I arrived at SFO around 10:30 and was on the road by 11 enjoying winding roads flanked by lush forests and passing shimmering blue lakes. I passed Half Moon Bay and drove down CA-1 along the coast. I was trying to make it to Ano Nuevo State Reserve by noon so I could only enjoy the rocky shores and glimmering waters under blue skies in my rear view mirror but I knew I'd come back to enjoy the views. When I finally arrived at the reserve, it was close to 12:30 but they still had tickets left for guided tours to the elephant seals. I bought my ticket ($10 for entry to the reserve and $7 for the tour) and stopped by the highway Brewery to pick up a take-out lunch to enjoy by the coast as I waited for my tour.
Elephant Seals
The tour lasted about 2.5 hours. A volunteer of the reserve led the tour and told us all about otters, sea lions,the island offshore and its history as a lighthouse but now is inhabited by the sea lions, the stories of rescue and conservation of the elephant seals, and of course about the elephant seals and their mating and molting seasons.
 |
| elephant seals chilling |
 |
| more elephant seals chilling |
 |
| large male elephant seal |
There were many beaches along CA-1.
The next day I went horseback riding with the Sea Horse Ranch - 8AM morning 2hr ride along trail and beach. It was really nice riding along the beach, though a bit chilly. The sky was misty/foggy but the bluffs along the beach were impressive.
After the horseback ride, I visited the beach by the Ritz-Carlton where there is a public beach with overlook from the golf course.
After getting some Artichoke garlic bread from the Arcangeli Grocery/Norm's Market in Pescadero, I went to Big Basin Redwood State Park for a hike through the redwood forests. This is the first state park in California.
 |
| Banana Slug |
 |
| from inside a hollowed out tree |
 |
| redwood bark |
