2/17/08 - Half Moon Bay

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This Sunday, I took the Amtrak from Davis to Berkeley to meet my brother, Matt. The train ride itself is a fun adventure. The Capitol Corridor (www.capitolcorridor.org) trains run from Auburn, though Sacramento and Davis, then south to San Jose. Ticket price varies, depending on destination, but the round trip from Davis to Berkeley trip was $40. It takes you through fields and marshlands, then over the train bridge (beneath the Benecia Bridge) , then along the coast through Martinez. It becomes more urban as it nears Richmond. You can also get off at Richmond and board BART to San Francisco.

After arriving in Berkeley, my brother took me to an awesome hamburger place called Barney's (www.barneyshamburgers.com). We then hopped on the freeway and headed for Half Moon Bay.

Being that it was a 3-day weekend, the roads were crowded. We took Highway 92, though later regretted it after hitting major traffic. The beaches were just as crowded. We almost settled for one area, then flipped a U-turn. We drove a little further south down Highway 1 and pulled off at a gravel pull out (Lat/Long: 37.352608,-122.399068) to stretch our legs. We walked up to the overlook to take a few pics when we discovered a trail. We decided to hike down it to see if it lead to the beach, as you couldn't tell from the road. After a 5 minute walk, we found ourselves looking down on a nearly empty beach, with less than 15 people in 4 groups.

However, to get down to the beach, we had to descend a rather steep incline with the aid of a knotted rope that had seen better days. When we were kids, my brother always used to say "The true adventurer spirit is within us all" right before we did something exceedingly stupid and/or dangerous. Today was no different. So we started down the rope and, luckily, survived without injury.

While on the beach, I was able to talk my brother out of writing "Obama '08" in the sand (I love Obama, but nature should be an apolitical zone), so he instead opted for a large 35 foot diameter peace sign. We hiked the south until the beach dead-ended on some rocks, watched some fisherman and enjoyed the views.

Climbing up was more tiring than coming down, but less of an adventure. We drove back along Highway 1 (which had zero traffic compared to Highway 92). We got to see where they are installing a tunnel to bypass Devil's Slide, an area of Highway 1 which is known for rock slides and road closures. I'm looking forward to a future episode of Modern Marvels on this one.

Mike's Recommendations (if you decide to visit):

• Buy a GPS system: You haven't a prayer of finding this place unless you own a GPS system. It's not marked by any signs nor does it look like a trailhead.
  
• Bring gloves: Gloves would've been nice during this climb down, as my hands are still a little raw from the weathered rope. A climbing harness, rope and belaying device would be even better, but probably overkill (unless you're Mike M. or Scott A).
  
• Flip flops and skirts are discouraged: A group of 20-somethings somehow made it down to the beach in flip flops (and one woman had a skirt on), but we thought they were insane.
  
• Do not rappel down with your 4-year-old: Not to take away from our manliness, but a couple did descend the cliff with their 4 year old son (despite our warnings). We stuck around long enough to make sure we didn't have to call an ambulance and Child Protective Services.

Enjoy the photos and let me know if you have any questions!

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Click Here For Full Screen Slideshow (recommended)

Individual Photos (33 photos)

Driving Directions (courtesy of Google Maps)

Parking Area (37.352608,-122.399068 - near 19203 Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA)

Capitol Corridor Amtrak Web Site

Capitol Corridor Amtrak Route

Amtrak Official Web Site

Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers

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2/10/08 - Sandhill Cranes

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This Sunday, my Dad and I met in Lodi, CA to view and photograph Sandhill Cranes, as part of a CA Dept. of Fish and Game (DFG) tour.

Sandhill Cranes are one of the oldest species of birds in the fossil record, dating back 2.5 million years ago). They weigh about 11 lbs and are 4 feet in length (with a wingspan of 7 ft!). The groups we were viewing spend the fall and winters outside of Lodi, then fly north into Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Canada.

We signed up for the tour via the DFG web site (http://www.dfg.ca.gov/regions/3/cranetour/). The tour is lead by volunteer docents who are avid birders and full of great information. Unfortunately, the tours are currently (2/11/08) booked through the end of the season.

The tour consisted of a short 5 minute drive and no walking. We met at 4:00 PM at the rendezvous assigned by DFG and listened to a brief talk about the cranes. Then we went to one of their viewing areas, depending on where our Tour Guides thought we would have the best chance of seeing cranes.

And see them we did! The sky was filled with thousands of birds (not only cranes, but various species of geese and ducks too). While we were not able to get close to any birds on the ground, we had hundreds fly overhead and land in the fields of the Isenberg Crane Preserve (about 50-100 yards from us).

One of the most unique things about the Sandhill Cranes are their vocalizations. They have a bizarre call that's nearly impossible to describe. It's somewhere between a crow's call, a frog's croak and a lion cub's growl. And when there are thousands of them in all directions, it's pretty amazing.

Mike's Recommendations (if you decide to visit):

• Visit during the Late Fall/Early Winter: The number of cranes decreases significantly as spring approaches. Some birds have already begun to move North, in fact.
• Book your tour early: Tours are already booked for the rest of the year, so make your reservations 1-2 months in advance.
• Bring high power binoculars, spotting scope or a 100-300 mm lens: You will not get close to any birds, so some sort of optical assistance is a huge plus.
• Plan to stay until dark: They frown on people leaving early, as it spooks the birds. Plan to stay until it's totally dark.
• Bring mosquito repellant: Sandhill Cranes sleep overnight in flooded fields, so expect swarms of large-type mosquitoes. If you don't want to get eaten alive, bring the bug spray.
• No Dogs Allowed: Definitely best to leave your dogs at home, as they tend to spook already nervous birds.
• Arrive a little early: The location where you meet the tour can be a little hard to find, particularly if you and your father decide to meet at a restaurant in Lodi (without realizing that aforementioned restaurant is 15-20 miles away from the tour location).
• Plan to eat at Habanero Hots afterwards: I found a neat local restaurant in Lodi called Habanero Hots. It looks "dive-ish" from the outside, but the inside is very warm and family-friendly. Food was excellent, authentic and came in large quantities, plus the service was great. See www.habanerohots.com for more info.
  

Enjoy the photos and let me know if you have any questions!

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Click Here For Full Screen Slideshow (recommended)

Individual Photos (63 photos)

Driving Directions (courtesy of Google Maps)

Viewing Location (W Woodbridge Rd @38.155225, -121.472077)

Dept. of Fish and Game Sandhill Crane Tours and Registration

San Francisco Chronicle Article (September 18, 2005)

Bird Identification Web Site (www.whatbird.com)

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