Stone Lagoon

We Take A Drive Up The Coast On Solstice

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I’ve spent most of my life in northern coastal California. And love it here. We’re within the sound of the ocean and only a half hour from Redwood National Park.

We went for a drive on Solstice in between storm fronts and found some lovely light, rainbows, Roosevelt elk and crashing waves.

Here’s an “album” of my favorite photos as a holiday gift from me to you, my friends and fans. Thank you for your interest in my goings-on and I hope you have a great 2013!

Roosevelt elk bulls
Roosevelt elk bulls, hanging out together again after the yearly rut
Roosevelt elk bulls can weigh up to 900 pounds.
Roosevelt elk bulls can weigh up to 900 pounds.
Rainbow at Dry Lagoon State Park with Goat Rock in the background.
Rainbow at Dry Lagoon State Park with Goat Rock in the background.
Rainbow over the Pacific Ocean.
Rainbow over the Pacific Ocean.
Storm clouds coming in.
Storm clouds coming in.
Surf's up.
Surf’s up.
Every winter the ocean breaches the spit between it and Stone Lagoon.
Every winter the ocean breaches the spit between it and Stone Lagoon.
Redwood Creek was running full. Usually we can continue down the gravel onto the beach.
Redwood Creek was running full. Usually we can continue down the gravel onto the beach.
This vernal pond, backed by red alders, was hosting some hooded merganser ducks.
This vernal pond, backed by red alders, was hosting some hooded merganser ducks.
On the way home, we could see the next storm coming in and we got caught in a short spat of heavy hail.
On the way home, we could see the next storm coming in and we got caught in a short spat of heavy hail.

Friday This and That

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The Society of Animal Artists, of which I am a Signature member, has recently started a blog. On it you will find news about the Society, workshop and event listings by the members and a calendar of Society events. Check it out and let me know what you think!

We also now have a fan page on Facebook. You don’t have to join Facebook to visit us. And I invite you to visit our new website, too! It has information about our organization, exhibitions and how to become a member of the premier animal art organization.

Why Did The Elk Cross The Road Dept.

We went for a drive last weekend to find a spot from which to watch the sun set. The clouds rolled in, so that was kind of a bust, but at the Stone Lagoon Schoolhouse campground, which is right off the highway, a large herd of Roosevelt elk were working their way through the almost-empty RV section. We circled around on the campground road and ended up perfectly positioned for me to get some nice elk reference.

Over 30 elk cross the road; looking west towards the ocean
Female Roosevelt elk

This is about twenty minutes north of our house. There are often elk hanging around the campground, sometimes picturesquely situated in front of the old schoolhouse.

Oh, Honey, Look What The Cat Brought In Dept.

We think of it as semi-regular episodes of Animal Planet. This time, a very alive little shrew was left on an area rug in the living room where we couldn’t miss it. I picked it up in a paper towel and got a couple quick pics before turning it loose outside. Their metabolism runs really fast, so they can’t go long without food and don’t do well under stress.

Shrew, species unknown