The shortest day of the year in our northern hemisphere, the winter solstice, arrives on Thursday, Dec. 21. It marks the calendar beginning of winter, though these past frosty mornings already tell of seasonal change. This year, the solstice coincides with the peak of the Ursid meteor shower. It produces just five to 10 per hour but is perhaps easier to watch, as it radiates from the constellation Ursa Minor, the Little Dipper. The full moon of Dec. 26 brings extra high tides in the mornings, at six feet and higher.
High tides will help more northern elephant seals return to park beaches. The first large bulls—three of them—have been seen near the Drakes Beach parking lot, and more are expected each day. Elephant seals typically return to the beach where they were born for a brief respite from cold ocean water, sharks and other life challenges. Give them a wide berth so they can rest.
Charismatic megafauna like elephant seals and tule elk often capture our attention, but another species is taking respite here: the monarch butterfly. It is finding resting places in groves usually located near native milkweed that will provide food for its larvae.
The lighthouse and seashore visitor centers will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, but roads and trails will remain open.