On this last day of May Gray (and moving on to the June Gloom portion of springtime in Malibu) here's the inland edge of the morning marine layer, stymied by the Santa Monica Mountains.

Driving home last night the fog was alive, furling around tree trunks, crossing and clogging the canyon roads, everything dark except for the occasional flare of a pair of eyes, a wild thing in the brush, brushed by the headlights.

This morning everything's gray, last night's shifting mists congealed, slow skies, low-flying birds, and a certain border collie urging that we ignore the clocks and go farther, further, deeper into the woods.

"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it."

Mark Twain

You know who's not fading away? Traffic cops, who are spending this holiday weekend on PCH. Considering the crazy driving that goes on, we are grateful.

These days, everything seems political.

We visited the hawk family again:

And everyone seems to be well.

Unlike last time, when all we could see of the baby was his mottled little head, the entire bird was visible this time. He seems to have doubled in size.

There appear to be at least two hawk chicks, actually, though the second one is just showing us his butt.

And like all hawks, the mama was not pleased to have company. She flew to a branch above her nestlings and stood guard.

I love how the baby can't take his eyes off of her.

And just fyi, here's the territory where they live and hunt.

For several weeks now I've been wanting to shoot a sunrise but with May Gray in full swing, we have to reach into the past for some clear morning light.

Throwback Thursday: Paradise Cove on May 2, 2012

All it took was a sprinkling of clover and suddenly things went slo-mo and technicolor, a John Williams score playing as the handsome border collie raced by with his wet and gummed-up ball.

Just in time for World Turtle Day (seriously, who knew?), a few scenes of R&R from our local turtle spa.

Last March, the wonderful old-school Malibu Beach RV Park sign got replaced by a soulless shill for some real estate outfit. Yesterday, the original sign was back in place. If you look closely you'll see it's a bit wrinkled (it appears to be a canvas covering) and lumpy but no matter. It's back. For now, roadside art wins.

When what you really really really need is for the news cycle to slow down for just one freaking minute...

(And yes, that's the sound of a flock of parrots flying by.)

A replica of Juan Cabrillo's ship, the San Salvador, the first European vessel to reach the west coast, cruised by yesterday. And if you think commemorating that particular moment in history seems somewhat fraught, you are not alone.

If you look closely at the top edge of the nest (while forgiving the graininess of the digital edit) you'll see the baby hawk. And OK yes, it's actually called an eyas, but that word leaves no room his round little head or blunt little beak or how goofy he looks as random adult feathers start to sprout from his down.

De-cluttering the field of vision.

Please play nice, at least until the first infusion of caffeine kicks in.

A bit of May gray surfing.

The first time I saw one of the new "21 miles of scenic beauty" signs, I thought it was another prank. But it turns out that 26 years after incorporation knocked six miles off Malibu's official coastline, the municipal signs have finally been adjusted.

From the Malibu Times:

"For many years, one of the most famous images of Malibu, recognized around the world and beloved by both residents and visitors, has been the gateway sign, but it listed the incorrect length of the city," former Mayor Lou La Monte said in a statement released by the city. "Now, when we enter Malibu, our new signs will welcome us to the 21 miles of scenic beauty that we call home."

The gateway signs, sponsored by the City of Malibu and the Malibu Chamber of Commerce, are considered a much-needed update by some and an unnecessary change to others, who sentimentally still consider Malibu 27 miles long.

I bet this guy's pissed:

It's a relief pleasure to share the news that season- and climate-appropriate May Gray has the Malibu coastline firmly in its cool, silvery grip.

I'm hoping enough time has passed that I can safely re(re-re)post one of my favorites, the coyote family that lived next to my little cottage two summers ago.

Throwback Thursday: Shot on June 21, 2015.

I misplaced the memory card with the new pix so instead we're with puppy Walter as he grabbed the leash and took a neighbor's dog for a run.

Shot on Nov. 13, 2012.