When I’m not out walking around the Monterey Bay, I like to explore the California coast. One of my favorite places is Tomales Bay, north of San Francisco. I found out last weekend that it’s still a great place to explore when it’s raining out. OK, it was pouring!
Cycling and hiking were out of the question. However, the view of Tomales Bay was right outside our window. Watching the tide come in and out and tracking the birds that appeared and disappeared was the ultimate “Slow Adventure.”
One day I counted over 200 Bufflehead right in front of us. Amazing little diving ducks that obviously love a rainy day. Other highlights included a “raft” of cormorants floating with the receding tide, all facing south with their bright yellow beaks pointing in unison. We also got to “know” the resident Northern Flicker, a pair of Osprey, and a pair of Belted Kingfishers who worked the area in front of the house on a regular basis.
There are some great little villages to visit along the bay, including Inverness, Inverness Park, and Point Reyes Station. A wonderful bookstore in Point Reyes Station yielded some interesting used books and the Bovine Bakery willingly parted with an amazing lemon bar. Now it’s time to get back outdoors and do some walking. See you on the beach this summer!