January 30, 2017 by kritterspaw

Snow Birds

Uncategorized
arizona, az, blue jay, deer, elk, flicker, red head, snow, snow animals, snow birds, wildlife, winter, woodpecker
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coldflicker cloPSi.JPG

We recently had a wave of 3 snow storms which all together yielded about 2′ of snow. The birds huddled under branches to keep out of the intense snow blasting sideways with the strong winds. You can see more of my Snow Animals on my photo blog…. here.

The drifts piled high where the winds swept them against trees and boulders. But it didn’t deter the big animals from trudging through. We saw more than one limping as a result of tripping over unseen rocks and uneven terrain.

It amazes me the treks these animals must take on a daily basis going from hither to yon incessantly. It’s a tough life in these mountains and woods with their treacherous inclines and rough canyons.

January 14, 2017 by kritterspaw

The Bucks are in

For whatever reason, we have seen multiple bucks (male deer) in the last couple days. These little guys are pretty young bucks… and looking to ‘hang’ with the does.

Whatever the reason, we enjoy seeing them and watching them interact.

January 1, 2017January 1, 2017 by kritterspaw

Northern California Coast

Travel
CA, california coast, coast, crescent city, forest, northern california, ocean, redwoods, tree, water
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After all the scenic overviews we had along the Oregon coast, we were a bit surprised by the lack of ocean views along the Northern California Coast. Granted California has a lot of beach and ocean views… but I’m not talking about San Diego, Mission Beach, or Redondo Beach. I’m talking about the section from Crescent City, CA to just north of San Francisco.

This area tucks inland and goes through some very pretty red wood country. There are a number of ‘alternate routes’ like the Humboldt State Park that are certainly worth doing to get the full exposure to the redwoods… not just highway driving, which is what most of this drive feels like. While there are small towns in between, they seem to be working towns, run down and dilapidated. They aren’t the popular tourist towns bustling with people and shops like Sausalito.

maple redwoods vertPSi.JPG

There are the occasional signs that says ‘Coastal Access’ … turn here. If you drive down the long dirt road (and back) it’ll take an hour with no premonition of the view until you get there. Once you do, it yield beach access to the ocean and beach, but no great views, no jutting rocks.

The best ocean views along this stretch is between Jenner and Bodega Bay… with the added advantage that you can tuck into the quaint charming winery towns from Jenner. You can visit Duncan Mills, Guerneville, Sonoma, many more.