This only happens once a year: "The Vedanta Retreat hosts its annual Memorial Day retreat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with music, meditation, guest speakers Reverend Gwynn Guibord and Swami Atmavidyananda in the morning and a question-and-answer session with Swami Tattwamayanda, the minister of the Vedanta Society of Northern California, in the afternoon. The bookstore will also be open. All are welcome; leave pets at home. For information, visit sfvedanta.org"

tile sale at blue slide art tile sat and sunday 9-4! come one come all

Panoramic Hwy on Mt Tam closed in both directions near Pan Toll due to an accident.

A reminder that it is Memorial Day Weekend, so put on your best attitude and stock up supplies so you can avoid driving as much as possible. Its also Open Studios (art by Tom Killion) which is a great opportunity not just to see great art, but to meet local artists and check out their amazing spaces. More info at: http://www.pointreyesart.com/

Who felt the earthquake? We did here in Inverness.

Terrible. "Around $5,000 was stolen from the Marshall Store over the weekend, a burglary law enforcement has described as "unusual." Just after 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, an employee arrived at the store to find the bolt cut off the front door and, once inside, discovered that both the point of sales system and a cash register"”which contained several hundred dollars"”were missing. The employee later saw that a safe hidden in the store's office was also gone, and with it thousands of dollars." - via the Point Reyes Light: http://www.ptreyeslight.com/ar...

"Legislation allowing Marin County to acquire surplus Coast Guard quarters in Point Reyes Station for affordable housing was approved by the House of Representatives this week

Huffman said the legislation should have a "smooth path" in the Senate, where senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein have introduced a companion measure. Huffman said there is no way of telling when the Senate might act because it "has its own schedule and rhythms," but noted there is nothing controversial about the proposal. "I hope we can swiftly move this legislation to the president's desk," he added.

http://www.marinij.com/general...

An absolutely stunning shot of a Great Horned Owl and her fledglings by Carlos Porrata. Talk about some mouths to feed.

A nice story in Local Edition about Alexandra Hart who created the legendary book, Funk and Flash with some local faces you know in it. "In 1973, she teamed up with photographer Jerry Wainwright to make a book that chronicled interesting fashions and styles. Together, they interviewed and photographed people who were "making the most interesting, embroidered expressions on ordinary items," coining the term "funk and flash" to describe the innovative, sometimes outrageous, idiosyncratic style of personal decor."
http://www.editionlocal.com/al...

"As the great nephew of Czar Nicholas II, the last of Russia's emperors, Andrew Romanoff was fourth in line to the throne, and now, at the ripe age of 92, the oldest living kin." Nice article on Andrew Romanoff in the Chronicle today. An incredible story all the way around.
http://www.sfchronicle.com/hom...

"The Community Land Trust Association of West Marin holds its annual meeting from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dance Palace Community Center, discussing, among other things, the potential Coast Guard property acquisition and amendments to the bylaws. Includes a light supper and music."

The kids found this today on Chicken Ranch. Any thoughts? Angel shark? Had quite a mouthful of teeth.

7:55pm - Power has been out in Inverness since 6:00pm. 900 customers affected. Estimated time back on is 10:00pm. Anyone else have any info? (Thx dw)

Power is out in Seahaven. PG&E reports that 900 customers are affected. They are estimating that power will be restored at around 10:00 p.m.

This evening's sunset in Point Reyes. Two whales swam by right after this photo was taken. Its pretty nice out there.

"The body of the fourth missing boater from a doomed fishing party was found on the Marin County shoreline, ending a search effort of nearly a month." This is related to earlier post about the helicopter at Tomales Point which has been now taken down.
http://www.marinij.com/general...

I think the 'we need less crowds' people around here must have hired a PR firm: "Four Reasons to Skip Point Reyes and Head to Jenner"
http://www.modernluxury.com/sa...

What should I say? As I left the Public Safety Building in Pt. Reyes the other morning, I watch a woman run a stop sign right in front of the station and then proceed at a high rate of speed NB on Shoreline past West Marin School...while a bunch if young elementary school children were walking home from their day at school!

I stopped the woman (local resident of Inverness) who seemed surprised that I had stopped her. After mentioning her failing to stop at the stop sign and driving over 50MPH past the school kids she quickly pointed out to me that it was OK for her to drive so unsafely explaining to me "But I live here, I didn't think the rules applied to me?"

Finding myself at a loss for words, I explained that there really aren't any "local exemptions in the California Driver's Handbook" I let her go on a warning.

Hi WMF, we have a last minute job opening on our staff for this summer at Point Reyes Summer Camp and I'm wondering if you'd be willing to share it? The position is for an Assistant Cook who would be involved in all aspects of running our kitchen with our Chef and another Assistant. We make homemade, delicious food sourced from the best possible local and sustainable ingredients and are a really fun staff! The job announcement and application can be found at http://www.ptreyes.org/summer-...

8:13am - There is a motorcycle CHP nestled deep in the bowels of Lucas Valley Road this morning reminding people to drive safe. So please, drive safe.

The TWMF does cover Bolinas: "i am wondering if WMF includes news of bolinas. we had a big fire threat last night 5/10/15, @ 3:00am and on into the later morning hours. it was a fire at jack's creek (i heard, unconfirmed) and many fire trucks from many different sources arrived. it is a very difficult location to fight a fire and a very big threat. so, does WMF include info and news of bolinas?" Thanks Jeffery.

Nice article about local legendary artist Clayton Lewis in our only remaining newspaper today. That's going to be a great show when it comes to SF.
http://www.ptreyeslight.com/ar...

It's been a very busy day in the parks today. There was a helicopter airlift for someone at Walker Creek earlier, then a helicopter airlift for someone extremely dehydrated on the Inverness Ridge Trail and now another person needing assistance at Heart's Desire Beach.

Yesterday I found my free ranging chicken dead and partially eaten, I think it happened between 9 and 11 AM. I put her body in the compost bin with a lot of weeds. This morning I found that critter(s) had removed her from the compost bin and eaten/taken her body away. The compost bin was closed and upright. I found an area near the bin with feathers but no body parts. I did some research and it seems that raccoons don't eat the whole chicken. I'm wondering if it was a bobcat. Any ideas?

9:30am - CHP reminding people to drive safely at White House Pool this morning. (thx LM)

CHP at White House Pool - drive safely.

Can someone please explain what is going on here? "Shoreline Unified School District's superintendent is resigning a year after he was let go by the school board and then reinstated by popular demand. Tom Stubbs, 61, said he tendered his resignation April 22 after the school board refused to give him a two-year deal because "I needed to know that I have at least two years to accomplish what's needed for the district." His last day will be June 30."

http://www.marinij.com/social-...

"Legislation giving Marin County the first crack at acquiring surplus Coast Guard quarters in Point Reyes Station for affordable housing was approved by a congressional committee this week and shifts to the full House for consideration."

http://www.marinij.com/general...

Rocking the deck chairs on Tomales Bay today. #style

Jay Soladay, owner of the Point Reyes Surf Shop and Jayli Imports was in Nepal when the earthquake struck. From his Facebook page, "Fears, tears, rubble. Crushed cars, bodies and spirits. Survival and death. Haves and nots. Violent earth with persistent human assault. Staying safe, moving little, knowing what's above in a brick city. 48 hour pounding heart that never sleeps and is always hurting. Huge 6.8 today and a gnarly 5am wake up call. Shacked up now with seven friends glued together while trapped. 3 Nepali, one Danish, Palestinian, Spain and American. We jump and run together supporting all the time. Wish I could have done more!!!!!"
Pictures here:
https://www.facebook.com/jay.s...
You can make donations here:
http://www.gofundme.com/t9nptk

"Does anyone know why there is so much glass on the beach at Millerton Point? Was there a dump here at some point? I have been picking up glass every time I walk my puppy and today was my biggest haul... 78 pieces at low tide!" - Ciara Cox

"Instagram has also unveiled three new filters called Lark, Reyes and Juno. Reyes was inspired by the coast of Point Reyes, California and adds a 'dusty, vintage feel' to photos." REALLY?

Related: that picture has become one of the more popular pictures on the Interwebs and that spot now draws hundreds of photographers to the park. Amazing.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sci...

A milk truck tipped over on Route One north of Nick's Cove this afternoon and ended up spilling 6000 gallons of milk and 100 gallons of diesel fuel. That is a proper mess. The driver was ok.

http://www.marinij.com/general...

Via KWMR: "Swerving Kirven tore it up and now Paul Flowerman with Gregory DeMascio are playing some funky jazz. We still have a $100 challenge grant to meet! 425-663-9050! Give a call!" Paul is one of the best, be sure to tune in and help them out...

There is an overturned milk truck south of Nick's Cove. Driver injured. Emergency vehicles are on the way.

11:55am - There is an overturned milk truck south of Nick's Cove. Driver injured. Emergency vehicles are on the way. Truck is off the road but they've closed both lanes on Route 1 for now. (thx TT)

From this afternoon: "H1 rescues one person in the waters in Tomales Bay after her Kayak" - via Henry1. Remember, always check the weather and marine forecasts before heading out into the water.

11:46am - Kayakers in distress off of hog island. Rescue crews on it, hopefully it works out.

The giant bird nerd festival thing is happening this weekend. Lots of great events for big and small people. It will also increase traffic, so take that into consideration when going to get snacks in town.

http://www.pointreyesbirdingfe...

via NWS: "We could see rain Saturday! MT @NWSBayArea: First look at potential rainfall totals for Saturday."

"Current Superintendent Tom Stubbs announced his resignation from Shoreline Unified School District late Wednesday afternoon, ending months of speculation over whether or not the district would renew his contract."
http://www.ptreyeslight.com/ar...

8:50am - CHP is reminding people to drive the speed limit today at the Nicasio Reservior today and have been this week. Question, do people find this type of information useful?

3:25pm - RUMOR ALERT: Apparently Gwyneth Paltrow was just spotted coming out of the Cowgirl Creamery with her new hunky boyfriend. Like for real this time. Did you see her today?

"An April meteor shower known for uncommon surges of up 100 shooting stars per hour is on tap for the next few days. This series of shooting stars known as the Lyrid meteor shower lasts from about April 16 to 25, according to Around 10-20 meteors per hour can be expected, and about one quarter of those meteors will leave bright ionized gas trails that glow for a few seconds after the meteor has passed."

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.c...

Missed this story by a day, the orgins of 420: "One day in the fall of 1971 -- harvest time -- the Waldos got word of a Coast Guard service member, Bill McNulty, who could no longer tend his plot of marijuana plants near the Point Reyes Peninsula Coast Guard station. A treasure map in hand, the Waldos decided to pluck some of the free bud. The Waldos, who were all athletes, agreed to meet at the statue of Louis Pasteur outside the school at 4:20 p.m., after practice, to begin the hunt."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...

And there it goes. Do you know what's happening here? (Thx DW)

Recycle Circus today at The Dance Palace starting at 10am.

A Coast Guard helicopter had a computer malfunction yesterday and had to land in the North Beach parking lot. Someone spotted it being towed out of the park last night. Not something you see every day... (thx SP)

I know there's a story here, anyone know what it is? #freeadvice

"The bodies of two people believed to be part of a missing fishing party from Bodega Harbor were recovered Saturday from the waters off Tomales Point in the Point Reyes National Seashore, Coast Guard officials said. Authorities continued to search for two others that had been aboard the 21-foot boat, nearly 15 hours into the search in the waters from Bodega Bay to Tomales Point."

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/h...

Photo via Friends of Henry 1 Instagram

11:13am - A water rescue/recovery operation happening out by Bird Rock in Point Reyes with boats and helicopters. Doesn't sound like a good scene, waiting for more details. Anyone know what's up?

6:01pm - Pt Reyes-Petaluma Rd near McEvoy Ranch semi flipped with police directing traffic. Traffic backed up to the Cheese Factory. Plan accordingly. (Thx JL)

"Drought is likely the reason why more than 250 tule elk died inside a fenced area at the Point Reyes National Seashore during a two-year period. The National Park Service confirmed Thursday the elk died inside the 2,600-acre elk preserve on Tomales Point from 2012 to 2014."

http://www.marinij.com//enviro...

The Point Reyes Light says, "The proposal for a roughly 9,000-square-foot development in Inverness Park that sparked ire in West Marin has been withdrawn, to give the applicant"”Tim Westergren, a co-founder of Pandora Radio"”more time to revise the design and provide additional information about impacts to trees and neighboring wells."

http://www.ptreyeslight.com/ar...

photo via SFGate.com

Join Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes National Seashore Association, and Leave No Trace for a Drakes Estero Shoreline Clean Up on Saturday, April 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We will break into two groups to clean up the parking area and shoreline debris around the northern fingers of the bay, while learning about Leave No Trace ethics. Depending on the debris load, we may hike from .5 to 5 miles roundtrip in muddy marshes collecting trash. Harbor seal breeding areas will be avoided during the pupping season.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear layers, and bring a sun hat, sunscreen, mud boots, gloves, snacks and a water bottle. Limited space, pre-registration required (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/d..."¦). All ages and groups encouraged. Children must attend with a guardian. Some additional driving to other entry sites may be required. Please meet at the Drakes Estero parking lot to check in, fill out volunteer forms and meet the crew.

Drakes Estero is a coastal estuary of five branching bays, representing the geographical and ecological heart of Point Reyes National Seashore and is a part of the Phillip Burton Wilderness Area, the only marine wilderness on the Pacific coast south of Alaska.

Questions? Call (415) 663.1200 x310 or email volunteer@ptreyes.org.

It's interesting when things you take for granted suddenly blow up on the Social Medias. This photo has 6K likes on Instagram. I drive by that beautiful car every day. Classic. Photo by Finn Beales. https://instagram.com/finn/

Well, this solves one mystery from yesterday, "A couple from England misjudged a turn at Highway 1 and the Point Reyes-Petaluma Road Tuesday afternoon, and their motorcycle ran off the highway. The motorcycle traveled a short distance in a roadside ditch, careened over a driveway's culvert and back into the ditch where it knocked down a 25 mph sign. Highway Patrol officer Will Thompson (pictured) said there was no evidence the motorcycle was speeding. Neither the husband, 55, nor his wife, 54, were injured although their rented motorcycle was damaged and their trip to Mendocino was interrupted." - via Dave Mitchell

Still no word on the condition of the cyclist on Lucas Valley though.

Dave's blog: http://www.sparselysageandtime...

6:40pm - Lucas Valley Rd was closed due to a cyclist down. Anyone know if it's open now? (Thx JS)

5:42pm - Those sirens are for a three car accident up by Nick's Cove on Route One. Sounds like they're trying to land a helicopter to assist.

Via Dave Mitchell's blog: "One of Point Reyes Station's best-loved merchants, Chris Giacomini, proprietor of Toby's Feed Barn, suffered serious injuries Tuesday, March 31, when he fell from a loft in the building. Chris fell about 20 feet, landing on the cement floor, breaking a wrist and shattering an elbow and heel. He's already had surgery and is scheduled for more this coming week, but he is recovering, according to his family and staff. Get well cards can be dropped off at Toby's."

Get better Chris!

http://www.sparselysageandtime...

Rain! Looks like we almost got an inch out here last night. CHP is reporting lots of fender benders out there, roads are slick, drive safe.

Mystery mushrooms on the Grandi Building.

The MarinIJ interviewed Point Reyes Light Editor Tess Elliott. This sentence in particular stood out, "...I get the feeling that some people don't grasp the point of journalism, so they blame the messenger." I think she is referring to what happened to Jim Kravets for his reporting on the Citizen/Light merger. Read more about that on his blog post below:

The backlash against Kravets:
http://westmarincitizensos.blo...

Marin IJ fishbowl interview with Tess:
http://www.marinij.com/arts-an...

There is an opening for late local artist Alexander Carl Bratenahl at Toby's tonight at 6pm with a KWMR dance party benefit in the barn from 6pm - 9pm followed by the High Tide Collective at The Western: http://www.marinij.com//arts-a...

"On the day West Marin artist Alexander Carl Bratenahl was diagnosed with the AIDS virus that would take his young life, he went into his studio and painted what could very well be a self portrait - a sorrowful face with white hot tears streaming from sad green eyes."

Busy weekend: Easter, lunar eclipse, first full moon of Spring (Egg Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon, or Easter Moon) AND RAINNNNNNN. "Federal forecasters said a breezy Pacific storm will roll across the region early Sunday, bringing a quarter-inch of rain or more to the Bay Area."

Moon info:
http://earthsky.org/tonight/sh...

Rain story:
http://www.marinij.com/general...

Polish cyclists this morning: there is a great story here! Margit in the middle lives in Lagunitas and met Adela and Kris in Argentina a year and a half ago. Had not seen them or heard from them and then saw them on WM Feed this morning! And biked over to meet them!

A sign found on Sir Francis Drake Drive yesterday in Marin. Well played, sir. Photo by Dan Gebow.

I thought it was cold this morning. "Olema Valley with 33 degrees: Here is a sampling of low temperatures this morning in #BayArea http://go.usa.gov/DHxR" via Marin IJ

Two Polish bicyclists, Adela and Kris, who have been biking around the world for the last five years will be at the Point Reyes Post Office today around 10:00am. If you see them, say hello (and take a picture for TWMF). I love these stories. More info about their incredible journey at: http://www.biketheworld.pl/

Marine Mammal Center officials released Percevero, the sea lion pup found wandering around Route One near Lake Merced in February, back into the water Monday at Chimney Rock, Point Reyes National Seashore. Center officials also released six other sea lions into the ocean at the same time. A rough year for pups.

http://sfbay.ca/2015/03/31/sea...

Anybody else noticing how often drivers are passing over double yellow lines on blind turns, or other areas where they are unable to see on-coming traffic? I have seen a huge increase lately.

Officially giving up hope for point reyes future. Only for the rich.

Via Elizabeth Barnet: "Road work in the next two weeks on Bear Valley Road. They are replacing culverts. The sign says delays can be up to 20 minutes though I only waited one today."

A warm sunset in spite of the bitter cold out at the beaches tonight.