Sea Ranch: Northern California Pacific Ocean Coast

I had a very relaxing 4 day weekend with friends Kathleen & Charles in Sea Ranch.  After driving out of the city I literally cried when I crested the rise and saw the majestic coastline.   Their hospitality to me and Rio dog was benchmark.  The 280 degree vista of the Pacific Surf from their two decks & living/dining rooms was astounding.  The majesty of nature was rivaled only by their friendship, great cooking and meeting some of their friends.

All photos were taken with an iPhone by Kathleen, Charles or me.

We hiked the beach while Rio frolicked in the surf.  We walked the redwoods with Rio obediently on his leash.  I love the jagged heights of the rough, weathered fence posts.  

We watched the birds migrating, the waterfalls through the rocks and greenery defying gravity.

This chapel was gifted to honor the memory of a young man, navy aviator, artist & zoologist, to offer a sanctuary for prayer, meditation & spiritual renewal.  Built by James Hubbell.  www.TheSeaRanchChapel.org.

Sunday afternoon we hiked through a new growth redwood trees in a forest fecund with beauty.

Sea Ranch uses sheep to help keep their community fire safe. They have some modern sheep herders that know their stuff. Each day or two, they set up their electric fence in a new spot and, together with their dog, they move the flock to another area. The sheep (and a few goats) then go about the business of reducing the potential fire hazard (grass to you and me). There are currently about 350 of these very mild mannered animals in the crew and we think that they do a very good job. Given the size of the animals and their obvious good health, we suspect that they like their job as our fire prevention crew. http://www.searanchescape.com/community/sheep.html

Sunday morning after breakfast the low tide afforded us a magical walk along the tide pools filled with sea stars - formerly called star fish - and sea anemones.  Below, the Harbor Seal mothers & pups are sunning on the rocks.   

My 4-day travel wardrobe was very simple. I used layers to be comfortable in the hot sun and cold, windy surf.  
HATS: I brought two Target hats: the leopard print cap for the wind and the cowgirl hat for dress.  
BOOTS:  I wore a pair of Merrill boots.  
PANTS, TOPS  & SHIRTS: Two black jeggings and two camisoles, three shirts (white, plaid & striped caramel) that fit over my splint.
JACKETS:  A light & a heavy vest, a black windbreaker, gloves & wool socks completed the ensemble.  
They all rolled easily into a small backpack.