Title: October 16, 2013 - Monterey Coastal Trail
Hike Info:
Trail: coastal trail from Monterey Aquarium to Lovers Point
Destination: golf ourselves close to Point Pinos
Distance: 5.65
Travel Time: 3:17 (1.72 mph)
Moving Time: 2:11 (2.59 mph)
Elevation Rise: 323'
Maximum Elevation: 48'
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| Looking out over the ocean |
Description:
The original plan was to hike in Sequoia National Park. But with the federal shutdown, our Mid-Week hiking group decided to go for our outing on the coast, around Monterey. Like many change of plan trips you go through a small period of "what are we doing?" I don't know, what do you want to do?" But that was quickly decided on. We had initially stopped at the public restrooms close to the Monterey Aquarium. We then decided to walk towards Point Pinos, close to one of the golf courses in the area.
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| Coast line of our walk |
We were entertained right from the get go by a number of marine life. The elephant seals lounging on the rocks, elephant seals longing on rocks in the ocean, elephant seals even swimming a bit, sea otters playing amongst the kelp. Squirrels scurrying about, sea gulls diving, sparrows swooping, and black cormorants resting on ocean rocks. Lots there to keep us occupied through this walk. But wait there is more! Then you have a hoard of people on bikes, in strollers, running, walking and gabbing. If that was not enough, we even climbed on some rocks and enjoyed being the top dog for five minutes.
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| Gary and Konnie rock climbing |
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| Ocean spray |
The walk itself was not of the strenuous type. Mostly level with very little up or down. The path is a paved bike lane with a side walking area on packed soil. So the effort is minimal. This path is made so that if you can move, you can enjoy it. The weather was warm and clear. Just a glorious day to be out.
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| View from trail |
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| Gary on rocks |
Our group proceeded in a leisurely fashion, befitting the mood of the season. We explored the various social trails found on the bluffs, we climbed a few rocks, and of course, observed life around us-both marine and human. After coming back for lunch at the First Awakenings restaurant, we were content. the wrapper to this fine day was to finish up with an excursion to Asilomar State Beach where we enjoyed sunshine, sand and surf, as well as the tide pools.
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