Gum weed: an early visitor

Gum weed: an early visitor

Gum weed is absolutely stunning and fragrant. The smell reminds me of something in my childhood that I just can’t quite put my finger on. It's used in medicine, so maybe I recall the smell from some tincture I had along the way. 

Here at Earle Creek, there are fields of gum weed dredging the coastline in July and the bees absolutely love it.

I’ve never really seen many sleeping bumble bees in flowers until now. It’s sticky, resinous, and sweet smelling—all while displaying a high definition of yellow. 

This tincture made with aqueous alcohol will reduce fever and offer ample upper respiratory support. 

I’m pinching off the flowers, when I spot some yarrow, which I harvest for antimicrobial dust. Once dried and pulverized, I can add it to water, drink it as tea, or spray it on bug bites and wounds. 

I often explore early in the morning. Today so did a little sea otter, quietly floating on the coast alongside me. Haven’t seen one of these guys yet and I crackle with excitement. 

It's almost like a zoo out here. I see all the critters that I did in a zoo except I get to see them in their glory, charismatic and free.