TRIP TO THE BEACH!

Sunday we went to the beach.  Actually we were planning on going to Muir Woods, but took a wrong turn and ended up at Stinson Beach.  Because of the heavy fog (we call it Marine Layer), there weren’t many beach-goers out. In fact, it was pretty deserted except for the gulls, the sandpipers and various sets of wildlife footprints ---mostly deer, we think.  There was a guy fishing from a rock and another small group of guys practicing rock climbing, but mostly just us. Max brought his guitar (which has been his normal companion lately) and propped up in various locations to serenade us.   

Then, after a tasty brunch at the nearby cafe, we headed back towards Muir Woods.  Unfortunately it was so crowded, we would have had to walk several MILES from where we could park just to get to the entrance of the woods.  So, we bagged that (hoping to make it back earlier next time) and wound our way up and down Mt. Tamapais on our way back to the coast, where we landed at Muir Beach.  Although there were more people there, we only spent a short time at this short stretch of beach. The fog was still in place, although a lot less.

On our way along Hwy 1, we saw signs for Pt. Reyes Light Station and decided to check it out.  After a LONG stretch of road, we finally hit the parking lot---and had to walk .4 miles to get to the station.    What a quaint little Lighthouse set down on the side of the rocky cliff.  There were 318 steps down to it (along with several stretches of slanting sections) and back up to the top.  It didn’t seem that bad getting down.  The station had the original Fresnel lens and foghorn along with fascinating historical buildings and knowledgeable Keeper. They actually have a few small apartments beside the lighthouse where the keepers live---with no TV or phone reception and no internet.  Talk about a quiet life.  They do carry large mobile phones to keep in touch with local rangers. 

On our way back along the stretch to Hwy 1, Max spotted a small stand of trees (Eucalyptus) and wanted to stop at this “magical forest,” which happened to be next to a Coast Guard Station.   Lo and behold it was a burial ground and a wonderful find! So quiet and peaceful and green with cool tangled trees.     The markers were old and sparse, with lots of room left for others. How cool!

What a great day!