Obligatory Redwood Shot!

Obligatory Redwood Shot!, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

Neck-craning opportunities abound in Redwood Regional Park!

Coquilles Saint-Jacques

Coquilles Saint-Jacques, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

My latest attempt at French cooking...

At first I though I would overcook the scallops, or add too much wine, or not reduce the wine enough.

Nope.

Coquilles Saint-Jacques is a lot easier to make than it sounds - try it!

Anyone been up to French cooking lately?

California Newt

California Newt, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

While hiking, I came across this interesting California newt, right in the middle of a relatively dry trail. The newt's eyes were surrounded by an amazing green.

The stream in the ravine 100 feet down from the trail contained many newts, as well as their young.

Anybody else seeing amphibious creatures around?

Back in Summer

Back in Summer, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

Anyone else missing summer? These morning glories are all but shriveled up now...but there are plenty of seeds for next year!

Rainy Day at Minnehaha Falls

Rainy Day at Minnehaha Falls, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

I got this shot back in June when I was in Minnesota. This waterfall was gushing, more than I'd ever seen.

Anyone have some good waterfalls nearby?

Green Fur in Redwood Regional Park

Green Fur in Redwood Regional Park, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

A mossy tree along the French Trail in Redwood Regional Park. Yesterday's rainstorm brought the mosses out of dormancy. It really is incredible how the moss becomes green so quickly.

Mill Trail in Redwood Regional Park

Mill Trail, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

Here's the Mill Trail in the awe-inspiring Redwood Regional Park. Yesterday's rain cleaned all the dust off the leaves and turned the dull mosses a fluorescent green. There was even a stream flowing nearby, which had been dry a few weeks ago.

Redwood is an interesting park because its stream contains the habitat of the original rainbow trout. The rainbow trout was first identified here as a new species in 1855. The fish has since been introduced to many lakes, rivers, and streams around the world.

November is Here

November is finally upon us. This month often signifies the true transition from dry summer weather to wet winter weather in California. The transition has made itself apparent: we've had over 2 inches of rain in the past few days. Since rain saturates the colors in leaves, moss, and other materials, I went on a hike while it was raining. I got this picture of maple leaves and a rock poking above the surface in a soon-to-be-flowing streambed.

Anyone else having major weather changes?

Rainy Day Mushroom

Rainy Mushroom, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

This mushroom popped up over night as the result of rain. It's been raining all day today, and and times quite heavily. We needed this rain so bad - many Californians are happy it's finally here!