Saturday, January 19, 10 am

ELEPHANT SEALS AND PIEDRAS BLANCAS DAY TRIP

Visit the Elephant Seals of San Simeon and EXCLUSIVE tour of Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, with Morro Rock and Fish & Chips in Morro Bay on the way back, sunset on the ocean?

We will meet at 10 am at the Madonna Plaza Shopping Center in SLO at 10 am to meet and carpool if you so choose. (Carpools can be arranged from Santa Maria or North County, also) I am not making an official statement for carpooling because that is up to the individuals, but you can work that out there or in our Yahoo group. I suggest sharing for gas, at about $5+ each for 4 people in a car, or split actual cost. Gas is usually low priced in Morro Bay, so you could square up on the way back and get gas before heading back to SLO.

What's on our excursion?

On the way there, we will stop to visit the original Piedras Blancas Lighthouse Lens, located next to the Pinedorado grounds. It is very large, and I think everyone will enjoy seeing the massive size and detail. It was restored a few years ago and looks magnificent.

Next, we will stop at Moonstone Beach and the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk along the water. It is beautiful, fresh air, and pounding surf and maybe a spray or two of water. The coastline is a bit rugged there, and interesting to view.

Next is lunch at the Main Street Grill in Cambria to get ready for the great afternoon. If you've eaten at Mo's or Firestone Grill, it is similar.

Next, if you wish to stop (depending on time) we can stop in at San Simeon to walk on the pier, at the beach, for a bit of contrast. We can see the castle from there, so you can bring binoculars and cameras for that. It is interesting, even from a distance.

Next, we head up north of San Simeon to see the elephant seals. We have our own docent meeting us to tell us all about the Elephant seals. She is a member of our group, single, and anxious to help us have a great time. This will be awesome, because they are giving birth right now, and she said that she was recently out there for about half an hour, and got to see a calf being born. There are a lot of seals on the beach, and a lot of activity. There is even a rogue seal that crossed over to the Hearst property to get away from the fighting. If you've never been there to see them, it is amazing, the size and agility of these giant beasts. There may be some fights, and lots of action. It will be quite a site, and we have the exclusive use of our docent who is also a member of our group! Binoculars, cameras, and video cams are highly recommended!

Next is the Lighthouse. I just made arrangements for our *own personal tour* of the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, going out to the lighthouse with a docent for a tour of the facility and grounds. Cost is just by donation. We would have our tour at 2:30 after the regular tour (usually $15 for the standard tour from Hearst Castle) and stay as long as we are interested. They will answer questions and everything with our own personal docent. How's that for adventure?

When we are done with our tour, we will head back down Highway 1 to Morro Bay, and stop by Morro Rock. It's over 500 feet high, and home to the endangered Peregrine Falcon. They are installing improvements to access. We can watch waves crashing over the breakwater if the waves are up that day.

We will then head down the Embarcadero to stop for Fish and Chips over the water. Of course, you can have whatever you want, but Fish and Chips is the excuse lol. We might even be treated to a beautiful sunset over the water and dunes.

After having a nice little dinner, we will head back to SLO where people can choose to head back home, or explore downtown SLO as the bars start to open up their entertainment. As we get closer to the night, I will have a list of things that can be done.

Recommended dress is nice casual in layers, with comfortable shoes. Morro Bay restaurant will likely be mid priced casual location, so fancy dress not needed. Expect sun and wind at the lighthouse, boardwalk, and Morro Rock, so hat or hair protection and sunscreen are also recommended. Bring a hair brush and mirror if you want to recover from the wind. Bring binoculars if possible, and at least a camera. Video camera suggested. I will have mine for video of the group.

Email ccoastsingles@yahoogroups.com

Also visit This event listing