We drove from Santa Rosa through Petaluma to the southern part of Point Reyes. After passing Petaluma when we got into the countryside, the views were very pretty. We saw fog in the distance and wondered whether Point Reyes would also be foggy.
After passing through the countryside we drove along Mesa Road to its end - a parking lot at the trailhead for the Point Reyes Coast Trail. We would hike from there to the junction for the Lake Ranch Trail, and then hike up that trail for a while. Then picnic and head back to the car.
At the start of our hike we passed through a forest of eucalyptus trees.
After the forest we walked along the coast of the Pacific ocean. For a moment we wondered if there was a way to get down to the beaches from the path we were on. It was clear there was not. (Reenie rejected Bob's suggestion that we could sit on our butts and slide down).
We came to the junction and headed up the Lake Ranch trail alongside a small stream which fed a muddy lake we passed. At one point we had to cross the stream.
And we got to see wildlife. Some right in our path, blocking us. But then they let us pass. Newts are nice! The two deer just ignored us.
After our picnic we walked quickly back - going downhill is much easier and faster. When we were back at the coast as we looked below at the beaches it was clear the tide had retreated.
Definitely a fun ending to a fun day as we walked along the cliff back to the car.
