Month: May 2010

Upcoming Events

Lots going on in the month of May. The Henry Miller Library schedule for May is posted on the Announcements Page, including the Big BIG Sur Fashion Show this Thursday, the 13th.

Don’t forget the Annual BSVFB Muster coming up this Saturday, May 15th, at the State Park.

I’m sure I’ve missed something, and will add it here and/or on the announcement page when I find out what it is.

Later today, or tomorrow, I will post some photos of the Pitkins Curve/Rain Rocks project as could only be obtained by Cal-Trans … or Rock Knocker!

Hello, My Name is Feynner …

I was reading through the online version of the Monterey County Weekly, when I came across a story about one of our own, down here on the South Coast – Feynner Arias. Feynner is the steward at Big Creek Reserve, having come here from the jungles of Costa Rica.

I’ve known Feynner for a long time – since he came to Big Creek, I think, and know lots of stories. My most vivid memory is from the Plaskett II Fire of 2000. Feynner was the second person to arrive at my place, right behind Steven Gay. Feynner was driving the South Coast BSVFB truck — a very welcome sight.

The Monterey County Weekly describes some of the stories Feynner tells in his authobiography, and the article can be found here: Feynner article

His book, “Hello, I am Feynner: Growing up in the Rain Forests of Costa Rica” is available at Nepenthe’s Phoenix Shop and http://www.amazon.com. Visit http://www.nagualpublishers.com.

I can’t wait to read it, and for its sequel. You go, Feynner!!

Weather Report, 5/10/10

Current nexrad indicates another short squall heading this direction.

The good news is that after this one passes, sometime tonight, the rest of the week is progged to be dry and warmer. I need that, as my blood is still thin from the tropics!

4:30 pm – moderate rain fell at 3:30 pm, and is falling again now. So far, only 1/10th of an inch, but if the current rate keeps up for any period of time, will be up to 1/4 of an inch before sunset.

10:30 am – the rain has begun. We are not supposed to get much, but it has begun very lightly up here already.

Weather Report, May 9, 2010

4:00 pm – cold, windy, and damp, but only drizzle down here. Did run into significant rain, in pockets, on the way back from SFO today, but not really as far south as Monterey. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.

Yes, I am back on the California Coast, and back to regular reporting. Will try to add additional photos from Kauai either under photographs and/or travel over the next weeks, but in the mean time, watching weather and events (lots to catch up on there!) here in Big Sur.

For today, there is a slight possibility of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, and a better chance tomorrow afternoon. Cooler temps, too.

Luau and Aloha

We are wrapping up our wonderful trip, and had a great luau last night. All the May birthdays were requested to get up on stage and do the hula. I tried to pass, but Debbie and Rose would not let me. I also got snagged by the MC to sing a song in Hawaiian – that was hilarious. I tried to get out of it, but *he* wouldn’t let me. They took photos of both events. IF I decide to post them, they will be on my travel page in a couple weeks. (I have to get them, first!) In the meantime, here are some photos of last night’s luau.

The Guardian

Tahitian Number
Smiling Male Dancer
Coconut tops
Maori War Dance
A Star
Fire Dance

Weather Report

Looks like light rain on Sunday, per NOAA discussion. I will be back by then, too.

“AN UPPER LEVEL LOW WILL DIVE IN FROM THE NW ON SUNDAY AND BRING CLOUDS TO ALL PORTIONS OF THE CWA ALONG WITH COOLER TEMPERATURES AND A FEW SHOWERS. PRECIP FORECASTS CONTINUE TO LOOK LIGHT — IN FACT THE 5 DAY QPF NUMBERS FROM HPC SHOW LESS THAN A TENTH OF AN INCH EVEN FOR HIGHER ELEVATION LOCATIONS.”

The search for the missing kayaker has been called off.

Life finds a way …

From Cameron Douglas:

“As promised, here are some healing photos from above the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Darci surveys the barren land on August 28, 2008. Back to the same spot today, May 4, 2010.
Life finds a way.”

No, I am not yet back in Big Sur, but will be in a few days. I wanted to post these uplifting photos sent to me today by Cameron Douglas. Yes, there is damage that even Mother Nature can’t repair, but it is still wonderful to see so much green covering the hillsides today.

Also, when I get back, I’ll be updating the Announcements page – so many wonderful events coming up, including the BSVFB muster on May 15th, the Big Sur Fashion Show at the HML, and so many more pre-summer events, I am bound to forget one or two! Aloha!

Missing Kayaker

All the local media are reporting a missing kayaker who had been camping at Plaskett Creek Campground. His vehicle was found at the campground, but his kayak and gear was gone. He went camping last Wednesday, but was reported missing when he did not return home Sunday around noon as intended. He is 51 year-old Randall Young of Morro Bay.

“Monterey Sherriffs are investigating whether a white kayak, found on Sand Dollar Beach by a local resident, is that of Randall Young.

The Coast Guard is searching the waters with an 87-foot patrol boat, while an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station San Francisco is searching the coastal areas of Big Sur.

Anyone with information about Randall Young, a 6′ 3″ white male, is asked to contact either the Monetery Sherriff’s office at 831-647-7702, or the Coast Guard at 510-437-3701.”

Being temporarily out of the loop, I have no information beyond that carried by local media. This is the second visitor to the South Coast who has gone missing this year – actually, George Carpenter originally went missing around Christmas of 2009, but a full scale search was not conducted until after the New Year. Our prayers go out to Mr. Young’s family and friends.