The new moon rises on May 19 with a week or so of minus tides in the morning daylight hours, making it a good time to explore the beaches. After dark, six-foot and higher tides will help push sand up onto beaches. Winter high tides scour away sand, while the spring and summer highs replenish it.
Popping up along the roadsides are the large white cauliflower-like blooms of cow parsnip. They have thick stems, large maple-like leaves and a pleasant, sweet fragrance. The infusion of nutrient-rich ash from the Woodward fire and winter rains have contributed to an abundance of purple ceanothus shrubs in the burn area, especially on Fire Lane Trail. Bush lupine are in bloom at Tomales Point, a later-blooming wildflower that reminds us that summer is approaching. The shade of the Bear Valley Trail is dotted with the white five-petaled, yellow-centered flowers of thimbleberries. This shrub has large green maple-shaped leaves and will soon sport delicious crimson berries.
Along with harbor seal pupping, it is also black-tailed deer fawning season. Spotted fawns have been seen near the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Drive carefully, as these little ones are focused on mom and not always savvy to vehicles.