It’s Still Spring

I know that Memorial Day seems like the beginning of summer.

Foxglove

But summer doesn’t actually start for another month.  So we are still seeing things spring up and out and through.

Salal Flowers

The delicate pink flowers on the Salal shrubs will turn into plump blueberry-like berries.

Those close to the ocean get a light coating of salt on the berries; which makes them especially yummy.

3 bulls – last year’s spikes

These cousins only had spikes last year.  We’ll see how many points they grow this year.

Nice Velvet Dude

This was taken on a different day so it could be one of those in the previous photo for all I know.

River Moss

The moss is getting thick in the Alsea River too.  We’re still not sure if this moss has grown on the branches or if they just caught it at high tide?  It sure seemed to happen quickly.

Osprey Couple at WHS

I hadn’t seen the osprey fishing in our front yard all week.  My theory was that the chicks had hatched.  Based on what we saw today (above), I’m sticking with my theory.

Algae Bloom

The algae bloom makes the water look thick and almost chocolatey – if it weren’t for that slight greenish tint.

Not so inviting for swimming but lots of marine life love it.

And apparently it doesn’t adversely affect the shellfish: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/pages/shellfish_status.aspx

Group C001 is blooming in Sutton Campground

The campgrounds are sprouting tents!

We’ve really had a dry May so we really need the rain we’ve seen this week.  But a break for Memorial Weekend would really be nice.

Yearling Elk Nursing

Some people’s children never grow up.

I’m trying to figure out how she can nurse for a whole year?!

What to do at the beach in the fog

When the “valley” gets hot, the “hot” go to the beach!  It’s cooler on the Oregon coast beaches but sometimes fog comes with it.

Foggy Tillicum Beach

So, what’s there to see in the fog?

Pacific Mole Crab

Well, there’s still the little sand critters to play with.  If you see the mole crab tracks or their holes, dig a few inches down to find them.  No, they’re not good to eat!  Just fun to catch.  The legs tickle your fingers as they wiggle like crazy to get away.  See if you can figure out which end is their head. 🙂

Castles from Yachats Beach

Building sand castles isn’t just for kids!

Salal Berries

Graze on the Salal berries.  They start from a pink flower, turn into a pink berry and ripen to dark blue.  In Tillicum Campground, the berries collect a fine layer of salt from the salty air.  The berries taste like blueberries.  Sweet and salty  –  YUM!

Huckleberries

The huckleberries and blackberries are just starting to ripen in the campground.  The blackest ones are the sweetest.