Winter Paradise: The Lighthouse & Kehoe Beach

As winter continues on, our days grow longer, yet out in Point Reyes, it already feels like spring. Daffodils are popping up, I had one bloom in my yard last week! Wildflowers are getting ready to bloom. The crisp, clear days beg for exploring places that often find themselves shrouded in fog, or gusting with wind in the "summer".

Checking the park webcam, is often a first step for me. BTW, don't forget to click on the picture to see a live photo. Is it sunny out there? Is the wind blowing? (Try the WindAlert app) What is the wind forecast? (Try NOAA) I know that lots of folks just find themselves out here, but a couple of savvy checks can really make the difference in your adventure. Knowing the wind direction and how that would impact your hike, may seem a bit dorky, but often means avoiding less optimal winds, which translates into a higher enjoyment factor. Plus I like to be prepared, is a windbreaker enough or do I need a puffy? Anyway, I ramble.

 Kehoe Beach:

The photo at left was taken mid-morning in early January.  I was feeling cooped up. It had been raining. Again. I love the rain. We need the rain. But it had rained all morning in Point Reyes Station and it was my day off. It was still overcast and drizzly, but on a whim, a webcam check showed the clouds breaking near Tomales Point. So off I went.
  Guess what? No one was there but me. 

The Lighthouse:

Many people are discouraged by all those stairs... Don't be. Yes, if you are out of shape you will be out of breath, however, that won't be what you remember. Views out to the Farallon Islands, gray whale spouts, birds. FYI: They close the stairs on windy days, usually midafternoon. Avoid getting turned away by heading out in the morning. On a crisp day I snapped the two photos in this blog, with a fun & free app, Photosynth. (You can take 360 photos on your smartphone, just spin and tap. On your phone they are navigable.) I didn't crop them, so you can see how the app works, but I have cleaned up other photos I have taken with the app, they are wall worthy!

Happy Exploring!

Bioluminescence, Part 2

Bioluminescence is produced by a chemical reaction similar to the one that happens when a glow stick is broken. This reaction releases energy as light. The color of the light that is produced is usually blue or green, but can be red, yellow, or orange, depending on the chemicals used in the reaction. Most animals produce only one color of light, but some fish and worms use two colors of light

Looking for fish beneath cliffs of Laird's Sandstone on Tomales Bay
Photo by Casey Newman, 2011, All Rights Reserved.

Some animals, like fish and shrimp, use photophores, or special organs to produce light. Others, such as jellyfish, have specialized cells scattered over their bodies that glow. Certain species of organisms play host to bioluminescent bacteria, which produce light in exchange for room and board. There are some species of squid that produce bioluminescent ink, which is squirted out as a defense mechanism.  Single celled organisms such as bacteria and dinoflagellates use special compartments in their cell to separate the chemicals that react to produce light, combining the compartments when necessary.

At depths of between 200m and 1000m in the ocean, up to 90% of animals use bioluminescence to blend in with their surroundings. The light that reaches down into those depths is blue-green, and these animals will use bioluminescent photophores (cells or organs that produce light) to match the amount of blue-green light around them, camouflaging themselves.  Other fish that live at those depths produce red light. Many organisms that live that deeply cannot see red light, so the fish that produce it can use the light to see their prey without being seen.  Deeper in the ocean, where conditions are always cold and dark, animals do not need bioluminescence to blend in, but they do use it to attract prey and for communication and courtship. These animals have unique patters of photophores, which may help them to recognize others of their species.

Plainfin Midshipman Fish
Photo copyright Terrence J Fidler, 2006,robots4farms.com

One type of bioluminescent fish, called the plainfin midshipman fish, lives deep in the Pacific Ocean but migrates to the coast in the summer to lay their eggs. These fish are a type of toadfish with no spots or stripes on their dorsal fin. Their photophores are arranged in a U-shape on the underside of their body, and the photophores look like the buttons on a naval officer’s uniform, which is how they get the name midshipman fish. The photophores are used to blend in with the light around them while they are in the ocean, which keeps predators from seeing them from below.

The male midshipman fish returns to Tomales Bay first, digging out a nest in the rocks along the shoreline. The rocks at Nick’s Cove are a favorite spot for these nests. Once there, the males begin to hum to attract females. The hearing of the female midshipman fish is so accurate that they can tell the difference between each male’s hum and find the nest of the hum they like best. Once there, the female will lay her eggs and return to the open ocean. The males fertilize and take care of the eggs, continuing to hum until their nests are full of eggs from many females. The males guard the nest until the eggs hatch and the hatchlings are ready to be on their own.

To hear the plainfin midshipman fish’s hum, visit Discovery of Sound in the Sea: http://www.dosits.org/audio/fishes/plainfinmidshipman/.

Bioluminescence, Part 1

What’s all the fuss about bioluminescence? What IS bioluminescence? 

Sunset over White Gulch on Tomales Bay.
Photo by Casey Newman, 2011, All Rights Reserved. 

It’s the production of light by living organisms. It can be used to attract prey, to communicate, and to help an organism blend in with its surroundings. Bioluminescence is also responsible for the glow that can sometimes be seen on moonless nights in the waters of the ocean. In several places in the world, including our own Bay Area, conditions are perfect for an annual “bloom” of dinoflagellates, a type of single celled organisms that are bioluminescent.

Dinoflagellates are a type of unicellular planktonic organism (whew, what a mouthful). They drift with the currents of the ocean (planktonic), using two whip-like structures (flagella) to move their single-celled selves around a bit. They can photosynthesize, or get energy from sunlight, but some dinoflagellates also eat other, smaller organisms. Most of them have armored plates made of cellulose for a cell wall, which makes them tough for their size (and also beautiful under a microscope). Some dinoflagellate species cause red tides, and release toxins that are harmful to humans. Other species, like the species that is found in Tomales Bay certain times of year, are bioluminescent.

The species of dinoflagellates that bioluminesce operate on a circadian rhythm- they photosynthesize during the day and they only glow at night. Because they only glow when they are jostled, it is theorized that they glow as a defense mechanism. One of their main predators is a type of shrimp, and if they glow when they are about to be eaten, the light will hopefully attract a fish, which will hopefully eat the shrimp. The flash of light may also act as a distraction, blinding the predator to allow the dinoflagellate time to get away.

During certain times of the year, strong winds push the top layer of coastal water offshore, allowing cold, nutrient-rich water to flow up from the ocean floor. This is known as upwelling, and it is responsible for the surge in nutrients that feed an explosion in the population of single celled algae. One species of those algae are the dinoflagellates that produce the light we see on Tomales Bay. Their bioluminescence can occasionally be seen year round, but tends to be strongest in the summer and early fall. The amount of nutrients in the water affects when we can see the bioluminescence and how long it lasts.

The waters of Tomales Bay are a perfect location for viewing the bioluminescence. Tomales Bay has a narrow opening which limits the amount of water that is exchanged during the tides, concentrating the dinoflagelates in the bay. Beds of eelgrass, a plant with long blades, further trap and concentrate the dinoflagellates in the shallow parts of the bay. The northern end of the bay is relatively undeveloped, which keeps light pollution from washing out the flashes of green light when the organisms are moved. 

A paddle through the bioluminescent waters of Tomales Bay is an amazing experience. As we paddle through the water, our boats, paddles, and even hands can jostle the organisms and make them flash. The bioluminescence does not hurt the dinoflagellates, and they can continue to emit flashes of light for hours. On especially dark nights, fish can be seen setting off the bioluminescence as they swim through the waters underneath our boats. The peaceful waters of Tomales Bay provide a protected location filled with wonderful wildlife to paddle past, and the bioluminescence is truly breathtaking.

Sunset on Tomales Bay.
Photo by Casey Newman, 2011, All Rights Reserved. 

Want to know more about bioluminescence? Check out the Bioluminescence Web Page at http://www.lifesci.ucsb.edu/~biolum/, or tune in next week for more information about bioluminescent critters and about a specific type of bioluminescent fish that returns to Tomales Bay every summer.  

Coast Trail to the Beach Hike



Coast Trail along Drakes Bay
All Rights Reserved Photo by Rosy Woodruff 2011



Spring is well on its way, and providing a multitude of beautiful sunny days to hike in Point Reyes. On Sunday the sun was shining and the weather was warm; a perfect day to go out and explore. I decided to head out Limantour road to the Youth Hostel where I could jump on the Coast Trail and take a walk out to the beach. Before departing, I took a detour out to the daffodil field tucked away near the hostel. Once an operating Daffodil farm, the field continues to bloom in great numbers each year. After a tricky creek crossing, I hopped up a small hill and was suddenly surrounded by hundreds of yellow and white daffodils. Although the flowers were numerous, I could clearly see where several visitors had picked flowers and left large bare patches in the field, which was a bit disheartening. All in all, however, the daffodil field was beautiful and well worth the effort to get there.

 

Photo by Rosy Woodruff 2011. All Rights Reserved


After I had my fill of daffodils, I moved on to the Coast Trail. Even though it was a magnificent day, the path was not as crowded as I might have expected. Coast Trail consists of a graded fire road that follows a creek down to the coastline before turning south and meandering along the low cliffs. The north side of the trail is lined with coyote brush broken up by spectacular bunches of Douglas Iris, Indian Paintbrush and Buttercups.

I continued to make my way down the trail, stopping occasionally to snap a picture or bask in the warm sun. As I reached the bottom of a hill where the trail crosses the creek, I turned the corner and in front of me was a long deep puddle. After stopping for a moment to assess the situation, I realized there is a shallow sandbar along the north side of the puddle that I could carefully maneuver to avoid taking water inside my boots. The puddle covers a low point in the trail and gradually accumulated more and more water during all of the stormy weather that pounded Point Reyes over the winter, but should dry up in no time if the weather persists. The puddle marks the low point in the trail, and after crossing it I began to climb a gentle slope in the trail until I reached the ocean. The trail travels parallel to the beach, but there are several offshoot trails that offer beach access.

 

Hillside lined with Douglas Iris and Indian Paintbrush
All Rights Reserved. Photo byRosy Woodruff 2011



After taking a relaxing lunch break on the beach where clear skies provided incredible views all the way out to the Farallon islands, I continued along Coast Trail until it collides with Fire Lane Trail which eventually connects with Laguna trail then heads back to the parking lot. This section of the trail is a bit of a steep climb for a bit, but if you stop and turn around while catching your breath, the views are absolutely awe-inspiring. As the trail reaches the top of the crest, one can see where the Inverness ridge is recovering from the 1995 Mount Vision fire, which decimated acres of Bishop Pine forest, but gave us a great deal of insight into fire ecology. Soon after the smoke cleared, fire-thriving plants that had not been spotted in Point Reyes for years began popping up everywhere, their seeds having laid dormant for decades underneath the thick canopy of Bishop Pine; waiting for the day when a surge of intense heat would allow them to open.



Remnants of the 1995 Mount Vision Fire
All Rights Reserved. Photo by Rosy Woodruff 2011


All in all, it was a marvelous day for a hike, and the Coast Trail is definitely worth checking out as the seasons change and continue to provide us with more and more excellent hiking days. This trip can be done backwards starting at Laguna Trail and finishing with Coast Trail to avoid the steep incline near the end, or Coast Trail is an excellent option for a leisurely bike ride down to the beach and back.



East Pacific Red Octopus on Tomales Bay

All Rights Reserved Tressa Bronner

Recently, we had a chance to get out onto Tomales Bay on a beautiful sunny afternoon. It was a great day for paddling as well as viewing wildlife. We saw all kinds of tide pool creatures, harbor seals and seabirds. Our most exciting find, however, occurred as we were launching our kayaks into the bay. Just as the first couple of boats paddled away from the ramp, we began to see long, shiny red tentacles emerging out of the water. Soon after, the head and body of a rather large East Pacific Red Octopus followed as the handsome critter slowly and carefully made his way onto shore. Undoubtedly, our stomping around in the mud launching our boats disturbed him from his cool, shady hangout; but it gave us a great chance to check out one of the bays most interesting bottom dwellers up close as he shifted from red to purple to brown.



All Rights Reserved

The East Pacific Red Octopus, once thought just be the young of North Pacific Giant Octopus, is its own species entirely. These much smaller cousins of the Giant Octopus only grow to be about 20 inches from the top of their head to the end of their tentacles. Like all octopi, they are capable of changing their color, generally ranging from red to brown and occasionally white. While the Giant Octopus is found in the depths of the ocean, East Pacific Reds prefer the warm shallow waters of bays and estuaries.

Unlike other invertebrates, when the East Pacific Red catches a meal, it does not eat it right on the spot. Instead, it gathers a collection of crabs, clams and scallops and brings them home to enjoy at its leisure. When the meal is done, the octopus carefully stacks the empty shells outside the entrance to their home, giving the other animals roaming the bay a clear idea of who lives there.

All Rights Reserved

In general, the Octopus is thought to be one of the most intelligent of all invertebrates. Research has shown that they are capable of problem solving and retaining memories. In fact, the East Pacific Red Octopus was the first invertebrate in captivity to show signs of having individual personalities.

Obviously in our rush to get out onto the water we had disturbed the little guy from his normal routine; so once we were finished taking his picture, we helped him find his way into the shade under the dock and out of sight of the hungry seagulls flying overhead.

Drakes Estero Trail to Sunset Beach Hike

Details: about 9 miles round trip, approximately 4 hrs with photo stops and a lunch break. This trail is a hiking and biking trail. Note: As of 1/26/11 impassable on a bike after 2 miles, read on for details.

Getting out of the car at the Estero Trail parking lot, was enough movement to necessitate removing a layer. The sun was shining and the bright blue skies were filled with wispy and playful clouds stretching the horizon.

All rights reserved. Photo by Tressa Bronner 2011.

The first mile or so meanders through a thick pine stand. We welcomed the shady start to our hike as we were overdressed for this beautiful day. Amongst the trees we found several groupings of mushrooms poking out from beneath the duff. Once out of the pine stand, we reach the bridge across Home Bay. I have often stood on the bridge and watched countless leopard sharks swim beneath, in and out of the shallow feeding area past the bridge. But not today, the tide was out and only a small channel of water remained in the labyrinth that was the exposed mud of Home Bay. I stood and looked into the water reflecting the clouds and marveled, but not at sharks.

Looking Southwest into Home Bay from Bridge
All rights reserved. Photo By Tressa Bronner 2011

After the bridge, the trail proceeds uphill with views overlooking the estero. Bring your binoculars along as you are often within range to check out shorebirds and rafts of migrating water fowl. After about 3/4 of a mile, the trail got a bit tricky. Cows graze in the area and at some points it seems as if you are just following a cow trail, not an actual park trail. As we descended a shaded hill the wet mud had been trudged by cows and all that remained was a 4 inch wide bridge that was solid enough to support the weight of an adult. This bridge often shifted, as it was the residual non-path of the cows, so hopping back and forth between bridges was necessary to avoid the muddy hoof holes filled with puddles. This left us wondering how one would pass when the bridges were trampled. The trail continued in this way for quite some time: dry sections, muddy sections, followed by muddy almost impassable sections that left me wishing for rain boots but wondering about the bike tire tread tracks I saw, followed by dry sections. I enjoyed the challenge, but this trail is not suitable for all abilities nor bikes at this not-quite-dry time.

Lone Eucalyptus.
All rights reserved. Photo by Tressa Bronner 2011.

We decided on the trail out to Sunset Beach, the shorter of the two options, since we had a time restraint.  If you stay on the main path, you can continue on to Drakes Head and beyond.  The trail out to the beach has lovely views and a couple of fresh water ponds. We stopped at the bench for a picnic in the sunshine. There is also a trail that continues on, but since we weren't there for the sunset, we opted not to get out feet wet. Walking past the large sandbar we stopped to watch the harbor seals catching rays on their temporary beach. About thirty seals were gathered, stretched out, enjoying the balmy weather.

Turning around we received flyovers by two flocks of American White Pelicans that were roaming the estero. At one point they circled around us three times before finally coming in for a landing on a fresh water pond. What a treat to hear their wing flaps and watch their splash landing into the pond.

Estero Trail Overlook
All rights reserved. Photo by Tressa Bronner 2011.

All in all, a lovely day, gorgeous scenery, solitude, just a bit sloshy at points. This bike/hike will be much easier in summer and fall once dried out. I would say kayaking is the best way to explore the estero during these lovely winter days, as long as you check the tide first. Mud in your boots, while not fun, is much easier than a mud flat to cross in your kayak. Get out there soon! The estero closes annually to kayakers for harbor seal protection on March 1st until June 30th.

Glowing Green Halloween 2010

By Joyce Goldfield -Point Reyes Outdoors Customer

Halloween! What on earth does a 73 year old woman do on Halloween? I’m pretty game-I was going to drag out my old pumpkin costume and limp on down to the local happenings in Point Reyes. Just then the phone rang! Saved!



My friend Laurie, who owns Point Reyes Outdoors kayaking, hiking and biking company, spoke. Her question…

“Hey, we have an extra spot on our kayaking trip tonight. We’re going out on the bay to see the bioluminescence. Want to come?”

“Well, yeah!! I was just trying to get up the enthusiasm to don my pumpkin suit and go trick or treating!” My comment received her familiar laugh…

“Great. Meet me at the office at about 4pm and you can ride up with me. We plan to put in at Nick’s Cove in Marshall at 4:30pm. Wear a fleece and some warm socks. I’ve got everything else for you.”

So I did…and she did! She even brought me some extra socks! We rode up to Marshall, followed by her guide, who was driving the van, pulling a trailer of kayaks. The back of the van was stuffed full of gear.

We arrive at Nick’s Cove, just as the late afternoon serenity and softness was settling over the world. Somehow that time of day always inspires me to talk more softly and breathe more deeply.

Kayaks were unloaded and sat bobbing at the water’s edge, waiting. Customers arrived and Laurie greeted them warmly, quickly assessed our clothing and suggested we don one of her waterproof jackets with Velcro closures at the neck and cuffs. She also gave each of us a pair of warm kayaking gloves and waterproof pants. Over the top of all this was a kayaking spray skirt to keep us snug and dry as we paddled. All this was topped with a comfortable life vest. We looked at one another and giggled. I often spend time on the Bay so am accustomed to dressing in layers, but don’t own any of this waterproof gear – and definitely no spray skirt. I’m usually sopping wet halfway across the bay. Not tonight!!

Casey, the guide, gave each of us an individual brush up lesson on how to hold a paddle, advise on strokes, how to operate the rudder pedals (if you are seated in the stern of a two-person kayak) and some wise advice about giving plenty of room to the wildlife, not approaching close enough to flush them from their resting spots. And we were off!!

Tomales Bay Sunset
Photo by Alia Pasquale

Tomales Bay lay flat calm. I’ve lived here for 35 years and have spent many hours sailing and canoeing on this water. I’ve NEVER seen it like this…a shining sheet of glass! Just enough time had passed for the sunset to be at its most breathtaking. Not only was the sky all shades of pink/purple/orange/red, but this palette was reflected across the water, shore to shore. Floating on this amazingly brilliant canvas were all manner of sea bird: loons, cormorants, pelicans, gulls, ducks, herons. The guide knew facts and lore about all of them, which she happily shared. Remember how still and peaceful I told you it was? Now imagine the single call of a loon, floating across the still waters. Cormorants were making noise similar to an “oink”! Then as we approached Hog Island, in the middle of the bay, seals popped their heads up out of the water to view us as we passed. Many were pulled out on the sand spit of the island. Again, so still, we could hear them burp and scratch! Three very young, curious ones followed us. They kept bobbing their heads up to get a better look with their large dark eyes.

Coming around the island, in the middle of the bay, we saw a strange sight. A great Blue Heron was standing ON the water, not wading near shore, but in the middle of the bay. We gave him a wide berth, but perplexed as we tried to figure out his illusion. Floating near us there was a small cluster of bull kelp, a species seldom seen in the bay, but often found in large piles on ocean beaches. These stragglers could have floated in from the ocean, over the sandbar at the mouth, and into the bay. Seems the Heron was standing on a slightly submerged knot of kelp.

The light was slowly fading as we approached White Gulch, on the opposite shore. We cruised in and out of all the nooks, crannies, and caves along the bluff. They pointed out all manner of sea life: Sea anemones gently swaying their fronds to capture food, gorgeous, graceful brown jellyfish pulsing their way along in calm waters, bright star fish and one ethereal white moon jelly. The guide explained that river otters often hang out by the small caves near the bluff.

We paddled toward a small white beach and we pulled ashore. Laurie and the guide pulled out a table and a delightful repast of grapes, chocolate cherry cookies, almond pastries, a three-fruit buckle, and best of all, mugs of steaming hot chocolate.

The night sky was upon us and millions of stars were blooming in the black velvet. Because the water was so calm, every star was reflected therein. Our entire world – sky and water – was a tapestry of golden lights. Behind us, one single elk stood on the hill, silhouetted against the waning light. A huge lone, silent owl flew over us, so low you could feel the rush of the wind from his wings. Having just recently lost my beloved, I smiled, assuming it was his spirit, wishing us well.

Returning to the kayaks, the instant my paddle touched the water, I gasped. I was paddling in molten mercury! In quick silver! I thrust my hand into the water: gloves, jacket and all, wet, just to stir the water with my hand. Everyone was doing the same. We had been conversing in whispers. Not anymore. Everyone was uttering “oohs” and “ahhs” of delight! Then, it got better! EVERYTHING beneath the water was etched in silver and neon green! We could see the sea lettuce and kelp sway beneath. Big, little, wee tiny fish, swimming this way and that…shooting past us, beneath us, in front of us…leading us on their path of silver and brilliant green. Behind us, our wakes were a trail of silver. I scooped up a paddle full of glowing sea lettuce and dropped it back into the water, in a shower of sliver – and laughed aloud.

There was no reason to hurry. We were allowed to wander about (everyone had a red glow stick attached to their kayak for safety). We separated, came together, separated, awestruck!! Where to look? The star strewn black velvet sky? The silver and neon streaked bay, glittering with reflected golden stars? Somehow, it all blended together, it was difficult to see where the horizon line actually was. We were drifting and rotating in a gigantic illuminated bubble. Nobody wanted the evening to end.

As we slowly made our way across Tomales Bay, past the sleep murmurs of the critters on the darkened Hog Island, to the landing at Nick’s Cove…thoroughly relaxed, enchanted, soul satisfied, spirit uplifted, and completely mesmerized by the peace and beauty of it all.

I think I can safely say, that none of us will ever forget this evening as long as we live. None of us will be swept up in life to the extent that this evening doesn’t still dance behind our eyes…in our souls.

Tule Elk in White Gulch

Tule elk are found only in the grasslands and marshlands of California and are the smallest species of elk in North America.

The Bulls...

While sitting in the kayaks in White Gulch we can hear a beautiful ominous call coming from the surrounding hillsides. The Tule elk are in rut and the bull elk are bugling to attract females to their harem and to ward off potential competing males.

Bulls can be distinguished from the females during the mating season by their antlers. In the spring antlers are covered with velvet, a system of blood vessels that nourish the bone as it grows. A set of elk antlers can weigh over 40 pounds. Older bulls have more points, but they do not grow a point for each year of age. Antlers are used as weapons by the males to compete for the chance to breed. Two evenly matched bulls may use their antlers in combat, if other attempts at intimidation (vocalizations and posturing) have failed.

A bull that has proven himself bigger and stronger than the others defends a harem of up to 30 females. This means he is the primary bull, responsible for 80% of the breeding. Towards the end of the breeding season other secondary bulls may get the opportunity to breed as the primary bull tires.

Males are sexually mature at age two, but usually aren't able to breed until they are strong enough to compete with other bulls to defend a harem of cows. Half the the male population will remain bachelors; most breeding is accomplished by ten percent of the male population.

The Ladies...

Female elk are sexually mature by two years of age, although they may be able to breed as yearlings. Females are gathered into harems by dominant males.

While the males fight for real estate and mating rights to the harem, the females do their own bit of fighting for status within the harem. Almost all female elk will reproduce, having on average, six to ten calves in her lifetime. Calves are born after an 8.5 month gestation period. They nurse for four or five months, but start nibbling on grass when they are less than one month old. The calves remain part of the harem with their mother.

Eelgrass in Tomales Bay

Kayaking on Tomales Bay, near shore and in shallow water, we see long green strands that look a lot like seaweed, but actually, it is eelgrass. Eelgrass moved into the marine environment from land around 65 million years ago. It's actually a flowering plant, one of only two in the oceans.

Embarking on an Eelgrass Adventure, Tomales Bay.
Photo by Joseph Kinyon 2009. All rights reserved.

As the days grow longer, and the water warms, millions of pieces of pollen are released and fertilization takes place. In August these plants will then release hundreds of tiny seeds that will sink to the muddy bottom or be carried away by the current. Eelgrass beds have been the subject of interest for awhile, and scientists have some very cool findings. This plant helps to stabilize the coastal zone. Because their leaves are close together and often interwoven by the tides, they actually reduce the motion of the water. As the water slows, suspended material carried around by the tide and current, sinks to the bottom. The important supply of detritus that the eelgrass beds provide for near shore and off shore systems creates areas 10-100 times richer in animal life      compared to adjacent habitats.

In September, the leaves break away from the roots. Some float away, carried by currents; others fall to the bottom where a large percentage of the leaves decompose. Microscopic organisms begin to break down the leaves into smaller particles, and these become surrounded by bacteria and fungi. Bacteria and fungi are consumed by filter feeders such as clams and scallops. Deposit feeders (such as sea urchins) and sediment feeders (worms and snails) also join in to feast. The adult and larval forms of these invertebrates become food for larger life forms such as fish. The closely packed leaves provide a safe haven for young fish to try to avoid predation, the dense jungle of leaves often deters larger fish from going in too far. Thus the continuous cycle that eelgrass plays such a vital role is illuminated.

Eelgrass is difficult to eat for many birds because it is extremely fibrous. However, Brandts Geese rely on eelgrass to survive their 3000 mile migration. They have a specialized crop to ease digestion. Surf Scoters and Scaups swim down and clip off pieces of eelgrass in order to eat the herring eggs that are developing on the blades.

Dendronotus Iris Nudibranch. Photo by Joseph Kinyon 2009.
All rights reserved.

Waterfowl are often easy to spot, but what they are looking for in the eelgrass often eludes us, unless we look carefully. Hiding within the jungle of blades one can find: herring eggs, nudibranch (sea slugs) and their eggs, copepods & isopods (small crustaceans), polychates (marine worms), clams, bryozoans, and varying forms of bacteria and fungus. At least 20 species of commercially valuable fish rely on eelgrass for food and habitat at some point in their lives. Searching for food in the rich, muddy areas surrounding the beds we often see leopard shark, bat rays, and other large predatory fish.

As we learn more and more about eelgrass, we also learn that eelgrass is helping to mitigate the impacts of humans on our waterways. Eelgrass is crucial to maintaining water quality. 1 acre of eelgrass absorbs 6.4 pounds of nutrients. This is equal to the effluent from 490 people for 1 year. Eelgrass plays a significant role in moderating the effects of increased carbon dioxide on our planet. 1 acre of eelgrass removes 7400 pounds of carbon. This is equal to the carbon dioxide emitted from a car traveling 3860 miles. Eelgrass beds are very difficult to restore once they have been destroyed (by pollutants, boat propellers and anchors, dredging and development). Less than 10% of restoration attempts are successful after 10 years.

Splendor in the Eelgrass, Taylor's Sea Hare. Photo by Joseph Kinyon 2009.
All rights reserved.

Next time you are out on the water, tread lightly in eelgrass zones and be sure to take a closer look at the eelgrass beneath your boat. For a special treat, check out the eelgrass beds after dark. Bring a headlight and be prepared to get wowed by all of the creatures.

Want more: Check out Joseph Kinyon’s article Splendor in the Grass, on Bay pipefish, an eelgrass resident with some extraordinary adaptations for its environment.
Photos provided by Joseph Kinyon. All rights reserved. To contact Joseph or to see more of his photos, Find his "palustrine" Flickr  page.

Tidepooling at Duxbury Reef, Bolinas, CA

Kayaking on Tomales Bay allows us to see some critters often found in tidepools, however, walking out on Duxbury Reef and checking out nooks and crannies allows for some awesome discoveries. A group of sixth graders from Marin joined us at the reef for some exploration and we saw some neat creatures.

We found rose anemones, sea urchins, giant anemones, aggregate anemones, starfish including purple and orange ochre stars, chitons, limpets, crabs, and the coolest find, an octopus.

A quick moment on tides. The water in the ocean is constantly moving, caused by the forces of gravity from the moon and the sun. High tide is when the sun and the moon are lined up with the earth, causing the water to pull away from the earth. Low tide is when your area is not lined up with the moon. Low tides not around the full moon or new moon are usually best for exploring. Consult your local tide logs to determine when you should go. Most places are best when the tide is between 1 and negative 1. If the tide is less than negative 1, get out there for a rare preview into the world of creatures rarely visible to humans without a snorkel. Remember to respect the creatures living there, moving them or trying to free them from rocks can be quite detrimental to them.

We went out on a day with a -0.6ft tide at 9:30am. Ideally you want to be out exploring before the lowest point of the tide. Be careful when in tidepools, never put your back to the ocean, waves can sneak up and potentially knock you over and they tend to be very slippery areas. Also be aware that channels will fill with water that may block your way back, be sure not to get stuck out on a reef with no way back to dry land. You will find different creatures dependent on which tidal zone you are looking in and hte height of the tide.

Biking in Point Reyes National Seashore

Lots of folks go hiking in Point Reyes, although great bike trails exist. Just outside Point Reyes Station, we went for a mellow bike ride on the Bear Valley Trail, located at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. I have lived in this area for five years now, and told countless people to go check out Arch Rock. I have heard it is a great spot to go, that it is lovely, a nice beautiful hike and yada yada. For whatever reason, I have never gone!! So when a friend came to visit last week, it was a perfect opportunity to play tourist in my own town and check out some places I have never been, and Arch Rock was at the top of my list. I have hiked on the Bear Valley trail, but never out to the arch. This trail is perfect because it combines a bike ride, a hike, and a beach walk. You start in a forest, go to chaparral and end up at the ocean. There is a creek you walk along for awhile and cross to get to a viewing spot of the arch, anyway, great combination; this trail really shows off Point Reyes National Seashore.

Starting from the parking lot it is about 1.5 miles to Divide Meadow, a great spot for a picnic, snack or throwing a Frisbee if you are walking. There are a couple of trails that diverge off of this trail, but bikes aren’t allowed. There are bathrooms at the meadow, which is a nice feature, although I always forget they are there for some reason. On bikes it took us less than ten minutes to get to the meadow, so we weren’t ready to stop yet. Anyway, another 1.5 miles gets you to the trail junction. At this point you have to lock up your bike, racks are provided, and continue on foot. I was bummed at first to get off the bike, but the wildflowers were going crazy and there was a lot of great stuff to take pictures of, and on a bike I would have blown right by and never even noticed. It is about a mile from the bike racks out to the ocean. The trail stops at a bluff at which point you will notice a switchback down into the creek. This part of the trail is a little sketchy for folks that aren’t as stable on their feet.

We got there at a high tide, oops, should have planned that better. So beach walking was limited, but we could still wander around and see the waves crashing through the arch.

April Showers, Flowers, and Sunshine

Springtime in Point Reyes is keeping the hills green. Beautiful weather followed by showers have kept the grounds lush and provided swells of wildflowers.  The peninsula is covered with colors as new flowers pop up daily. Checkerbloom, lupine, iris, poppies, blue eyed grass, and pussy ears color the green hillsides.

             

Walk out to Kehoe beach in a sea of mustard's brilliant yellow, or walk out to Chimney rock to a kaleidoscope rainbow of color dotting the path.  Gray whales are still being seen on their northward migration. A few lingering elephant seals are starting their molt.  Kayaking on Tomales Bay has been phenomenal, as the bay is teaming with wildlife. Harbor seals and their pups can be seen on Hog Island and swimming in the bay. Rafts of migratory waterfowl are foraging and resting, some here just for a break before continuing on, others stopping for the summer.

Plenty to see and do, the question right now is rain or shine? Bring your rain coat and your sunscreen and have a great time.Call us today to plan your next great adventure. Point Reyes Outdoors 415.663.8192

Picnics, Valentines and Nature News

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Point Reyes Nature News
A full moon on the 28th means the lowest tides of the month (the 26th at 3:45pm) will be the preceding two days. Head out for tide pooling in the afternoon and see what's uncovered.

On the Trail: February starts the mating, breeding, and birthing season. While hiking, look out for foxes, coyotes, and bobcats as they seek mates. Newts and salamanders are heading toward the water for breeding also. Look for the amphibians crossing the trail when hiking in shady, damp areas, especially near puddles, pools, and streams. While in those damp areas, don't forget to look for mushrooms popping out from underneath the duff.

By the Shore: Sea otters and Harbor seals begin having pups. Look for them at Drakes Estero. The Northern Elephant seals are still here with continued birthing and mating. The females leave just four weeks after birthing in search of food, leaving their pup to fend for themselves. See them at Chimney Rock or Ano Nuevo.

Elephant seals spend 80 percent of their lives in deep water. They can hold their breath for over 120 minutes and dive to depths well over 2000ft. Their huge blood volume provides large stores of oxygen for diving. Extraordinary in the water they are equally surprising on land where they can move faster than the average human over sand dunes.

Their average life expectancy is about 20 to 23 years and they reach maturity between 3 to 5 years. Males weight up to 6000lbs and females weight in at around 2000lbs. Pups are born in January after an 11 month gestation.Pups are born shiny black and weight about 75lbs, gaining at a rate of 10lbs per day while nursing.

On the Water: The Pacific Herring spawn continues in Tomales Bay. Look for fish-eating critters getting their fill, including the Great Blue Heron who is on the prowl for a mate, as well as lunch.

Game on...

As we gathered at Miller Park for a midweek paddle, the winds were present, maybe 5 mph. We paddled across toward Hog Island and were delighted to see harbor seals and their pups hauled out on shore. As we slowly floated by, their big eyes followed our brightly colored kayaks. As we entered White Gulch, the winds began to die down and our float through the gulch resulted in leopard shark and jellyfish sightings. Just before lunch we unsealed our skirts and played a round of kayak basketball. It was a close game but it got called short as our hungry bodies demanded fuel. The protected beach allowed us to dry out a bit as we enjoyed our lunch and conversation. The bay was flat as we reentered our kayaks and returned towards the launch. The harbor seals again watched us float by and a couple followed us, alerting us to their presence as they came up for air with a slight exhale.

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