Instead of returning to the majestic Sierra Mountains this summer, we decided to take the recommendation of a good friend who encouraged us to discover the beautiful sights along the Pacific coast and to experience camping in the Redwood forest.
After 7 hours of driving from Idyllwild, we arrived at Montana de Oro State Park for our first view of the Pacific Ocean off of Hwy 1. Wow!
The tilted layers of rocky formations are a result of the Pacific Plate grinding against the North American Plate.
All night long we heard the crashing waves against the rocky shoreline. Much better than a sound machine!!
Our time here was much too short. Early the next morning when the fog still shrouded the coast, we startled a California Quail family on an inland trail.
As we arrived, the fog started to lift revealing Morro Rock, a protected sanctuary. It was covered with thousands of birds including Western Gulls, Brown Pelicans and various Cormorants. We saw a perched Peregrine Falcon on one of the ledges. No doubt there were others hidden from our sight.
Along the beach, a couple of Long-billed Curlews kept their distance from the surfers braving the cold water.
In the protected bay, we found a "raft" of Sea Otters. This raft was made up of females and their pups. They "anchor" themselves by wrapping their bodies with kelp in order that they can take a nap. Since they aren't insulated with blubber like whales or seals, they need to keep their fur as dry as possible to stay warm. When they nap, they hold their front paws and hind flippers up and out of the water.
The most precious sight,however, is to see a mother Sea Otter clutching her pup to her chest during naptime!
Once again, a couple of hours at Morro Bay was just enough for us to see what a special place that it is and instill a desire to return one day. The journey continues....
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Content and photos by Robin Roberts.
Content and photos by Robin Roberts.
