*Note: So I'm going to try and do one post a week, due on Fridays. You should check back on Friday next and see if I did, and if I didn't, harass me.

This trip's adventure took me to Tomales Point Trail in Point Reyes National Sea Shore, with a friend I made on my last visit to San Francisco. The trail is the farthest one north on the seashore, and runs right to the tip of the point along the San Andreas Fault! (#NerdGasm). I love earthquakes, so this was a big deal - Not that I'd ever want to be in one, I'm just saying that I love the idea of the earth shaking.

Ok, maybe I'd like to be in a small one.

The trip begins on a historic ranch and winds it's way around, up, down, and over picturesque pastoral hills. Not being one to enjoy an all uphill hike, this was perfect - because each up was followed by a down and so on, and no single up was too long. It's also an in and out hike so it doesn't end up being uphill both ways.

The views were spectacular. We walked along the top of cliffs that touched the Pacific, and ate lunch on the edge while birds drifted below.

The other coolest thing ever about this trail were the herds of elk. There were several large groups hanging out beside the trail, one with one man and many ladies, another with all bachelors, another with a mix of little and bog ones. I learned my "OMG" scream sounds exactly like their call. (Reads: Aleya shrieks like an elk.)

The weather called for heavy rain so we wore all the appropriate gear. My hiking partner said that Point Reyes gets the most intense winds in the entire state. We didn't see any rain at all, though the sky continued to look dark and heavy. The consensus at the tip of the point was that seeing the coast in the rain, with the waves crashing and the wind blowing would have been mind blowing chaos. I'm kinda sad I didn't get to experience it.

I've been so lucky in my travels to have found people to share places like this with, and my hiking partner is no exception. We had a great time, despite the dry weather :-P

Point Reyes National Sea Shore
Tomales Point Trail
Distance: 4.7 miles one way
Time: 3.5 Hours
Difficulty: Easy
Map: National Parks Standard Map
Rating: 4/5 Stars

 For more pics go to my flickr page!