Just another of the joys of living on the banks of Cache Creek. This is from the property on the other side of the creek...he is blending well with his surroundings.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Osprey Nest on Ground
OH, I have been very bad...the snowy cold weather kept me away from the land and then the holidays. It was very good to get back over on Sunday morning, even walking in the mud.
I was very sad to see the nest down, but Sarah mentioned the high winds last week, and I instantly remembered the enormous winds at Cavallo Point on Christmas Eve. Hopefully the pair of Osprey will return and rebuild. I need to find out when that might be, and starting walking in a very wide circle away from that pole.
There was another tree down by the creek, sort of in the foundation of the old house that looked like it had snapped off, but there was no sign of the missing part of the tree. That was weird.
The cool thing in on the walk was the little family of otters hanging out on a log just across Cache Creek from where we were standing...I only had one shot at one on the log as my card was full.
I also finally got some wildflower seeds sprinkled in the daffodil trench.
I will start back up with the regular walking on New Year's Day...no more holidays, and as I learned with the down coat...I can stay warm and dry for at least a few circuits.
I was very sad to see the nest down, but Sarah mentioned the high winds last week, and I instantly remembered the enormous winds at Cavallo Point on Christmas Eve. Hopefully the pair of Osprey will return and rebuild. I need to find out when that might be, and starting walking in a very wide circle away from that pole.
There was another tree down by the creek, sort of in the foundation of the old house that looked like it had snapped off, but there was no sign of the missing part of the tree. That was weird.
The cool thing in on the walk was the little family of otters hanging out on a log just across Cache Creek from where we were standing...I only had one shot at one on the log as my card was full.
I also finally got some wildflower seeds sprinkled in the daffodil trench.
I will start back up with the regular walking on New Year's Day...no more holidays, and as I learned with the down coat...I can stay warm and dry for at least a few circuits.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Posting on a rainy day
I haven't been over to the land for days it seems...I think seriously a week tomorrow. Between the rain, snow, mud and other obligations I have run right out of time.
But I can gaze from here and watch the same conglomeration of strange and beautiful ducks swim from here to there and beyond and back again.
The best thing I saw yesterday was a huge cormorant diving for fish, and catching one and eating it right before my binoculars.
Very exciting.
But I can gaze from here and watch the same conglomeration of strange and beautiful ducks swim from here to there and beyond and back again.
The best thing I saw yesterday was a huge cormorant diving for fish, and catching one and eating it right before my binoculars.
Very exciting.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Canada Geese @ AndersonMarsh State Historic Park
Today it is freezing cold as we wait for the promised rain or snow, so I got out early to walk on the land. Thursday I walked in Anderson Marsh instead so it was good to get out there today. I was hoping for the Bald Eagle that was spotted last Saturday morning, but I didn't see him today. Instead I saw two great blue herons, one night heron, lots of cormorants, scrub jays and doves. There were a lot of egrets in the creek with a big flock of duck items. It wasn't until I got home and was down looking at the creek that I saw the same flock...Cinnamon Teals but I need to grab my binos to make sure.
The sun keeps coming back out...if there is no precip, I am going to have to water some of my container plants...I hate to water when it is so cold...the hoses are stiff as can be but I will persevere.
The sun keeps coming back out...if there is no precip, I am going to have to water some of my container plants...I hate to water when it is so cold...the hoses are stiff as can be but I will persevere.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Joe Curtwright Up A Tree!
PGE sent in a crew to trim two trees NEAR the power line that runs onto the land...and it is a dead line at that! Weird. And now PG&E will put a lock on my gate so they can have future access.
They were lucky I arrived when I did!
Turns out Joe was a former student years and years ago...I do remember him!
As to mowing the field, Stuart thinks it is too risky to do even with a rented tractor early in the spring...I think he is being overly cautious and will continue to talk about it. Maybe we should do it now and hope for the best with the rains.
They were lucky I arrived when I did!
Turns out Joe was a former student years and years ago...I do remember him!
As to mowing the field, Stuart thinks it is too risky to do even with a rented tractor early in the spring...I think he is being overly cautious and will continue to talk about it. Maybe we should do it now and hope for the best with the rains.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Cormorant Pair
Getting to know all about Double Crested Cormorants...they have an enormous capacity to leave their traces on the creek, or the ground underneath their favorite trees.
I was told that their guano deposits are actually toxic to trees, I will have to check that out. I thought they just chose trees with few or no leaves, but maybe there is a reason why there are no leaves.
I was told that their guano deposits are actually toxic to trees, I will have to check that out. I thought they just chose trees with few or no leaves, but maybe there is a reason why there are no leaves.
Acorn Woodpecker on granary Oak
Just wanted to add this to the blog as a record of the critters on the land.
Bill covering Daffodils
Yesterday, Bill Perkins, fellow Master Gardener suggested that we plant some acorns that he had been collecting. I gathered up some daffodils that I wanted to put on the land and off we went. As things turned out, Bill was much more handy with the shovel than I was. Think Tom Sawyer!!!
So 30 big yellow King Alfred Daffodils when in, in clumps of three. Then using a geology pick, we planted a wide assortment of acorns around the inside of an old perimeter foundation, and also planted Valley Oak acorns along the creek bank where there were other seedlings sprouting.
So 30 big yellow King Alfred Daffodils when in, in clumps of three. Then using a geology pick, we planted a wide assortment of acorns around the inside of an old perimeter foundation, and also planted Valley Oak acorns along the creek bank where there were other seedlings sprouting.
Mossy Rock
It was a happy surprise to find this beautiful small rock outcropping over on the land. I love rocks so much but never really have bought land with rocks! This one is in deep shade from the cemetery trees and probably will stay in deep shade most of the year.
It really pleases and my eye.
It really pleases and my eye.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Koko smelling to the high heavens!
Koko quite exhausted by her big adventure on the LAND!
More blankets and towels will be required, I can see that!
More blankets and towels will be required, I can see that!
A Shitty Day!
Stepped right in the dog poop this morning. I should have seen it as an omen but didn't as it happens so rarely.
After wading through a lot of shit (paperwork) of a different time, I loaded up KOKO for her first solo trip to the land.
When we got there, she was pretty excited but let me set the gentle leader on her muzzle and hook it up to the choke chain. We were ready to rock and roll.
She was just great! Didn't pull, strain my shoulder or anything. The perfect pooch. When we got down near the water I must have let the muzzle part slacken and it came off of her muzzle. As I started to hook her back up, I thought, WHY? One of the reasons for fencing and having that place is for the dogs to run fairly free. So, I just unhooked the leash from the lead, and let her go.
Right to the rocky gravelly ramp which I had cleared of fish bones and skeletons in anticipation of this moment. She was so happy! Jumped to the middle of the ramp and started to do the doggie roll...I must have missed something, and I could smell it back where I was. Then she charged down to the water, and waded in a bit when suddenly, a cormorant let loose a giant shit bomb! Wow, it was so gross and alarming I didn't even think to photograph it. I was worried that KOKO was going to get into it as it was drifting right at her. As it turned out, she got some anyway, but that was a bit too much for her, and out she came!
Then I could begin to appreciate the magnitude of the disaster! Thick gooey mud and other stuff...all over one side of the dog, especially her neck with liberal lashings of the white cormorant shit. Oh such a gross dog you couldn't imagine.
But she was still being a very good dog, and we started our walk off leash...she stayed nearby and I tried to get her to roll about some, but she was having none of that, thank you very much.
After a bit, I decided to hook her back up at least to the leash. I gave up on the leader part as soon as I touched it...oh my god. Now I smelled as bad as KOKO. But she remained a very good dog for another circuit even when tempted to pull by a squirrel in the cemetery
Now we are home, collar soaking in a tub of soapy water, and car blanket in the washing machine. As for Koko, she stinks to the high heavens and isn't being so great on the bath time.
I think the dogs will be sleeping downstairs for a few night, well at least Koko will be.
Quiz got a short walk out to the mail box and didn't roll in anything. But I know if I had taken her over there she would have done the same thing!
After wading through a lot of shit (paperwork) of a different time, I loaded up KOKO for her first solo trip to the land.
When we got there, she was pretty excited but let me set the gentle leader on her muzzle and hook it up to the choke chain. We were ready to rock and roll.
She was just great! Didn't pull, strain my shoulder or anything. The perfect pooch. When we got down near the water I must have let the muzzle part slacken and it came off of her muzzle. As I started to hook her back up, I thought, WHY? One of the reasons for fencing and having that place is for the dogs to run fairly free. So, I just unhooked the leash from the lead, and let her go.
Right to the rocky gravelly ramp which I had cleared of fish bones and skeletons in anticipation of this moment. She was so happy! Jumped to the middle of the ramp and started to do the doggie roll...I must have missed something, and I could smell it back where I was. Then she charged down to the water, and waded in a bit when suddenly, a cormorant let loose a giant shit bomb! Wow, it was so gross and alarming I didn't even think to photograph it. I was worried that KOKO was going to get into it as it was drifting right at her. As it turned out, she got some anyway, but that was a bit too much for her, and out she came!
Then I could begin to appreciate the magnitude of the disaster! Thick gooey mud and other stuff...all over one side of the dog, especially her neck with liberal lashings of the white cormorant shit. Oh such a gross dog you couldn't imagine.
But she was still being a very good dog, and we started our walk off leash...she stayed nearby and I tried to get her to roll about some, but she was having none of that, thank you very much.
After a bit, I decided to hook her back up at least to the leash. I gave up on the leader part as soon as I touched it...oh my god. Now I smelled as bad as KOKO. But she remained a very good dog for another circuit even when tempted to pull by a squirrel in the cemetery
Now we are home, collar soaking in a tub of soapy water, and car blanket in the washing machine. As for Koko, she stinks to the high heavens and isn't being so great on the bath time.
I think the dogs will be sleeping downstairs for a few night, well at least Koko will be.
Quiz got a short walk out to the mail box and didn't roll in anything. But I know if I had taken her over there she would have done the same thing!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Red Shouldered Hawk
This hawk was just one of many birds sharing the land with me on Thanksgiving. Of all the inhabitants the only ones missing were the turkeys and osprey...well maybe a few more.
This morning I saw:
Red shouldered hawk, turkey vultures (Maybe they count for T-day birds), doves, acorn woodpeckers, kingfishers, cormorants, Night herons, nuthatches, geese overhead, and others that I could get close enough to even guess. I am sure there were many more...I thought I heard the quail, but didn't spot them.
Sheer bliss.
This morning I saw:
Red shouldered hawk, turkey vultures (Maybe they count for T-day birds), doves, acorn woodpeckers, kingfishers, cormorants, Night herons, nuthatches, geese overhead, and others that I could get close enough to even guess. I am sure there were many more...I thought I heard the quail, but didn't spot them.
Sheer bliss.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Augmenting the Come Along
Today we finally got the rest of the tree out of the creek. Only one person from the other side came out to have a look see, and then went back in. There wasn't any sign of life from the people that were the most impacted by the limbs.
AFter pulling it in parts over to my shore, the cut up all the logs, and then put them up on the bank, way above high water. All the brushy limbs and stuff were also pulled way up and put far back from the edge in the snow berry bushes.
Stuart said that aside from the colder water, todays work was easiers than what they did on 10-30.
At least we now have a workable strategy for getting stuff like that out. What would really be best would be a winch on the truck and if this becomes a habit, well, I will buy him one!!!
It was mighty chilly over there this morning, frost all over the field, but on the bank with the eastern exposure, things really warmed up fast. Still I was glad I had put on my long underwear and that Bill had on his sister's 20 year old waders. It is amazing that while water poured in over the tops of his boots and had to be emptied regularly, the waders held up with no holes or leaks.
AFter pulling it in parts over to my shore, the cut up all the logs, and then put them up on the bank, way above high water. All the brushy limbs and stuff were also pulled way up and put far back from the edge in the snow berry bushes.
Stuart said that aside from the colder water, todays work was easiers than what they did on 10-30.
At least we now have a workable strategy for getting stuff like that out. What would really be best would be a winch on the truck and if this becomes a habit, well, I will buy him one!!!
It was mighty chilly over there this morning, frost all over the field, but on the bank with the eastern exposure, things really warmed up fast. Still I was glad I had put on my long underwear and that Bill had on his sister's 20 year old waders. It is amazing that while water poured in over the tops of his boots and had to be emptied regularly, the waders held up with no holes or leaks.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Flagged erosion
This area would be ideal to do a series of small "check dams" made up of rocks, native brush and wood that would stop the slide down into Copsey Creek.
It would be a lot of work, and will probably take years unless I hire a company to do it for me. We will have to see. Just nearby are a lot of willows that would be ideal to stick in here. But they would have to have water the first few years at least.
It would be a lot of work, and will probably take years unless I hire a company to do it for me. We will have to see. Just nearby are a lot of willows that would be ideal to stick in here. But they would have to have water the first few years at least.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Luke putting up numbers on post
We were all ready to put up the numbers for the two addresses on Stagecoach, when I realized that we needed three ZEROES and I hadn't bought any...nothing right? Who buys nothing? Not me I guess. So we had to drive all the way back to ClearLake to buy NOTHING!
And of course, I needed four 0s and they only had three so we only managed to get up two addresses yesterday, but they look nice.
And of course, I needed four 0s and they only had three so we only managed to get up two addresses yesterday, but they look nice.
Walking the land with folks from the NRCS
Today I met with three people from the NRCS, Greg Dills, Korinn Smith, and Erin O'Farrell. What an eye opening walk that was.
I showed them the big gully that has washed from a low spot in the road, and they had several very good ideas for how to deal with it. The first step is to flag the edges so that I can keep track of how much erodes this winter.
They also had some really good ideas on how to stablize the crevass with woody limbs and dirt in little terraces. I will def. be calling them again about references on that issue.
Then we looked at the Tree of Contention and Erin's considered opinion was that we could pull the part on the other bank over and cut it up on the beach using a come along to do the pulling.
I skipped one part...we looked at all the willows along the bank and agreed that it seemed as though someone had planted, or stuck limbs in that part of the bank at some point...they just looked awfully placed.
As to the part of the tree that is on my side of the creek, the general consensus was that it was providing habitat for fish and game and wasn't a general hazard.
When we got out to the point area and they saw Gail's peninsula they felt that there was no way to save that under any circumstances. Eventually Copsey Creek is going to cut right thru that neck. And when that happens, it will change the hydrology on both Cache and Copsey Creek so there would be no point to trying to do anything with that exposed area now. It will be a question of wait and see.
Completing the circuit, we contemplated the main field which is a fine crop of the horrible Medusa Head. Mowing in the early spring is the proposed plan, but to do it early enough might mean trying to do it when the ground is too wet to permit access.
It was a great walk and I sure learned a lot. We even had a brief tour of the Pioneer Cemetery...
When I got home and started to write this, it occurred to me to call Stuart and see if he wanted to tackle the tree again. As luck would have it, he was near by and on his way home so he came over for a quick caulking job and then we headed back over to the land to take another look at the tree.
This time we first went on the far side of the creek down Quarterhorse Lane to Bass Lane, and met Cindy who lives across from me, with her two labs...she allowed us access to her giant garden plot where Stuart could get a little better look at the part of the tree on the East Bank. After looking from that side, we went back over to my land and looked again, and he thinks the come along idea will work. He will try to get Bill and do it on this Monday. The plan is to pull it over to my side and then hack it up!
I hope it works.
I gave Erin the list of proposed seed mixture from Hedgerow Farms for future reference. They thought the mix was a good one for this area, so that was another thing that made me happy. Simple simple me. What a complicated undertaking here, but it is fascinating.
And to make the day really wonderful, on the way home I saw a Piliated Woodpecker on Dam Rd...when I finally raised the camera, he hooting his way into the vines and kept up a wild racket, but wouldn't show himself again. He was enormous!
I showed them the big gully that has washed from a low spot in the road, and they had several very good ideas for how to deal with it. The first step is to flag the edges so that I can keep track of how much erodes this winter.
They also had some really good ideas on how to stablize the crevass with woody limbs and dirt in little terraces. I will def. be calling them again about references on that issue.
Then we looked at the Tree of Contention and Erin's considered opinion was that we could pull the part on the other bank over and cut it up on the beach using a come along to do the pulling.
I skipped one part...we looked at all the willows along the bank and agreed that it seemed as though someone had planted, or stuck limbs in that part of the bank at some point...they just looked awfully placed.
As to the part of the tree that is on my side of the creek, the general consensus was that it was providing habitat for fish and game and wasn't a general hazard.
When we got out to the point area and they saw Gail's peninsula they felt that there was no way to save that under any circumstances. Eventually Copsey Creek is going to cut right thru that neck. And when that happens, it will change the hydrology on both Cache and Copsey Creek so there would be no point to trying to do anything with that exposed area now. It will be a question of wait and see.
Completing the circuit, we contemplated the main field which is a fine crop of the horrible Medusa Head. Mowing in the early spring is the proposed plan, but to do it early enough might mean trying to do it when the ground is too wet to permit access.
It was a great walk and I sure learned a lot. We even had a brief tour of the Pioneer Cemetery...
When I got home and started to write this, it occurred to me to call Stuart and see if he wanted to tackle the tree again. As luck would have it, he was near by and on his way home so he came over for a quick caulking job and then we headed back over to the land to take another look at the tree.
This time we first went on the far side of the creek down Quarterhorse Lane to Bass Lane, and met Cindy who lives across from me, with her two labs...she allowed us access to her giant garden plot where Stuart could get a little better look at the part of the tree on the East Bank. After looking from that side, we went back over to my land and looked again, and he thinks the come along idea will work. He will try to get Bill and do it on this Monday. The plan is to pull it over to my side and then hack it up!
I hope it works.
I gave Erin the list of proposed seed mixture from Hedgerow Farms for future reference. They thought the mix was a good one for this area, so that was another thing that made me happy. Simple simple me. What a complicated undertaking here, but it is fascinating.
And to make the day really wonderful, on the way home I saw a Piliated Woodpecker on Dam Rd...when I finally raised the camera, he hooting his way into the vines and kept up a wild racket, but wouldn't show himself again. He was enormous!
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Tree of Contention via phone
Right while I was trying to deal with mismatched paint, getting a plumber for the hot water heater, the phone rang. It was a new neighbor on Copsey Creek asking about the Tree of Contention.
Apparently, since they are living in a home built on a flood plain, Yolo Water ...the owners of the dam and our water have a sensor on their wall to measure the water levels.
This woman was calling me as she had been told that I had not removed the TREE of Contention from the Creek...she had not looked for herself. I did my best to explain the situation from my point of view and hope she will settle down. But I fear that these people, who live in a flood plain will not try to pin their hopes and dreams...deferred that is, on to my poor little piece of property.
Time to call my attorney I think.
At least there is along history of flooding on their property and I have done my best to clear the center of the creek. With Temps rising into the '80s this week end, it is hard to think that they might do something to help themselves. A little Whining goes a long way with me...or maybe that should be, A Lot of Whining goes a Little way with me.
It has been a stressful day. See the kitchen remodel blog for more
Apparently, since they are living in a home built on a flood plain, Yolo Water ...the owners of the dam and our water have a sensor on their wall to measure the water levels.
This woman was calling me as she had been told that I had not removed the TREE of Contention from the Creek...she had not looked for herself. I did my best to explain the situation from my point of view and hope she will settle down. But I fear that these people, who live in a flood plain will not try to pin their hopes and dreams...deferred that is, on to my poor little piece of property.
Time to call my attorney I think.
At least there is along history of flooding on their property and I have done my best to clear the center of the creek. With Temps rising into the '80s this week end, it is hard to think that they might do something to help themselves. A little Whining goes a long way with me...or maybe that should be, A Lot of Whining goes a Little way with me.
It has been a stressful day. See the kitchen remodel blog for more
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Collected Trash
A selection of the trash. It is amazing how little debris there actually is. Most of what we found appears to have been left by fishermen who trespassed on the land, or kids who creep in at night.
None of it looked to be of recent vintage, which might be wishful thinking on my part.
Some of it, like the High Gravity Lager shown seem to be the high alcohol type drinks of dubious distinction. I had never even heard of that one.
Maybe when the gates and fencing are up, and signs posted and my very random presence noted, the trespassers will slack off. Maybe. I have yet to encounter anyone over there other than John and Connie and they have come in after I arrived.
None of it looked to be of recent vintage, which might be wishful thinking on my part.
Some of it, like the High Gravity Lager shown seem to be the high alcohol type drinks of dubious distinction. I had never even heard of that one.
Maybe when the gates and fencing are up, and signs posted and my very random presence noted, the trespassers will slack off. Maybe. I have yet to encounter anyone over there other than John and Connie and they have come in after I arrived.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Water in Pond
We got almost five inches of rain last week, and this was the result over in the pond on the land. I hope we get lots of rain this year for a lot of reasons, but top of my list is the burning desire to see this pond filled up. I will have to keep an eye on it.
Another bonus today was that in some of the young oaks around the pond, there was a big covey of Quail...first I have seen over there. Usually I see lots of dove, turkey, turkey vultures and rabbits. Today there were two does as well. Luckily I missed the big buck, but we could see some very big tracks.
The Spriets came over and helped me pick up a lot of the cans and bottles that I have been finding. It is a good thing I am keep garbage bags in the back of the car. I didn't see any new debris which is a good thing.
The other exciting item today was a three foot long garter snake right at the gate. Seems sort of late in the year and a bit chilly for a snake to be out like that. It was moving very slowly.
Another bonus today was that in some of the young oaks around the pond, there was a big covey of Quail...first I have seen over there. Usually I see lots of dove, turkey, turkey vultures and rabbits. Today there were two does as well. Luckily I missed the big buck, but we could see some very big tracks.
The Spriets came over and helped me pick up a lot of the cans and bottles that I have been finding. It is a good thing I am keep garbage bags in the back of the car. I didn't see any new debris which is a good thing.
The other exciting item today was a three foot long garter snake right at the gate. Seems sort of late in the year and a bit chilly for a snake to be out like that. It was moving very slowly.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Tree of Contention
I got carried away writing the descriptions in Flickr so it you want the whole story with photos in sequence, you should go to my flickr site and check it out.
We were lucky to get over there early this morning to do the cutting up, as the rain came much earlier then anticipated and is really coming down now with more forecast thru the weekend.
I won't be driving over there this weekend, but will be very happy to walk around and see what it is like in the rain.
We were lucky to get over there early this morning to do the cutting up, as the rain came much earlier then anticipated and is really coming down now with more forecast thru the weekend.
I won't be driving over there this weekend, but will be very happy to walk around and see what it is like in the rain.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Disturbed Ground
I am getting ready to order seed to try to kick start some of the areas of land that have been disturbed. I need to take one of my UC books over and try to id some of the currently growing plants in the main field or meadow.
Today would be a good day to do that, as Stuart will be working away and I want to photograph the change as he goes about his job. This photo illustrates the urgency in putting up fencing and gates. During the winter, there is some collision between men, 4 Wheel drive pickups and common sense. They tend to seek out any open space, even though they can see that they will probably sink up to their axles in the clay mud. They launch themselves out and tear up the land, get stuck, have to be pulled out, which tears it all up more and more. I have witnessed this in Morgan Valley when poor pathetic people would stagger to my door, wanting to use the phone to call for a tow truck.
It always gave me great pleasure to tell them I didn't have a phone!
Somehow they always found their way home, and eventually got their vehicle out, but without any help from me.
I will do my best to save them from themselves now, by fencing them out...as well as their brethern, the quad runners.
Today would be a good day to do that, as Stuart will be working away and I want to photograph the change as he goes about his job. This photo illustrates the urgency in putting up fencing and gates. During the winter, there is some collision between men, 4 Wheel drive pickups and common sense. They tend to seek out any open space, even though they can see that they will probably sink up to their axles in the clay mud. They launch themselves out and tear up the land, get stuck, have to be pulled out, which tears it all up more and more. I have witnessed this in Morgan Valley when poor pathetic people would stagger to my door, wanting to use the phone to call for a tow truck.
It always gave me great pleasure to tell them I didn't have a phone!
Somehow they always found their way home, and eventually got their vehicle out, but without any help from me.
I will do my best to save them from themselves now, by fencing them out...as well as their brethern, the quad runners.
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Tree of Contention
I went hiking around the Land today looking for the downed tree that is blocking Copsey Creek. At first I thought it was this tree sticking out from the berries and brambles but alas, that would have been too simple.
Across the creek were two of my new neighbors who assured me this wasn't the tree they were concerned about. That tree was farther downstream. After declining a guided tour to the spot, I confidently set off on my own.
I finally came to very thick brush lining the bank for quite a distance, preventing me from even accessing a view of the creek much less getting down there. There are a lot of pools so a creek walk wasn't feasible and I was still a little leery of the giant buck. I was beginning to wish for Luke the Trail Blazer, when I found a tiny game trail, and with the help of my walking stick, and a semi flexible back, I got to the edge of the creek and lo and behold, I just happened to come out where the damn tree is. It really is huge and goes right across the creek. Looks pretty impossible to get out, but perhaps, it can be cut up in some way and taken out in pieces.
I hope Angie can come and look, though I am not sure what the Lower Lake Watershed Council can do...I am thinking big equipment. I will have Stuart take a look on Thursday, and in the meantime, I am trying to contact a live person at Fish & Game to see if I need some sort of permit. Looks like it would really tear up the place to move equipment in there.
Oh the joys of land stewardship!
I walked the circuit, including the western fence line and found two places where the neighbor is channeling water into my property...one appears natural, the other def. not. I am wondering if they are so hard up for potable water, why they don't capture that water off the roof of their house, instead of letting it come onto my property. Some day I will ask them.
I also met and talked with the man on Pebble who is supposed to have serious mental health problems, but he was perfectly friendly though paranoid about rising property taxes, esp. on my property. We shall see.
All in all, it was a good walk on a beautiful fall morning.
Across the creek were two of my new neighbors who assured me this wasn't the tree they were concerned about. That tree was farther downstream. After declining a guided tour to the spot, I confidently set off on my own.
I finally came to very thick brush lining the bank for quite a distance, preventing me from even accessing a view of the creek much less getting down there. There are a lot of pools so a creek walk wasn't feasible and I was still a little leery of the giant buck. I was beginning to wish for Luke the Trail Blazer, when I found a tiny game trail, and with the help of my walking stick, and a semi flexible back, I got to the edge of the creek and lo and behold, I just happened to come out where the damn tree is. It really is huge and goes right across the creek. Looks pretty impossible to get out, but perhaps, it can be cut up in some way and taken out in pieces.
I hope Angie can come and look, though I am not sure what the Lower Lake Watershed Council can do...I am thinking big equipment. I will have Stuart take a look on Thursday, and in the meantime, I am trying to contact a live person at Fish & Game to see if I need some sort of permit. Looks like it would really tear up the place to move equipment in there.
Oh the joys of land stewardship!
I walked the circuit, including the western fence line and found two places where the neighbor is channeling water into my property...one appears natural, the other def. not. I am wondering if they are so hard up for potable water, why they don't capture that water off the roof of their house, instead of letting it come onto my property. Some day I will ask them.
I also met and talked with the man on Pebble who is supposed to have serious mental health problems, but he was perfectly friendly though paranoid about rising property taxes, esp. on my property. We shall see.
All in all, it was a good walk on a beautiful fall morning.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Water View...
Paddling over to the land was just a matter of moments, but as I set out, I realized that there were many more dead carp caught up in debris and brush at the waters edge, than I had realized or smelled. It was pretty intense at water level.
But there was live wildlife as well, Western Pond Turtles sunning on logs, a Great Blue Heron up Copsey Creek who was very annoyed with me and took off before I could get a shot. Sounded like some wood ducks who took off then too.
On Cache Creek, there was a huge carcass which we had notice hung up mid stream...the stench was enough so that while I took a few shots, I just kept going...it didn't bear closer inspection that is for sure.
The ramp area is very rocky and drops off very fast. I was glad I had my stake in the kayak as firmly planted it helped me haul myself out without touching the ground. The ground was just covered with fecal matter, I am guessing otters, and lots of fish parts, some almost whole. It was pretty gross, but I clambered out and up the ramp to gaze about for a while. On Sunday when we had our picnic...the ramp was the first place KOKO ran to, and then threw herself down to roll on all the fish skeletons ...Sheer heaven for choco lab.
I think the idea of getting a small pontoon boat to transport myself and the dogs back and forth is a great one, and when Luke gets here, we will go out looking to see if something suitable is available at a reasonable price.
A doggie barge.
But there was live wildlife as well, Western Pond Turtles sunning on logs, a Great Blue Heron up Copsey Creek who was very annoyed with me and took off before I could get a shot. Sounded like some wood ducks who took off then too.
On Cache Creek, there was a huge carcass which we had notice hung up mid stream...the stench was enough so that while I took a few shots, I just kept going...it didn't bear closer inspection that is for sure.
The ramp area is very rocky and drops off very fast. I was glad I had my stake in the kayak as firmly planted it helped me haul myself out without touching the ground. The ground was just covered with fecal matter, I am guessing otters, and lots of fish parts, some almost whole. It was pretty gross, but I clambered out and up the ramp to gaze about for a while. On Sunday when we had our picnic...the ramp was the first place KOKO ran to, and then threw herself down to roll on all the fish skeletons ...Sheer heaven for choco lab.
I think the idea of getting a small pontoon boat to transport myself and the dogs back and forth is a great one, and when Luke gets here, we will go out looking to see if something suitable is available at a reasonable price.
A doggie barge.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Lessons Learned
Yesterday, Sunday, Kathee and Shirl helped me load up the dogs for their first trip to the Land. (I have to come up with an unique name). We made one circuit which included Ms. Quiz going down into Copsey Creek and then not being able to come back up the steep bank. Kathee had to climb down and give her a butt boost up! I will have to watch where I take her. I think it will be much easier to take her on her own, otherwise she tries to keep up with Koko the running dog.
But our adventures weren't over yet!
After our delicious picnic to celebrate Kathee's birthday and the Land, we decided to do a clockwise circuit of the property. As good friends do, they had the dogs on leash when suddenly out of dense brush, rose a huge buck! I have never been that close to a buck that size, and when it reared up it was a shock. Even to Koko who at first lunged causing Shirl to spill her wine!!! (Yes, this was the lesson learned...don't walk around with wine glasses) Koko didn't persist however when she scoped out the size of that buck. His rack was huge and his neck enormous. Both dogs retreated right back as he walked, or rather limped out.
He had some sort of injury and he limped off to the northwest corner of the property. I am sure this is the same deer that slightly injured the Spriet's boxer Daisy on Wednesday. He must be hiding out to heal. At least I hope he heals.
I won't take the dogs over for a while and believe me, I will steer clear of the thickets too. Bucks in rut are very unpredictable and I would think injury might make that worse.
Other than all that, it was a beautiful day. The dogs were in heaven, wading into the creek, rolling on fish skeletons, exercising their legs and getting a bite of salami as well. What more could these darling dogs ask for????
But our adventures weren't over yet!
After our delicious picnic to celebrate Kathee's birthday and the Land, we decided to do a clockwise circuit of the property. As good friends do, they had the dogs on leash when suddenly out of dense brush, rose a huge buck! I have never been that close to a buck that size, and when it reared up it was a shock. Even to Koko who at first lunged causing Shirl to spill her wine!!! (Yes, this was the lesson learned...don't walk around with wine glasses) Koko didn't persist however when she scoped out the size of that buck. His rack was huge and his neck enormous. Both dogs retreated right back as he walked, or rather limped out.
He had some sort of injury and he limped off to the northwest corner of the property. I am sure this is the same deer that slightly injured the Spriet's boxer Daisy on Wednesday. He must be hiding out to heal. At least I hope he heals.
I won't take the dogs over for a while and believe me, I will steer clear of the thickets too. Bucks in rut are very unpredictable and I would think injury might make that worse.
Other than all that, it was a beautiful day. The dogs were in heaven, wading into the creek, rolling on fish skeletons, exercising their legs and getting a bite of salami as well. What more could these darling dogs ask for????
Thursday, October 9, 2008
From my house to the land
As promised, here is the view of The Land from my house...right up creek just behind the fishermen. They are just about off the boat ramp which is currently littered with the skeletons of dead carp...I guess from the current die off. Thank goodness that we aren't inundated like the communities around the lake, though we could use the fertilizer, and at my new place, apparently the raccoons and otters are having a feast.
Osprey Nest
This Osprey nest has been on the land for at least seven or eight years and probably longer. The power line is not active at this time. I will be calling PG&E to see what options are there for power. Solar Panels or some other solar solution might be the ticket if the need for power arises. 
Osprey Nest
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99
Osprey Nest
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99
Found Feather
This beautiful feather was lying on the ground on Toad Hill...Does anyone know what kind of bird left it behind?
I don't think it was a turkey, though they are on the land, as are deer, rabbits, otters, raccoons and a huge assortment of birds.
I don't think it was a turkey, though they are on the land, as are deer, rabbits, otters, raccoons and a huge assortment of birds.
From Toad Hill looking at Copsey Creek
There is a slight rise in the land, and I had to name it Toad Hill...actually, I think it qualifies as a hill by any measure. This is view from up there looking to the eastern boundary which is Copsey Creek sometimes known as Herndon Creek...which I thought was farther east...maybe there are two.
All The Turmoil...
Amid all this economic turmoil and political electioneering, it is some how very reassuring to once again have a substantial piece of land.
Since my full blog title got cut off, I should add it here so it makes more sense in the context of the day.
Back To The Land, AGAIN, or what else can you do when everything goes to HELL? Or something like that.
Being raised on a ranch, listening to my Uncle Edward always ranting about taking a last stand, I do often tend to think in those terms. Kind of an optimistic hedge against all the worry and concern in these very difficult times.
This calm and peaceful view is only matched by a photo soon to be posted from my house of this spot...photo in reverse.
Since my full blog title got cut off, I should add it here so it makes more sense in the context of the day.
Back To The Land, AGAIN, or what else can you do when everything goes to HELL? Or something like that.
Being raised on a ranch, listening to my Uncle Edward always ranting about taking a last stand, I do often tend to think in those terms. Kind of an optimistic hedge against all the worry and concern in these very difficult times.
This calm and peaceful view is only matched by a photo soon to be posted from my house of this spot...photo in reverse.
Dry Pond with Oak
A typical view of oak woodlands...this is what I just bought on the Lower Lake side of Cache Creek. It is a beautiful piece of property, 15 acres plus three additional lots or parcels, so size is probably closer to 18 acres.It has three access points, all at dead ends on three different roads, and has two creeks on the other borders.
I am thrilled on the 32nd anniversary of moving to Lake County and buying almost the same size parcel then, to be in somewhat the same situation. It isn't virgin land by far, it has been inhabited over almost two centuries, but it is as close as I am going to come at this point, to a rare beautiful piece of land in an almost urban setting. My dream is to keep it as pristine as possible with perhaps a wildlife viewing platform, and maybe a small home. Both of those options are far down the road. Right now, I want to secure access, so no motorized vehicles enter and further disturb the land. I know some driving will be necessary as there is work to do, but keep it to the minimum is my idea.
I will keep posting photos for different aspects as I discover them. Right now, with the kitchen remodel going on, and life in general, I have fighting for time to get over there. Saturday I will kayak over in the morning. That is the fastest way to Toad Hill.
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