When I think about some of the items I am drawn to while shopping, I find myself in awe and appreciation of antique maps and globes. So of course when... read more →
Rachel Carson said, “Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life." Back in 1979 I was a mom with 2... read more →
You know when you meet someone and they exude a certain quality that just says “good human?” Well that is Hayley Nenadal. Last May, we were contacted by Hayley, a... read more →
Photo courtesy of Faylla Chapman Stone Gardens—what are they? Well, this isn’t exactly the beach, but this particular garden is right beside the beach. If you go to Morro Rock,... read more →
20 years ago I never would have imagined that I would be embarking on my first “family” backpacking trip with my husband and 2 little girls in the midst of... read more →
Photo courtesy of Marlin Harms You may have been seeing these crystal-like, tubular, squishy things on the beach lately and wondering what they are. They are Pyrosoma atlanticum, a pelagic... read more →
This creature is an animal called Distaplia smithii, or the paddle ascidian. Of all the invertebrates, the ascidians are our closest relatives, having a tubular nerve cord with a swollen... read more →
Lately some interesting “things” have been washing up on the beaches due to the very high tides and a strong swell that pulls them off the rocks. First is the... read more →
After passing through a grove of oak trees, the ranch grounds of Shell Creek Road and Carrizo Plains are swarmed with all the colors of the rainbow. A floral fragrance... read more →
The Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve used to be ancient sand dunes but is now covered with centuries-old coast live oak trees and unique plant communities. It’s located just... read more →