Getting To The Point

It has rained all Monday night in Ukiah and the weather man gleefully informs us there is more rain to come. However, there is a gap of about eight hours before the next rain is scheduled. In fact, as we eat breakfast in the Best Westie, the sun is actually shining.

We can probably just squeeze in a hike.

So we head for Point Reyes National Park over on the coast.

Located just below Bodega Bay, Point Reyes National is a place we reluctantly missed during our drive along the coast in May. Consisting of thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands, expansive sand beaches, open grasslands, brushy hillsides and forested ridges, Point Reyes is California's only National Park right on the coast. The town of Point Reyes Station, just outside the park, is much more populated than we expect. Not that we are complaining... especially after our stop in at The Bovine Bakery for bear claws and pizza. They even have gluten free options... and tasty ones at that! The chocolate chocolate cherry cookie? BOvine...oops, we mean DIVINE!!!

The ranger at the Reyes visitor center gets us sorted with a map and a list of hiking options for the afternoon. We choose The Tomales Point Trail which meanders some 5 miles out through the Tule Elk Reserve and back. It is easy hiking compared to the Sierra's. The weather is grey and brisk, but still no rain. Not yet!

Mossy up here...




It's good to see our friend the Pacific again!












We see lots of the elk beasts (despite the fact that they are the smallest of the elk species they look mighty big to us especially with those giant racks of antlers).

In the distance, we even see Bodega Bay where we hiked earlier in the year!




By 5:30 p.m. we are back in Healdsburg where we have decided to stay for the evening. We nosh at Willi's Raw Bar and swing a great room at the Best West Dry Creek. Aaah! Luxury... terrycloth robes and all!