Propositions await voters’ decision
Voters will be asked to pass judgement on 10 state propositions this November that range from funding eduction, to abolishing the death penalty to labeling food.
THE FISHING REPORT: Rivers West Lodge on the Lower Klamath
For the last 20 or so years I have visited the Lower Klamath River as regularly as the salmon themselves. Each fall, during the month of September, I would take the boat and the camper up to a crowded campground. Bathrooms were typically less than clean and invariably there would be the raucous party right next door. I would launch the boat in the dark along with 50 or more other boats and make my way up stream while waiting in lineups to fish along the way. The scar of both tribal commercial and subsistence netting was visible the entire way. Several years back my wife declined to accompany me citing these and other detractions.
THE FISHING REPORT: Tuna Time
Albacore Tuna fanatics are really chomping at the bit right now. It is that time of year when warm, blue, 58.5 degree water comes in close enough for sport boats to target these great eating fish. Typically anything inside of 50 miles is considered close but when the water gets into seven miles off of Carmel like it did last weekend, then there is some serious access for most boaters. Scores of five to 15 tuna per rod were reported with fish to 35 pounds. Wow! These fish really put up a great fight and, as already mentioned, are tremendous table fair.
Air Show returns to Sonoma County on August 18 & 19
The Wings Over Wine Country Air Show returns to the Sonoma County airport on August 18 and 19 with a mix of returning favorites and new exhibits.
Screenings: Beasts of the Southern Wild
In the fairy tales of old, peasants survive in squalor while palaces glitter in the distance; magic is wielded when heroes evolve from unlikely origins; a mercurial Mother Nature is both friend and enemy, and mysterious deadly beasts travel the land.
THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE: Primroses and plant sales
August and September often bring hot weather, so make sure mulch is in place and irrigation is working. Local and migrating birds are always thirsty, as are many insects, so dishes of water and birdbaths are appreciated and often vital. When seeds appear on plants, especially annuals, the plant considers it has done its job. If you remove the seed heads, you can prolong the bloom period. This is especially true of cosmos, zinnias, marigolds, and coreopsis. I leave many seed heads as I love to see the birds eating them. Autumn blooming bulbs may be planted this month that will bloom in the fall or the following year. These include certain crocuses and spider lilies. Watch the nurseries for these bulbs.
THE FISHING REPORT: Great start to the salmon season
Ocean salmon fishing has been very productive for boats out of Bodega Bay harbor. While limits were not the rule, many boats, both private and sport managed a fair number of fish the last week, averaging better than a fish per rod. Rick Powers, skipper of the 60 foot New Sea Angler exclaimed that “this has been the best opening week of salmon fishing since I can remember” and while not wanting to give up Rick’s age, suffice it to say that Rick has been doing this quite a while. It also helps when Rick can go out in his big boat in 20 knots of breeze and still effectively fish. Most private boats in the 20 to 35 foot class were unable to fish last Saturday for example and Rick got near limits for his 16 passengers. Sunday the weather backed off to a mere 12-15 knots and Rick and the crew of the new Sea Angler got easy limits for all aboard. Many private boaters that weathered the bumpy conditions also got limits. The 6 pack boat, Miss Anita reported 8 fish for a mere half day of fishing Sunday and a half day trip out to see the whales which are plentiful off our coast this time of year. Vince Orcini, Captain of the Miss Anita felt sure she would have been able to get full limits for the passengers and crew had they fished a couple more hours.
ASK DR. SHIROKO: What aren’t we allergic to?
What aren’t we allergic to these days? According to a report by ABC news, people can be allergic to water, cell phones, allergy medications, the heat or the cold, chocolate, exercise (Yes, I did say that. The condition is called exercise-induced anaphylaxis), and the laundry list continues. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, “More than half (54.6%) of all U.S. citizens test positive to one or more allergens.”