Twenty women from all over the Bay Area (Richmond to Aptos!) showed up for the "Best of Point Lobos" perimeter hike. We started by climbing down to the sea lion flats, where we were treated to some great views and waves. We kept a leisurely pace, with plenty of time for photos, chatting, and taking in the scenery. One of the highlights was a mother sea otter with her baby on her belly. It was the puffiest baby otter ever; it looked like a little ball of grey fluff, and we spent quite a while admiring it. We also saw a few harbor seals, and after lunch at the Whaler's Cabin area, we ran into a docent who tipped us off to the whereabouts of a great blue heron nest.
The hike had some amazing sea views, and we weren't the only ones who thought so; while the trail was uncrowded for such a lovely Sunday, there were about a dozen artists (including the famous "paint with light" Thomas Kincade) busily painting, and a handful of photographers and videographers capturing the artists. (I suspect they were making a documentary).
When we returned to the parking area, about half of us decided to walk (or drive) a mile back to one of the prettiest beaches we had passed, China Cove, so we could continue talking and relaxing in the sun. Other folks had commitments back home, and after goodbyes and a huge flight of steps, we were on the beach. The surf was moderate, and an adorable harbor seal kept swimming in to look at us. Some of the braver folks dipped their feet in the icy water. Eventually, the tide came in, and so we retreated to the top of the beach, and then to a dyke-owned pizza place (Engfers Pizza Works) in Santa Cruz. The evening ended up with a handful of us hot tubbing and chatting at one of the participant's houses...a perfect end to a gorgeous day!
Wen