Russian River Weekend, Part 1: Guerneville

We were lucky enough to have another opportunity to stay at our friend's dad's cabin on the Russian River this weekend.

The views from the deck...







I also like the view looking straight up into the redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens).



Quoting from Allan Schoenherr's indispensable book, A Natural History of California:

"[The Russian River] flows 40 miles southward along the structural grain of the Coast Ranges. Near Healdsburg, however, it turns abruptly westward to cut the range in a gorge nearly 1000 feet deep, exciting on the coast near Jenner. This east-west orientation permits marine air to flow a considerable distance inland along the Russian River."

And that's how redwood trees can grow here.

The marine air flow brings in fog to soak the trees. Moisture condenses on the needles and branches and drips down to the floor, watering the roots. Some people believe redwoods get 30-40% of their water this way--a vital contribution in a climate where every year brings at least six consecutive months without any rain.

(I've also heard about fungal symbionts that live in the needles and bring water directly into the plant that way.)



The marine air is lovely at dusk too.



The biggest town here is Guerneville. I brought you here two years ago, and we played miniature golf recently.







I like all the shops.













Lots of Christmas ornaments out for sale already, but Halloween was definitely the thing right now.