We're in the middle of winter! The Eel River is roiling over the beaches by Swallow Rock and Robin's Pool, rearranging stones and sand; cozy fires blaze in our stoves. Kashaya is in one of our greenhouses, partially heated with holiday lights, planting seeds and transplanting seedlings for the vegetables we'll serve next summer. So lucky to have Samantha Leingang here from Whidbey Island, BC, helping with winter farm chores this month. She's assisted by our cat, Ginger.  And Tam, seen here ... [Continue Reading]

Just before New Years, this stunningly colorful bird appeared in our persimmon tree, outside the living room of the main farm house.  Called my friend Marisella (my Christmas Bird Count buddy) who came out to see him for herself, and left with these gorgeous photos.    "Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are stocky, medium-sized songbirds with very large triangular bills. They are broad-chested, with a short neck and a medium-length, squared tail. Adult males are black-and-white birds with a brilliant red ... [Continue Reading]

A few changes for this upcoming season at Emandal.  Perhaps it's because I'm getting older.... but I like to think it's because I'm getting wiser... finally!   We are offering four (4) night stays this year..... only 4 night stays, or less for a couple of groups.  And, because schools are forcing their way into our summer, we're having to combine two of our sessions.  We can no longer manage the intensity of a group leaving one day, and the next one arriving 24 hours later.  I KNOW that for ... [Continue Reading]