Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda for February 18, 2024
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Last Wednesday was Valentine’s Day, and while there wasn’t much going on to commemorate the day, I do want to give a big “high four” to Tucker over on Morton Street, whose family always comes through with some type of holiday display.
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There is also a house on Central Avenue between Broadway and High Street that does a great job of celebrating special days with a front yard and window display.
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It had been a while since I had visited the north shore of our little island community. So, I headed up Grand Street to see what was going on. I started by checking out the new apartment complex on Clement Avenue called the Launch. This complex has lots of amenities including a workout room, big bar and community area, large pool, and access to the public shoreline. They even have a service that will take care of your feline, but no mention about canines. Hmm.
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From there, I headed north to the Grand Marina and the greenbelt area which features [6] some nice public art [7] from the City.
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As I was walking along the shore, I noticed the various bands of vegetation that are caused by what I assume is the changing water levels due to tidal action. The very lowest band had brown and green algae-like plants, while the next band had more structured plants of yellow green. The highest ground had what looked like succulents and grasses… Nature is so interesting.
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My human companion decided that he wanted a coffee, so we headed down to Mosely’s Café for an oatmilk latte-thing for him, and a puppacino for yours truly. This cafe allows dogs and has a great view of the Estuary and marinas. There’s always something available to read, like the latest FAAS Guide to everything pet friendly in Alameda [10].
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This place also sells swag, candles, and local honey, and they have the largest collection of hot sauces I have ever seen.
The hula guy on the counter cracked me up.
Last week, I saw my shadow on GroundDOG day [13], so we are in for another six weeks of winter which was definitely apparent when it hailed. What’s crazy was the sun came out right after it hail stopped!
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However, there were some signs that spring may be coming sooner than I predicted. The magnolias have started blooming, which has always been a sign that spring is on its way.
I walk by 1619 Central Avenue [15] several times a day. This Thursday, I saw the crew unloading big pallets of sheetrock onto the second floor landing. This is a great sign of the progress being made to restore this grand old structure.
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Finally, I want to send out my condolences to all the 49er fans who were denied that Super Bowl win for a second time. Fortunately, the team is young, and there is a great chance they will be in the playoffs next season.
The weatherperson says rain all next week. Check the Alameda Post weather page [17] to see the current local conditions. Here’s hoping you can stay dry. Please drive carefully—human companions, canines, and turkeys will appreciate your efforts.
Mouf, Roving Reporter
Bear’s-Eye View of Alameda
Mouf and his human companion can be reached via [email protected] [18]. Their stories are collected at AlamedaPost.com/Jeff-Cambra/ [19]. All photos by Jeff Cambra.