The Pineapple Express: Aloha!

Comes from Hawaii-

Rain rivers crash on our coast.

Mahalo means thanks!

I created this illustration as a tribute to my buddy Kim on the big island of Hawaii, who sent (hopefully) drought-breaking rain my way. She grows the best white pineapples too!

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Resources

What is this Pineapple Express and how does it relate to the drought in California? http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_25088877/california-drought-desperately-needed-rain-courtesy-pineapple-express

Learning to say more than thank you in Hawaiiin

http://hawaiian-words.com/home/hawaiian-dictionary/

Hiking Edgewood: Poison Oak (haiku)

Click on the illustration above to get up close and personal with...
Toxicodendron diversilobum a.k.a. Poison Oak!

Subtle little sticks.
Shiny leaves brings itchy rash.
Urushiol, help!

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Resources

http://www.smmtc.org/plantofthemonth/plant_of_the_month_200612_Poison_Oak.htm
http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=todi

Field Trip: Santa Cruz Monarch Butterflies (haiku)

This Danaus plexippus is vacationing in a valley of
Eucalyptus trees at Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz

Monarch Butterfly

Just a flew months, then you fly

Off to make babies

Monarch butterflies generally leave the Rocky Mountains to visit us in the fall and stay on until February, at which time they return home to their stomping grounds in the Rockies.  You can see them at Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz, as well as Pacific Grove, Carmel, and a few scattered locations that people might tell you about, if you're lucky enough to be let in on the secret.

Another reason to always be nice and friendly!

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Resources

Natural Bridges State Beach: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541

Monarch Butterfly Migration: http://www.monarch-butterfly.com/monarch-migration.html

Take Five (Hiking Edgewood)

Aphelocoma californica - CA Scrub Jay

Did you get my good side?

This Edgewood local knows the girls are checking him out!

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Resources
Aphelocoma californica - Western Scrub Jay (CA Western Scrub Jay)

Hiking Edgewood: Clean Skies! (haiku)

Clean view of the bay.

Sure do appreciate it!

Little rain goes far.

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If you're hiking Edgewood - http://www.friendsofedgewood.org

Drought: Deerweed for New Years (Hiking Edgewood)

Lotus scoparius is commonly known as deer weed
(click on the illustration for more fiery detail)

Hot, dry, New Years Day

Oh! Lotus scoparius 

Keeps Edgewood aflame

California Tree Spirits (haiku)

Click on the illustration above
to fully enjoy the details of our CA dusk

Tree spirits thrive 'round here.

They chat 'neath westering sun.

California!