This is an Eight-spotted Skimmer Libellula forensis that emerged on our pond on May 10, 2003. The picture was taken at ~7 pm. It finally warmed up enough to fly off at ~11 the next morning.
Below the photo is a scan of its exuvia. It emerged just 8 inches from the pond edge amid planting, clinging about 3 inches up on a piece of manzanita drift wood I had place there for the Cardinal Meadowhawks and others to perch on.