In fact it was Sea Ranch, and the year was 1997, but the season is now.

The cypress branches eddy on the breeze
like kelp in ocean currents. Ravens ride
the tidal air above wind-twisted trees.
Below, the ocean creams like cloud; in slide
and swirl it mimics hectic atmosphere.
The purple iris stand like Ws
reflecting flight, above the scarlet spears
of ice plant and the eye-surprising hues
of tiny clumping succulents.
                                                 The sea
corrals detritus in a tube of teal.
It intimates the marbled sky as three
retreating women stop to watch a seal
initiate her pup to swim, before
she lets him suckle on the rocky shore.