Monterey (Oct 8, 2016)
After doing the 17 mile drive last weekend, we went back to Monetery. This time our goal was to see the sea otters and the sea lions. First I have to share that a lot of the State beaches and parks are free. This is nice because it allows many to come without any thought.
Moss Landing State Beach
We first went to the Moss Landing State Beach. This one was just a road off of Route 1. This beach offers a range of activities, including surfing and windsurfing, hiking, horseback riding and surf fishing. However, the main draw is to see the sea lions (in the ocean) and sea otters in the bays/rivers.
We climbed the dunes and walked to the beach. We saw three sea lions playing never the surf. It was incredible to be that close to these mammals and to see them in person. What fun. No one was in the water (too cold) and many didn’t pay attention to them. Only one photographer was sitting on the beach taking the pictures. We joined him.
As you can see from above, this was cool to see and we had fun watching them body surf.
Once we walked back from the beach we walked back the Elkhorn Slough and were able to see the sea otters. First we saw a large school of them just off the banks.
Then we found a few swimming solo. We watched them dive down for the kelp and then came up. They lay on their backs and eat the kelp from their stomachs.
Point Pinos Lighthouse
After leaving the Moss Landing State Beach, we headed over to the Point Pinos Lighthouse. http://www.pointpinoslighthouse.org/ After seeing the one in Oregon, we are making special trips to see other lighthouses. This is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast and has been guiding mariners since 1855 and it is still active today. It is set on the jagged rocky coast of the Monterey Peninsula. Not sure how it can help any boaters since there is a golf course between the lighthouse and the sea. We were able to climb almost to the top through a winding staircase. The staircase was blocked off right below the lenses and we were not able to actually stand at the top. The lighthouse itself is very small. Two rooms in the front which were probably the living room on the right and the dining room on the left. The kitchen is in the back of the house. Upstairs were three bedrooms. Nice to walk through that history.
Lover’s Point Park
From there we were feeling a little love, so we headed to Lover’s Point. “According to local legend, this park was originally called “Lovers of Jesus Point,” back in the era when Pacific Grove was a Methodist retreat camp. Since the late 1800s, the beach at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove has been a popular spot forboating and swimming, and over recent decades surfers have joined the mix. Lovers Point Park has above all become Pacific Grove’s best-loved spot for picnics, plein air painting, and scenic photography. Because of its unique east-facing location, it is also one of the only spots on the West Coast where you can watch the sun rise over the water.” There is a walkway above the beach allowing you to see all the sea lions. We realized while watching them that as they lay out in the sun their skin becomes white since it is dry. As soon as it gets wet, it turns brown.
This seal was yawning but we didn’t catch it. Just slumbering on the rocks.
Off of the right side, is a large section of rock that everyone was climbing – and of course we had to also. It was great to climb them and see the sea from there. Very rocky and not many smooth areas. Looking this picture, we climbed all the way back to the middle point. Ok – we can still act like kids. 😉
