Category: Dungeness

Gone

We don’t always come to this spot on the bluffs at Dungeness Recreation Area. It was a surprise to look south and see how much of the bluff had disappeared recently. The former trail beyond the yellow tape now disappears into thin air. The erosion has taken a big gouge out of the land.

The trail has been rerouted onto a shoulder carved alongside the road. Not as scenic but it’s also less likely to disappear from under your feet. Luckily there is a network of trails through the nearby forest and wetlands.

Frosted landscape

If you follow this blog this view may be familiar. I’ve posted it before, usually when I’ve seen a particularly nice rainbow. It’s a view of Dungeness Recreation Area. This one was taken Monday morning after our overnight snow.

The snow transformed the trail we regularly walk. It was magical as we walked out. By the time we came back the trees were dripping wet snow. Less enchanting.

The cold stuff

The weather forecasters were right this time. We got snow overnight into yesterday morning and this time it came down to sea level. It was only two or three inches but it was enough to transform the landscape.

I know. In the scheme of things this barely qualifies as weather much less an event. But it was eye candy for this photographer so you’ll have to bear with me for several days while I get it out of my system.

Mother Nature does her thing

Last Saturday I’m sure this part of the trail at the Dungeness Recreation Area was open. We didn’t walk on Sunday. Monday, the way was blocked as you see here. The length of the trail from this overlook to the next is blocked.

Further down the trail at the next overlook you can peer back and see a gouge in the land where the undercut, sandy cliff gave way. Barrier posts that marked the edge of the trail are now dangling by their wire over thin air. We’ve lost track of how many parts of this trail have given way.

It reminds me: Years ago, driving through a desert pass, we came upon a jumble of rocks tumbled across the road. Trying to be good citizens, we stopped at the nearest outpost of civilization to report this road hazard. The man we breathlessly told looked across the counter at us, shrugged and replied, “That’s just Mother Nature doin’ her thang.”

Trumpeter swans

One thing I love about this time of year is that a flock of trumpeter swans takes up temporary residence. They rest and feed in a fallow field here.

They’re huge birds, standing up to 5 feet with a wingspan up to 80 inches. Grey feathered juveniles hang out with the adults. The group makes quiet honking sounds as they go about pecking for food in the soil, plant materials and crop waste.

The trumpeting honks suddenly picked up as I watched and groups of swans came in for a landing. (Don’t adjust your glasses…this and the next shot aren’t in good focus.)

They didn’t need much of a runway.

The trumpeter swans that visit us come from populations that nest in Alaska.

Guilt free pampering

This is where our dog kicks back when his people have to leave him behind: Dungeness Ranch Pet Resort. He’s more than happy to come here. He heads out the door to the fenced play area without even looking over his shoulder to say goodbye.

Our dog is a social character. His favorite boarding spot in California called him their frat boy. Party, party, party. He always comes home tired and happy.