Our Side of the Hill

We live 2,200 feet above sea level on a hill facing the west. Some days, like yesterday, when the sun is just right, we can see a strip of ocean, even though it’s over 20 miles away. On our side of the hill, the water drains into the Big River, which eventually empties into the Pacific Ocean near the town of Mendocino, about 35 driving miles from us. Less than a hundred yards north-east of our home is a ridge that divides the watershed. The water on that side of the hill goes into Eldridge Creek, which then flows down to the Russian River. Eighty-five percent of the time, our hillside is influenced by coastal weather patterns. The Ukiah valley, just nine driving miles to our east, has much less of a coastal influence. The higher temperatures (it can get up to 115!) can make life pretty sweaty. Up where we are there’s more coastal breezes and fog, so the atmosphere is not so dry and our temps rarely get over 95. That’s still hot, but we’ve come to appreciate that our summers are cooler than down in Ukiah.

Yesterday morning, I noticed the fog coming and going. After putting on some rain boots, I walked outside to explore the misty morning beauty surrounding my home. The sun had just come over the hill, shining softly through the fog and trees. Walking quietly so as not to alarm them, I successfully captured some of these light rays in my camera. Heavy dew soaked the garden plants, and they looked like sparkling jewels glistening in the morning light. I feel so Blessed to be able to share this time, and these pictures, with you.