April 1

Caroline and I could not ask for a better setting than Bluff Cove to take a final California nature hike before returning to our Michigan home. Sunny, warm weather along with a refreshing sea breeze accompanies us as we descend a steep trail though patches of blooming Mustard. Other wildlife attractions on our descent include blossoms of Coreopsis and Lupine as well as a perching Black Phoebe. As we approach the shoreline, I pause to scan the scenic cove where, far out in the surf, bobbing black dots (surfers) await the next big wave. Walking down to the rocky beach, I notice a Spotted Sandpiper as well as an Egret stalking and grabbing an insect. In the shallow water, I spot an Anemone with its colorful tentacles. Further down the beach, I come across part of a coral colony attached to a large flat rock. Upon a closer look, I could tell that some of the corallite tubes are empty while others contain living polyps. Nearby, a clump of edible Red Ogo Seaweed catches my eye. With a crispy texture and salty taste, this marine plant is used in salads and garnishes. About a ¼ mile off shore on a rocky islet, I spot a solitary gull and some basking sea lions. Away from the beach, I come across some imbedded volcanic rock with distinctive colors due to oxidation of the iron minerals (rust) as well as lichens growing on the surface. Further up the cliff, I can make out layers of shale. As we begin to hike back up the steep slope toward the car, I spot patches of Lavender flowers as well as a single blossom of wild Geranium. Back on high ground, we take a final look and bid farewell to the Pacific Ocean as well as the coastal city in the distance that was our home for the past 3 months.

Was it flowery fields

Or craggy coast

Was it azure skies

I remember most

Was it gullies green

Or hills I climbed

Was it birds close up

That stirred my mind

California memories

Cloudy and clear

Images of nature

I’m holding dear

D. DeGraaf