Roy's Redwoods, a Marin County secret

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photo by Donald Kinney

Okay, okay, everybody is invited to Roy's Redwoods (((with the possible exception of the critic who voted "boring" on the poll yesterday))).

So, about the only reason why a few of these old-growth redwoods still remain is because they somehow escaped being cut down over a hundred years ago to satisfy San Francisco's insatiable need for lumber.



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The Roy Family settled here and operated a cattle ranch in the 1880's.   Years ago the Marin County Open Space District made sure the area would be preserved in perpetuity as public land.   A fellow like me appreciates that.

The primeval groves of bay and redwood were once the setting for a George Lucas movie, "The Ewok Adventure".



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It's a fair bet to say that many Marinites will live here all their lives and never realize Roy's Redwoods even exists.   There are numerous unpopulated trails to hike, and the best path snakes to the top of the hill through mossy laurels, bays, firs, and redwoods.   At the very top of the hill is a grove of artful madrones -- always a fine reward for the somewhat exhausting trek.



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California Redwoods grow in shaded canyons in a thin strip that hugs the coast, starting in the Big Sur area and extending to the southwest part of Oregon.   Surprisingly, they get a large percentage of their water from moist foggy air -- without fog they wouldn't have been able to adapt and survive.



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steamy shots...

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photo by Donald Kinney

When it comes to cold temperatures we "left-coast tenderfoots" probably don't have a clue.   But here in the photo, a dip in the temperature has generated some interesting surface effects.



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This is the lake at Nicasio, but I suppose it's official name is Nicasio Reservoir.   It graces a tranquil western portion of Marin County, not far north of San Francisco.



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photo by Donald Kinney

No swimming or boating but fishing, with the proper license, is permitted.



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So now, if you or I ever need a bucket of less-than-warm steam on a cold day we will know know where to find it.



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thistles at Nicasio Lake

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photo by Donald Kinney

Thistles, also known in some area as Teasles, is another plant that -- the way I look at it -- probably arrived on earth from outer space...

This is a different version of the banner photo I showed yesterday, but I think this image (above) is slightly better.



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photo by Donald Kinney

This variety of Thistle has the most beautiful magenta flowers -- and after all the seeds are released this durable and prickly structure remains.



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I shot this image last summer (I always say so when it's not a new photo) but wanted to show you the beauty of this plant.   It grows fast and is usually not welcome in civilized gardens.



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Just possibly the lake at Nicasio is trying to send me coded messages?
Na-nu, na-nu...



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field and stream

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photo by Donald Kinney

"Eucalyptus" -- oh how I love my spell-checker...

California farmers planted a whole lot of Eucalyptus trees to serve as wind-breaks, but since the wood splits easily it isn't used for lumber.   It is, however, a fast-growing source of firewood, its oil can be used for cleaning, and functions as a natural insecticide.   Treating swamps with Eucalyptus oil will reduce outbreaks of malaria.   I know a lady who uses a collar made of Eucaliptus buds to help keep fleas off her dog.



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photo by Donald Kinney

Vegetation like this will get your shoes wet!



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Some fancy nature and a bit of photographic "bokeh" (the out of focus specular bits) going on here.



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photo by Donald Kinney

Each year on November 15 the water district is mandated by the Feds to release enough stored water to bring the level of the Lagunitas Creek up to where it's depth is more hospitable to the spawning Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout.   The spawning season won't actually get underway until we get some heavy rain in January.

Numbers of Coho Salmon have dropped dramatically over several decades but efforts are being made to preserve the species.

A close encounter with three otters

Well, if I had a photo I would be able to show you, but the three Sea Otters I encountered in the Lagunitas Creek made a hasty retreat before I could snap the shutter.

I was looking through my viewfinder trying to frame up some reflective creek ripples when I sensed movement nearby.   I took my eye off my viewfinder and spotted three very surprised Sea Otters with their heads poked up out of the water not more than ten feet away.   Of course my jaw dropped and at first I thought it was the "Creature from the Deep Lagoon", but by the time I collected my senses the only shot left was swirling water from their hasty retreat.

Anyway, I thought it was kind of a neat moment -- the otters were obviously out exploring the newly increased depths of the Lagunitas Creek -- they were probably having a great time until they ran into me...

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China Camp - frozen in time

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photo by Donald Kinney

I'm afraid the old Seabreeze here has hauled in her last nets.   Little boys will throw pebbles at her and photographers will shoot her over and over and over; but the venerable Seabreeze isn't going any place soon.



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China Camp has two separate electrical systems -- one that works and another that doesn't.   Who knew the old poles and wires could be so artistic.



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A bit of advice here -- don't expect fresh crabs at the China Camp Cafe.   In fact, don't expect the China Camp Cafe to be open at all -- maybe around noon on weekends, but maybe not.



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photo by Donald Kinney

Probably best that you bring your own libations with you too.   Gulp, gulp...



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I've shot this scene numerous times and this is the latest.   To spice it up a bit I used the Photoshop "daubs" filter.



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Better hurry - "I Live Here, S.F." show at SOMArts

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photo by Donald Kinney

This bit of flash decorates the bumper of Wardell-the-Wonder's highly decorated Cadillac -- it is on display at Julie Michelle's "I Live Here, S.F." show at SOMArts, currently showing through the end of the month.   Better hurry.

Last Saturday Julie hosted a panel of 9 participants in her "I Live Here, S.F." project.   Each panel member gave the most interesting answers to Julie's clever questions.

Closing Reception: Tuesday, November 30, 5-7pm
SOMArts, 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco



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That's Julie Michelle on the right.   Peruse her photos that accompany each edition of the "I Live Here, S.F." series, and you too will draw the conclusion that this woman has talent -- not only with the way she can put together a photograph, but also in the way she is able to interact with her subjects; perfect strangers at the outset, for the most part.

On the left is film archivist Rick Prelinger who was a collaborating artist (along with Chris Rusak) at Julie's "I Live Here, S.F." show.



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If you've ever seen Judy Irving's film "The Parrots of Telegraph Hill", then I need not explain who Mark Bittner is.   But maybe you didn't know Mark is an active blogger.   You can keep up with his latest adventures (hint--he's writing a new book) on his blog.

On the left is a fragment of Julie Michellie's photo of Mark Bittner, standing on Columbus Avenue in front of City Lights Bookstore.

Mark has a wonderful "I Live Here, S.F." story which can be seen here.



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On the left is Jose-Luis, a poet and a social worker in the Mission District, who's "I Live Here, S.F." is here.

The gorgeous lady on the right is "Meli" Meligrosa, who is featured here on "I Live Here, S.F."   Her delicious and highly caffeinated blog is here.



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On the left is Colleen who does social work at St. Anthony's in the Tenderloin.   Colleen's "I Live Here, S.F." piece is here.

That's Morgan, philosopher and cosmologist extraordinaire on the right.   His "I Live Here, S.F." story is here.



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That's Valerie on the left, a social worker in the City specializing in helping seniors with the practical needs of life.   Valerie's "I Live Here, S.F." hasn't been published yet, but from listening to her speak I can tell she is a very personable and warm individual.

On the right is "Wardell-the-Wonder", and yes he definitely IS a "wonder" alright...   The flashy streamers in the first photo decorate his bumpers on a beautiful old and highly decorated Cadillac.   Wardell's "I Live Here, S.F." story can be found here.



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Julie saved the best for last -- "Yo-Yo Joe" a.k.a. Joseph Harris gave us a demonstration of some pretty slick yo-yo tricks.   Joe's "I Live Here, S.F." story and photos can be found here.

If you missed it, on October 7 I did a post on Julie Michelle's show.

But don't forget -- the show closes on Tuesday, November 30.




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rounding 'em up on Mt. Tam

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photo by Donald Kinney

Well my goodness -- this photo got a really good response on the poll/voting thing.   So, now that I know you like beautiful scenes like this, I'll see what I can do to round some up.



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Saturday night we had just a bit more rain, so on Sunday I knew there wasn't going to be a whole lot of water cascading down Occasional Creek but it was chugging along pretty nicely, none the less.

Ah yes, water.   100% natural, and fairly pure.

Exposure time (photo above) was 1/30th sec. F-8 using ISO-100.



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photo by Donald Kinney

Leaves have no brains whatsoever!   They're always causing impediments for the free flow of our beloved Occasional Creek.



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Maybe I've never told you how much I hate using my tripod.   Oh, maybe it's not the using part but the carrying part of the equation.   I will do ANYTHING to avoid taking the tripod along, and I've gotten really good at finding suitable objects to brace the camera on out in the field -- fenceposts, the sides of trees, kneeling down and bracing the camera on my knee, etc.

But this image got six seconds exposure -- and that required my tripod, for sure.   F-32 using ISO-100.


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a jaunt after the rain

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photo by Donald Kinney

Nothing better than a bit of sunshine after a bit of rain.



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Often I will THINK the rain has stopped until I walk under a wet and dripping tree.



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A splash of color -- our seasons out here in California usually don't know whether they're coming or going.



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And the promise of more rain.   So far we're having a wet start to our Winter, and yes, it's raining again this morning.   With any luck it won't be the type of rain that will keep me indoors.



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as promised, China Camp Village

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photo by Donald Kinney

John Wayne made a movie here -- if I had done my research I could tell you all about it.   You'll just have to use your imagination (how's that for sketchy reporting).



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But I CAN tell you that this is Frank Quan's canoe.   And this is where Frank has lived the past 85 years or so.   Again, if I knew Frank better I'd know his exact age.

To tell you the truth, most every time I say hello to Frank he looks at me like I'm some sort of nut (and that, folks, is a whole 'nother blog post).

But over the years I've gotten several requests from writers and other people interested in finding out more about Frank Quan.   I always have to tell them that I know very little other than he's obviously a very nice man.



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Oh, those darned barnacles -- they can really slow a shrimp fisherman down.   Yes, that's right, they netted Bay Shrimp here at China Camp starting way back in the 1860's when shrimp fishing was one of the few businesses Asians were allowed to own and operate.



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With any luck you just may be able to purchase a 7-UP in downtown China Camp.   Frank usually opens up his mom's cafe on weekends for a few hours near noon.   I think Frank keeps the restaurant open so he can use it as his own kitchen.

Frank is an old bachelor just like me so we probably have lots in common.   I'd like to get to know him better, but like I mentioned I suppose he thinks I'm just the nut with the camera who is prone to taking unauthorized candids.



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out at China Camp

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photo by Donald Kinney

Despite the state park system taking the area over in the '70's, China Camp remains an otherwise forgotten strip of tidal lands, islands, and spunky hills on the west shore of San Pablo Bay, or what I call the upper thumb of San Francisco Bay.



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When I talk about China Camp I probably give the impression that it is one little village -- albeit an historic Chinese shrimping village -- but China Camp is much more with a shoreline that stretches about six miles with all sorts of nooks and crannys.   The area is very popular with mountain bikers.



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These fuzzy plants -- cat-tails is what I call them -- must have had their origins in outer space.   Anyway, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it.



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And finally we arrive at China Camp Village.   Population 1.

More tomorrow.




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up and over Telegraph Hill

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photo by Donald Kinney

Next time you're feeling like a mountain goat, head for San Francisco's Telegraph Hill -- just look for the endless stairs up and over one of the steepest hills in town.   I don't have a photo, but at the top of Telegraph Hill is Coit Tower.   I DO have photos of the artwork inside, however.



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Filbert and Sansome is at the base of the Filbert Steps.   It's a long walk up but I find that if I stop frequently enough (to shoot photos, of course) I am able to regain my wind to tackle the next bit.   Be ready to be shamed -- some folks run up and down these steps for exercise.



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The stairs are impressive for their length, their wonderful views of San Francisco, the well tended gardens on either side, and the beautiful art deco buildings along the way.



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Another great set of steep stairs is the Greenwich Street Steps, just west of the Filbert Steps.   A good plan is to take one set of stairs up and the other back down, but on this little expedition last week I continued over into North Beach.



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North Beach is just a bit rough around the edges but there's usually something unusual to stumble on.   Keep an eye out for accordions -- they can be dangerous...



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splish splash, I was taking a bath...

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Interesting spread on the poll/voting yesterday (for the image above) -- 3 wows and 3 stinks; with 1 each like it, it's o.k., and boring.   Guess it was difficult to figure out what it was, being so blurred.   Probably a photo a Caveman could have taken.   I figure I owe everybody one free trip to the ocean.   Front row seats and pleasant sunsets are available.



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A better reporter would be able to tell you the exact name of this variety of kelp, but I don't, so there you go.   What I DO know is the kelp solidly anchors itself to the rocks with a root-like holdfast system designed to withstand relentless crashing of the waves.



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So, that is what I did on Wednesday.   The San Mateo Coastline was calling.   I couldn't resist the urge to visit.



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This final stop was at Pebble Beach -- not the place down by Carmel, but the Pebble Beach about 30 miles south of San Francisco.



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Anybody know the name of these spunky little seaweed things?
I tried a brief look on the web but didn't find them specifically.

I always admire these little soldiers for their tenacity.   The amount of punishment they can take from the crashing waves never fails to amaze me.



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