May 13 - McClures Beach (Port Reyes)

After lunch, I'm heading back out to Tomales Point to hike to McClure's Beach (and then to Kehoe Beach). Both have good reviews so let's go. McClure's Beach is 1.3 miles and 223ft elevation.

Same drive as this morning but the scenery is much more visible as the fog has lifted. Unfortunately, the clouds have not cleared.

On the way, I see a deer in one of the cow pastures and of course, elk.

Only one car in the lot when I pull in.

Well I thought the hike review said flat trail but it's not flat it's a long downhill! But a very pretty downhill.

Lots of cool flowers.

At one point, I reach a stream on the left side of the trail.

Continuing down, there's a little waterfall!

Beach is fantastic! To my left:

Lots of gulls and Curlew

 and I find an Oystercatcher.

Lots of gull in a water hole bathing.

The beach is not soft so I start towards the rocks to the north.

Find a set of deer tracks to a water stream from the hillsides.

And a small waterfull

w/ another set of deer tracks. Those are some athletic deer because that hillside is super steep.

I keep heading down the beach until I reach the 1st set of rocks.

There's Pelican's on that big rocks and some flying overhead.

I head back to the trail where I find a driftwood and enjoy the waves, the wind, the birds bathing. This is what I wanted. I stayed for a while. At some point, two guys came by apologizing for breaking up my peaceful setting. 

All's good.

Well, it's time to head up that hill!

It's near 60 but there's no sun and surprise! I see a White butterfly! I'm shocked! I guess I need to pay attention.

Farther up the trail, I see a brownish butterfly as he spooks from the trail! Dang it! No ID! But they are flying!

This was an awesome hike! Onto to Kehoe Beach; passing some elk along the way.


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