Posted by Jody on February 18, 2013
“And when we go back to the sea…”
“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch -
we are going back from whence we came.”
Posted in Northern California Beaches, Today's Special | Tagged: beach, beach photography, Kehoe Beach California, Marin County California beach, Point Reyes National Seashore beach, Presidents Day, Washington's Birthday | 14 Comments »
Posted by Jody on July 2, 2012
Greg and I came across this sign near the Kehoe Beach trailhead at Point Reyes National Seashore in Northern California.
It made us go “Hmmm… How ’bout we just stick to the sand today!”
And so we did.
Posted in Monday Miscellaneous, Northern California Beaches, Today's Special | Tagged: beach, beach safety sign, beach sign, Kehoe Beach California, Marin County California beach, Point Reyes National Seashore beach | 5 Comments »
Posted by Jody on April 3, 2012
McClures Beach, tucked away in Point Reyes National Seashore, is Mother Nature’s perfect sandy crescent to ponder the power of the pounding surf. Surrounded by high, steep cliffs, this small, 1/2 mile long beach is the place to take a break from civilization. McClures Beach’s rocky, driftwood strewn shoreline sets the scene for an amazing experience. Rough boulders scattered about this beautiful, rugged cove serve as front row seats. You’ll just want to choose a perch, scramble up, and settle in. The thundering waves are the stars of the show here!
A sneak peek! The best is yet to come!
Greg and I headed for the McClures Beach parking lot just off of Pierce Point Road, at the far north of Point Reyes National Seashore. A hint of what was in store for us could be seen from the trailhead, and we couldn’t wait to hurry down the sandy path! The distant view of the Pacific Ocean was enough to set a brisk pace for the short .6 mile trek to the beach. The best was yet to come…
Views of the Pacific come and go along the .6 mile trail.
I recommend a good, sturdy pair of shoes for this coastal trek. First, the sometimes steep, often uneven footpath requires a firm foothold. Second, you’ll want them for climbing up to your wave watching vantage point. Third, well, that’s still a secret!
Babbling creek and beautiful wildflowers along the McClures Beach trail.
The grand entrance to McClures Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore.
Looking North
Looking South
Watching the Waves
How cool is that?
Okay, now I’ll tell you. Reason #3 for sturdy shoes: Once you have traveled this far on south on the sand you may be able to sneak through a “secret” passage carved through the rock to an enchanting, secluded cove on the other side of McClures Beach.
Through the Rock, McClures Beach
If you want to explore beyond the main beach, it’s really important to know the tide schedule for the Seashore (available at the visitor centers daily). The National Park Service warns: “It is tempting to venture around the southern corner to explore the adjacent beach, but use caution! This area can only be safely accessed during the outgoing low tide.” If the tide is heading out, you can pass through the cliff and experience an absolutely magical moment when you discover a very small, almost mystical beach.
The Other Side of McClures Beach
The dreamlike quality of this little hidden cove nearly took our breath away. We felt like we were the first explorers to ever set eyes on this fairytale coast.
I have no doubt that you’re going to feel the same way!
Wishing you many magical days at the beach!
Posted in Northern California Beaches, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: beach, Marin County California beach, McClures Beach California, Point Reyes National Seashore beach | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Jody on February 29, 2012
Kehoe Beach, located within the Point Reyes National Seashore, is one of the most gorgeous stretches of coastline Greg and I have ever visited. A little more than a 1/2 mile walk from Pierce Point Road, you’ll find a startlingly beautiful strand where golden sand meets the sea. Majestic, peaceful, awe inspiring…
Today, the pictures tell the story.
Awe Inspiring Kehoe Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore
Looking South, Kehoe Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore
Looking North, Kehoe Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore
Kehoe Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Kehoe Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California
A Sea Star’s Friendly “Hello” ~ Low Tide at Kehoe Beach
Goose-Necked Barnacles and California Mussels, Kehoe Beach
“So Long”
Gorgeous Kehoe Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore
Kehoe Beach is absolutely gorgeous. What more can I say?
Have a beautiful day at the beach!
Posted in Beach and Coastal Wildlife, Northern California Beaches, Tide Pools | Tagged: beach, California tide pools, Kehoe Beach California, Marin County California beach, Point Reyes National Seashore beach, tide pool marine life | 2 Comments »
Posted by Jody on January 10, 2012
I only recently learned of the existence of “Blue Wave Beaches.” Yet, the Blue Wave certification program has actually been around for over a decade!
The Clean Beaches Coalition accredits beaches within the United States and its territories for “clean, healthy and environmentally well managed” conditions. According to the Clean Beaches website: “The Blue Wave certification process is designed to help maintain robust, healthy, and vibrant beaches.” Municipalities and other organizations representing beach locales must apply for the recognition, support, and actively promote the following seven Blue Wave Ethics.
1. Leave no trace (what you carry in, carry out)
2. Move your body (walk, run or swim)
3. Don’t tread the dunes (use a walkover or walk-thru)
4. Know your limits (swim, surf and boat safely)
5. You are what you eat (eat healthy seafood)
6. Feed your mind. (read a book)
7. Respect the Ocean (riptides, storms, natural resources)
Evening at Drakes Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California / 2011 Blue Wave Beach (© Jody Diehl)
A total of 65 beaches were officially certified as Blue Wave in 2011. The 2011 Blue Wave Beaches list includes beaches within 18 states, the US Virgin Islands and American Samoa. 47 of the accredited beaches are located within National Seashores, National Parks, and National Lakeshores. Other than beaches managed by the National Park Service, last year’s list incorporates an additional 12 beaches in Florida, 2 beaches in Wisconsin, and 1 beach in the each of the states of Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Texas.
I do wonder why “Blue Wave” doesn’t seem to be catching on. What do you think? Will slow and steady win the race?
Feel free to share your ideas and thoughts with us. We’d love to hear from you!
Posted in Northern California Beaches, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: beach, Blue Wave beach, Blue Wave Ethics, Clean Beach Coalition, Drakes Beach Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes National Seashore beach | 1 Comment »
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