East view from Patterson Pass - 3/2019
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| GPS track: | GPX |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1.8 miles |
| Cumulative climbing: | 170 feet |
| Total Time: | 2:15:32 |
| Hiking Time: | 0:59:05 |
Low Tide Beach Walk, December 23, 2023 - Ron and Alice's annual beach walk has gotten smaller in a few ways this year.
Our plan was to walk beneath the cliffs early since the peak low tide was scheduled for 20 minutes after our start. Then we'd hike south along the beach for some distance before returning. Afterward we would meet at Dharma's for an early dinner.
We started toward Capitola, but the short beach meant we had to hike next to the cliff. The rocks at our feet were wet and slippery. Katie wasn't comfortable continuing in that terrain, and I was looking up at large blocks of cliff showing new cracks and evidence of recent rockfall. Although I would have done the walk if we had all been willing, I was happy to turn back and avoid the hazard.
We continued south for some distance, but Ron was complaining about back pain and wanted to sit frequently, so I stayed with him while the rest continued south almost to the southern end of the row of houses along the beach before returning.
Meanwhile Ron and I had found a large eucalyptus trunk to sit upon and catch up on recent news while we awaited the return of the others.
The others returned, and after snapping a couple of group photos we returned to the parking area to say our goodbyes until next year. Katie, Anna, and Junse were unable to join us for dinner, so at Dharma's three of us (Ron, Alice, and I) enjoyed a cozy early dinner in a quiet restaurant. By the time we had finished the queue before the ordering counter had grown, and the restaurant was filling up.
| GPS track: | GPX |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.2 miles |
| Cumulative climbing: | 340 feet |
| Total Time: | 2:56:57 |
| Hiking Time: | 0:43:59 |
Low Tide Beach Walk, February 19, 2023 - Three years had passed since I had joined Ron Bobb and Alice Mestemacher on their annual low-tide beach walk along New Brighton State Beach. Years ago we had started at Rio del Mar and walked north to Capitola, then returned, making for a walk of about five miles. But, today we started at New Brighton Beach proper, walked to Capitola returned, continuing south for some extra distance before returning to our origin.
The beach had been closed recently following severe winter storms, but today most of the debris had been removed from the beach, although the beach at Capitola still held a fair amount of mostly wood debris that had washed down from the mountains.
The walk beneath the cliffs below Park Ave. was easier than I remembered it ever being. It appears that much of the sand from Seacliff and New Brighton Beaches was shifted northward, landing below these cliffs. Today we had beach sand to walk upon the entire way, while before we had to scramble over wet rocks. Some parts of the cliff had collapsed, and an occasional sign would warn visitors not to explore or linger at the base of a cliff.
We turned around half-way to Seacliff Beach less from fatigue and more because the sun had set. Without the sun's rays the air was turning cold. Upon returning to our cars, we drove over to Dharma's for a hearty dinner before going our separate ways.
It was good to see everyone after a long absence.
All web site content except where otherwise noted: ©2024 Bill Bushnell
Background texture courtesy of Iridia's Backgrounds.
Please send comments or questions to the .