I hiked the full length of Roy's Redwoods Loop Trail this week, which I don't usually do because much (most?) of it passes through grassland and chaparral - fascinating ecosystems in their own right, but not my personal cup of tea. »
Roy's Redwoods was absolutely drenched by an atmospheric river early this week. I took photos and video during the flood, and then I went back again afterward to see how the forest has changed. »
Non-forest stuff kept me from visiting Roy's Redwoods as often as usual. I spent my time in the woods this couple of weeks looking at how the rain and the wind have altered the landscape since the beginning of the rainy season. »
We had a doozy of a cold snap this week, at least by Marin County standards. Temperatures dipped below freezing in some places, and snow fell as low as 1200 feet (366 m,) dusting Mt. Tamalpais with 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm.) Daytime temperatures didn't climb much above 50° F (10° C.) »
Winter mushrooms and slime molds are plentiful and easy to find, as are moisture-loving animals like salamanders, millipedes, and snails. But the days are growing longer, and evergreen trees are starting to get in on that action too. By action, I mean sex. And by sex, I mean flowers. »