.
  Guess what? No one was there but me. 

The Lighthouse:

Many people are discouraged by all those stairs... Don't be. Yes, if you are out of shape you will be out of breath, however, that won't be what you remember. Views out to the Farallon Islands, gray whale spouts, birds. FYI: They close the stairs on windy days, usually midafternoon. Avoid getting turned away by heading out in the morning. On a crisp day I snapped the two photos in this blog, with a fun & free app, Photosynth. (You can take 360 photos on your smartphone, just spin and tap. On your phone they are navigable.) I didn't crop them, so you can see how the app works, but I have cleaned up other photos I have taken with the app, they are wall worthy!

Happy Exploring!