Park Wavelengths
A bright full moon rising on Thursday, December 11 will obscure viewing of the Geminid Meteor showers next week December 12-18. For the Zuni of the southern states it is "Turning Moon', time to prepare soil for the spring planting. The moon brings several morning high tides of 7+ feet during the week - a good time to check out the Giacomini Wetlands. The winter solstice on December 21st arrives to officially begin the winter season. The past few days a lovely alignment of the crescent moon, Venus and Jupiter have graced the evening sky.
The Tomales Point Elk Reserve is closed to hiking/public use today December 2 and Thursday, December 4. The elk made a break for it this weekend and fence repairs are being made!
Rangers at the Lighthouse are looking for the first south bound gray whales of the year. A few Northern Elephant Seals have been seen from the Chimney Rock Overlook, the main colony is growing and the first large bulls will typically turn up by mid-December. The very western ends of Drakes Beach and South Beach are closed as they are each year; the closures are not near the parking/public use areas.
The park welcomes everyone to the bi-annual Open House at Bear Valley Visitor Center on December 12 from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm; stop for a snack and to catch up on park projects.
The Habitat Restoration crew is looking for volunteers on Sunday, December 14th to help with a big final push to remove ice plant from the ancient dunes at the Lighthouse. Meet at 9:00 am at the Bear Valley Visitor Center to help with the effort.
A website from NOAA allows visitors to check on forecasts and weather: http://newweb.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/forecast.php
