Shortly
after departing Ragged Point, we neared San Simeon, California. We had
significantly dropped in altitude since leaving Big Sur, putting us
closer to the water and in the midst of dense fog. We were nearing a
vista point and Jon had a feeling that we should stop and check it out.
By this point in the trip I knew to trust his instincts, they were
usually spot on. Jon picked the ONE vista point also known as The
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, a sanctuary that 17,000 elephant
seals call home during the year. And better yet, December was their
mating season and the beach was covered with females, males and pups.
By
early afternoon we had made our way to the Pismo/Oceano beach area. The
Oceano Dunes are the only California State park where vehicles may be
driven on the beach. The 5.5 mile stretch of beach butts up to 1,500
acres of sand dunes for recreational off-roading.
After
a quick safety review our ATV guide took us out and dropped us off to
begin our exploration. Two hours later and after navigating the entire
length and most of the depth of the dunes...it was time to head in and
return our rides.
We
decided to take in the sunset on the beach before heading out to find a
place to rest for the night. We ended the perfect, what road trips are
supposed to be, impulsive and adventure filled day in Pasadena,
California. By morning we would be leaving The Golden State behind.
The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal sanctuary.
Viewing the elephant seals.
The Oceano sand dunes.
ATV riding at the Oceano sand dunes.
Sunset on Pismo Beach, California.
No comments:
Post a Comment