Few weeks come together like the one I just experienced. We had a beautiful week of sunshine, moonshine, ocean love and the freshness of a forest after the rain. The St. Edward’s, St. Theresa’s and St. Joachim communities came together with kindness and clarity. Much love and respect to the children, teachers and parent chaperones (not to forget our College Counselors — Ashley, Rosie and Corey) who made this week perfect.
The conditions were perfect. We enjoyed a full moon on Wednesday with a negative tide in the afternoon. The Saints Family found octopus 
, brittle stars and abolone!! The swell picked up from the NorthWest on thursday which made for a less eventful thursday tidepool session. But the forest was alive with turkey fungus, satans bolete and oyster mushrooms. The chantrelles had already melted so we missed our first chance at eating the flesh of the forest. Coyote also made an appearance on wednesday night, hanging out on the hill for all to see. It truly was a magical week.
1) Pacific Giant Salamander
2) Red Tail Hawk
3) Coyote
4) Full Moon
5) Dragonfly Larvae
6) Osprey
7) Amercan Kestrel
8) Octopus
9) prickle back
10) brittle star
11) harbor seals
12) N.Flicker
13) Goldfinch
14) goldencrowned sparrow
15) whitecrowned sparrow
16) western pond turtle
17) satans bolete
18) butter bolete
19) oysters mushroom
Inspiration from Burl:
The Ballad of the Week
There once was a family in Loma Mar,
a family that lived with the trees.
Came together on a big moon on tuesday,
hearts so big none had seen such as these.
A family that met just on Tuesday,
no thoughts could have made it like this.
Just a week to live like a family,
with nature, inspiration and bliss.
The trees straightened for the coming of this family,
the sun came forth love divine.
The moon full for the songs we were singing,
and flooded our lives soulful shine.
The elders of this family made their way,
from jobs in cities near the bay.
To be mentors for the children present,
their guidance through actions they display.
And the ocean swelled with joy,
as they made their way to the sea.
And the naturalists led through inspriation,
and modeled what it is to just BE.
So it is this family that we’ve become,
under the sight of one Big Red.
With Laughter, Joy and Celebration,
our fire has once again been fed.
This family that I speak of so free,
is the one we have been this week.
Perhaps it will be no longer,
except through the stories we will speak.
But look to the sky my family,
when back in your homes in the sun.
With the stars twinkle your memories,
and with nature we will always be one!
Much love and respect — Burl