Snowy Plover Sighting

While walking near the Pajaro River this weekend we spotted a dozen Snowy Plovers watching over their nests on the beach.

Many people feel a bit nervous to set off on a self guided hiking vacation.  Well, I must assure everyone that Walk the Bay is truly a very special self-guided trip.  It is virtually impossible to get lost.  To illustrate the point, friends invented the t-shirt map.  All you have to do is be able to put on your t-shirt front to back and then follow the directions.

Front of directional shirt




Back of directional shirt

The origin of Walk the Bay can be traced back to the late 90’s. I resolved to walk the entire coast of California. I recruited hearty friends to join me and we logged over 100 miles. Some mistakes were made. This postcard was sent to me by an exhausted hiker after a particularly gruesome day.

This lithograph from 1874 illustrates the enduring popularity of Monterey Bay. No wonder the Monterey Bay is now one of only 13 US National Marine Sanctuaries, protected in perpetuity for all generations to explore and enjoy. Check out the rest of these magical places at sanctuaries.noaa.gov.

Prior to offering Walk the Bay to the general (and paying) public, I enlisted wonderful friends to walk every inch of the trail. All walkers had assignments, including: check all restrooms and water faucets, make directions and maps totally accurate, locate hot spots for birds, photography, or food. I am forever indebted to these intrepid walkers.