January 22, 2014 - Pt. Lobos Trails

Title: January 22, 2014 - Pt. Lobos Trails

Trail head: Whaler's Cove Parking Lot

Hike Info:

Trail: North Shore Trail, Cypress Grove Trail, Sean Lion Cove Trail and Whaler's Knoll Trail

Destination: Seal Lion Cove

Distance:  3.09 miles

Travel Time:  2:49. (1.10 mph)

Moving Time: 1:44. (1.78 mph)

Elevation Rise:  585'

Maximum Elevation:  261'

Blue-Bird Island; Red-First hike

Trail head: Bird Island Parking Lot

Hike Info:

Trail:  Bird Island Trail

Destination: Observation area

Distance:  .74 miles

Travel Time:  0:33 (1.35 mph)

Moving Time: 0:21  (2.12 mph)

Elevation Rise:  102'
Maximum Elevation:  125'

Description:

Two hikes, really walks or strolls which we took with our meetup group. The first started at Whaler's Cove, going along the North Shore Trail. This trail climbs above Whaler's Cove and heads west towards the end of Point Lobos. Along the way, we get to see Bluefish Cove and the East Grove. Close to the west parking lot, we go on the Cypress Grove Loop, through the Allan Memorial Grove, where we properly oooh'd and aaah'd. This is followed by going to Sea Lion Cove-the point itself was closed for restoration.  Our return trip takes us back to the North Shore Trail. But instead of following the shoreline, we climb up the Whaler's Knoll Trail. From there we descend back to the Whaler's Cove Parking Lot.

What makes this place worth a three hour trip from Fresno, not to mention the trip back? There is something magical in the air when sea meets land. The crashing of the surf, the sounds of birds, and the wallowing of seals all draw our attention. Just starting off the hike, we shed our cooler clothes to bask in the sunshine. Then we spot some porpoises with there little blows of water-we do try to see if they are whales, but the size leads us to believe they are smaller mammals. The moss in the cypress trees gives a feeling of the old South. When we come to the cypress trees of the Allan Memorial Grove, we see our first clear view of the ocean. Here we first hear the harbor  seals. Shortly afterwards, they become visible on an rock island bellowing away with the ocean surf not quite reaching them.  Finally, we spot the spouts. The air mistized with water from the exhale of migrating gray whales. These magnificently huge beasts were heading south, about a quarter mile offshore. Fascinating watching them.
 

We then went down to Toney Pines picnic area and had lunch. After that, it was time to head down to the Bird Island Trail parking lot at the southern end of the park. The Bird Island Trail is a short one, maybe about 3/8's of a mile one way. It is ADA compliant and has a pretty easy grade. It takes you right along the ocean cliffs, past China Beach, which was closed. Then loops you to an observation area, facing Bird Island. We saw lots of Cormorant's-not sure what brand of them.  Then back to the car and just about ready to call it a day. We make one stop to enjoy a beach view and then head on home. In San Juan Bautista, we stopped at a favorite restaurant of John and Cathey's: Jardines de San Juan Bautista.