My friends know that I am drawn to the ocean. So we head to Point Reyes on a Saturday morning.
First stop is the Bear Valley Visitor Center where we meet with other photographers from Exploring Photography Meet Up. Laura picks up a hat, and I purchase a tee shirt celebrating the National Parks 100 year anniversary. 100% cotton, and made in the U.S.A.
We head out for a hike. Following the Earthquake Trail This is not my first time on this trail, but this time I have my Nikon with me.
Easy, short 1 mile hike
Serene lush setting
The San Andreas Fault line runs through the Point Reyes National Seashore area. The Pacific plate moves 2 inches per year, but on April 18, 1906 a 7.8 earthquake caused the Point Reyes peninsula moved 20 feet northwestward. The San Francisco earthquake caused much damage due in part to the fires that followed.
Walking along the San Andreas Fault line
Bird grabs a blackberry
Morning Glory
Quiet bench along the way
Spider web captures the sun
Hanging moss
Profile of relaxing pose
Elephant running
Much information to assist in preparation for the “Big One”
Don’t ignore the power of mother nature!
This meet-up has set up an itinerary, but the schedule allows for some changes. Before we head to our next destination, we pay homage to the infamous S.S.Point Reyes. This 380 ft. cargo ship is grounded on a sandbar in Tomales Bay. Located in the town of Inverness this ship has been a magnet for photographers. It was towed to its location, and was never shipwrecked. The protected inland area allowed the slow decay of this vessel. Until one night about 6 months ago when it accidentally caught fire during a photo shoot. Damage was done to the back end, and there is a question as to how long it will remain here. There are so many photographs that I was not totally interested in capturing it myself. But how can I resist. Recommended time for shooting is the golden hour, but with fog that was not going to happen. Anyway, I Iike the foggy atmosphere.
A perfect photographic spot to end its journey.
I played around with some processing techniques. It is not hard to see this as a painting.
During the earthquake in 1906, the pier in Tomales Bay sustained considerable movement. During restoration it was found to be curved, and 12 feet shorter.
Our next stop was to Abbott’s Lagoon. Here my friends and I encountered an easy trail with much nature to photograph. Now that I am home I can learn about some of the plants in the Point Reyes National Seashore.
This is a thistle, but I’m not sure which kind. I like the splash of color it lends to the area.
Even with closer photographs my chart to identify this plant is lacking.
My path forward
California Quail
There was a crooked tree…
This black beetle may have landed on some Cow Parsnip.
Two friends resting
Abbott’s Lagoon trail
This may be Brownie Thistle
Our next stop was Pierce Point Ranch. No sign of promised sun, and we picnicked nearby. I was surprised by how many dairy farms were located so close to the coast. Pierce Ranch was one of the most successful dairy ranches in the area, and the buildings provide some interesting photo opportunities.
I like the way the fence leads your eye to the farm house.
Lovely light in this barn
Foggy and cool
Outhouse
Reflections and foggy
Reflections and a peek through the door
Self guided tour through the farm complex
Goldfields
This interesting bumble bee is targeting this yellow wildflower.
I can’t identify the flower, but the bee sure knows what he wants.
Monochromatic capture
Though the fog I see the Pacific Ocean
Careful not to step on this catarpillar
Farmhouse scene
As we were leaving the Pierce Point Ranch area we finally see some Tule Elk. This is also home for the Tule Elk Preserve.
Tule Elk
Still hoping for sun we head to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Too foggy to even see the lighthouse.
We head to North Beach, and here comes the sun. Yeah!
Only a part of North Beach is open for the public.
Finally get to hear the roar of the ocean waves!
Wildflowers along Point Reyes North Beach
Great day, and a big thank you to my friends Anne, Laura, and Linda!
Until the coastal waters call to me again.
