Pretty Pretty Marin

 

After spending two weeks in the San Francisco area, it was time to move on. I think two weeks in one place is the longest I've ever camped anywhere. I didn't move very far, just a little bit up the coast to Point Reyes National Seashore. The drive was through Marin County, one of the prettiest places I've been to. Marin County is the 6^th highest income per capita of all US counties and while that is impressive, it doesn't even come close to how impressive and beautiful the countryside is. There are mountains, there is the ocean and the climate, which is described as a Mediterranean climate, warm days- cool nights. Nestled among all this are the quaint towns which have a small-town feel. Of course, it ain't all sunshine and roses. The San Andreas Fault separates the Point Reyes Peninsula from the California mainland. I think there would be a high likelihood of Marin County falling into the ocean if the “big one” ever happens.

Look!!  A carnation tree!!!

When the 1906 San Francisco earthquake happened, it was felt in Point Reyes. 
Part of this fence was moved 16 feet to the right. 

We were lucky to be there during Elephant Seals pupping season. When the pups are born, they weigh about fifty pounds. After about six weeks, their moms leave them on their own. At this point, the pups have gained about 250 pounds. For the next four weeks, they lounge on the beach with all the other abandoned pups living off their fat until one day, they wake up and decide they are hungry enough to go into the ocean and fish. Remember, Mom has not taught them how to swim, how to fish but these brave little souls go for it. I was thrilled that while I was there, several of the pups decided it was time to head out to the ocean. They will stay out to sea for about nine months. Fun Fact: A group of seals is called a bob (also called a pod). 

Here is a bob of pups lounging around in the sun

The seals would go a few feet and then collapse and rest up a few minutes before they took off again.  Once they got in the water, they were free from the constraints of gravity. 

More random photos from the peninsula:

The Point Reyes Lighthouse was built in 1870 with a First Order Fresnel Lens. 
First Order means it is the biggest type of Fresnel Lens.
There are 300 steps down to the lighthouse but the walkway was closed because of high winds.