For my last day in California, we ventured over to the coast, specifically a seaside village called Morrow Bay-halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, along scenic Highway 1.  Morrow Bay’s most famous landmark is 576′ Morrow Rock, or simply known as “The Rock.” I wanted to visit this area for one main reason-the Endangered California Sea Otter. Our guide, Amelia, had told me this was the best, local location to see them, and I wanted to see them! Amelia was spot on once again. Throughout the morning I spotted (9) of them, including a few adults that had pups with them. We were fortunate to find a momma and her pup very close-up, right where the fishing boats docked. There was momma, leisurely floating with her pup laying on top of her, like they were lounging in a pool. She would roll over (underwater) 360 degrees, and the pup would roll over with her. Once, the pup did let go, and the two of them played for a couple minutes, before resting again. It was fun just to sit and watch them! In addition to the otters, there were many seabirds in the area as well, including Brown Pelicans, Comorants, Grebes and many California Gulls.

As some wicked winds kicked up, we decided to head inland and go for a hike in a local park that showcased many 800-year old oaks, covered with hanging moss. I’m not sure it was Spanish Moss, the same moss you see hanging in the deep south, but it sure looked like it. As we weaved along the narrow trail, ducking and jumping low growing branches, it looked like a scene from Lord of the Rings-a thick, deep, dark forest, where the trees come alive! At a few stops, Tyler kept asking me if I heard something scurrying in the brush, even stating he heard small footsteps. I never really heard anything, and I think he was just playing with my mind!  Among the trees were plenty of skinks and fence lizards, Scrub Jays and a few hummingbirds. Also growing everywhere was Poison Oak, also known as Pacific Poison Oak or Western Poison Oak. This western species reminded me a lot of our Poison Ivy. Both grow as a vine or small shrub, both can take over a forest floor and both can cause severe allergic reactions, but also serve as a valuable food for many wildlife species.

It was a great Big West Trip with my son, and a couple quality days of R & R in central California with Amelia. We look forward to another visit and having Theresa and Darby meet her as well. TYLER-Good luck with your new job, and the next chapter in  your life! We love you and are very proud of you!