A Coastal "Hike"

 

When our precious Sierra Nevada is burning up in the Rim Fire and causing road closures and sending smoke and ash into our favorite hiking areas, we head to the coast instead.  This Labor Day weekend the Jaunt Adventure Group headed to the San Mateo county coast, in between Pescadero and Santa Cruz.  

This kind of hiking is different than mountain hiking.  I have to use the word "hike" loosely.  When you walk along mile long stretches of beach, and go along grassy bluffs, it is more of a meandering.

When we head to the mountains for group hikes, we traverse about 2-3 miles per hour, of course depending on specific terrain challenges and each person's fitness level.  But to meander 4 miles on the coast took us 6 hours!  

Why so long?  There is so much for which to slow down and take in, especially when you get to see it all through the eyes of a 6 year old and a 10 year old who don't abide by "time schedules" and "to do lists" yet.  On the large-scale of wonders to take in there is the floating fog, the crashing waves, the soaring/diving birds, the blinking lighthouse, the rocks which are great for climbing, seals basking in the sun not far from shore.  Then there's those smaller-scale things, the things which require a true slowing down to enjoy:  long pieces of seaweed which become "tails";  crab carcasses; shells of all shapes and sizes; hermit crabs and larger crabs hiding as you move rocks; the sight of the pattern on the sand caused by the wind; the feeling of the sand and water on bare feet.

  

This opportunity for meandering (sorry, no dogs) can be found starting at Gazos Creek Beach.  If you hike all the way to the border of Ano Nuevo State Reserve it would be 5 1/2 miles.  We didn't go all the way;  it was a really windy day and we knew we'd be going back against the wind.  

The best thing about this kind of hike is that the journey IS the destination, so no matter how far (or not far!) you go there is enjoyment to be found.  The bluffs have some peninsulas with benches, if you are inclined to sit and just think, or journal.  Or you could always get in some barefoot running. Just make sure you allow time to take it ALL in, maybe through the eyes of a child.

 

Want to join the next Jaunt Adventure Group hike?  Go HERE and fill out the "contact us" form.  

Our next hike (Sept. 28) won't be just meandering; it will be a bit more intense, getting into Yosemite if the fire gets contained and the smoke is gone.  But those who want to shorten the hike can stop at May Lake, and those who wish to (my 10-year-old and me!) can go the extra mile up the switchbacks to the 10,845 foot summit of Mt. Hoffmann.  This is a great hike because there are incredible views along the way to the lake, and then truly breath-taking views from the top of Mt. Hoffmann.  For a trip report on this hike, go to my post here.

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