Monday, May 7, 2012

Point Lobos State Reserve


If you are any where near Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea you must come here.  I don't care if you aren't a big hiker or you aren't that into wildlife - believe me this place will change you - for ever.

Point Lobos (which the husband kept calling Sheriff Lobo) well I cannot even begin to describe how wonderful an experience you will have here - so look at my pictures below!

Widely referred to 'as the crown jewel in the California Stat Park system' it is packed with hiking trails, wildlife, scenic views and the Whaler's Cabin museum.

The park is literally four minutes from the Tickle Pink Inn (read more about the Tickle Pink Inn here).

There is a fee to enter the park - pay it - it's only $10.00. You can park on the side of the road, but it is an awfully long walk once you get inside. Do get there early as parking is limited. We arrived at 8:10 and there were already cars parked and people out and about.

While there were people ahead of us there were also long stretches of time that we did not see anyone other than the seagulls buzzing around. It is so easy to spend all day long here. Unfortunately we had to get going after about three hours. As we left the line of cars waiting to get in was long (when a car goes out another one can go in once the park is full), and lots and lots of cars were parked on the side of the street.

We started our hike with the Sea Lion Point Trail.











Can you see the sea lions on the rock? You sure could hear them!










Next was the Pinnacle Cove, Cypress Cove and on to the Whalers Cove.



























Twisted trees inside the Allen Memorial Grove:










Whaler's cove is probably the best place to see wildlife up close. We did see something (I believe it was an otter bobbing around in the water).

Here is a link to the Point Lobos website and trail map: http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us/Trails.html


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