Page 1 — Page 2
Merry is the month of May for birds, wildflowers and healthy hiking at Point Lobos
Page 1—Blog and photo slide sections—photos by Barbara Swanson; an interactive map
Page 2—Additional photo slide section and special slide section of historical USGS maps
California has many beautiful state parks. Point Lobos State Reserve is at the top of our list as a marine destination. As you experience the beauty—driving, hiking, biking, and especially just walking about—you feel waves, breeze, pathway, flora and splash zone changing every few steps.
Aside from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Point Lobos is quite possibly the single “most” marine visitor experience to be found in California.
Much of the half mile wide and one mile long peninsula had been subdivided in 1880 and might have become the little town of Carmelita as lots were sold, but a caring engineer named Alexander Allan gradually bought out all of the lots and eventually rescinded the subdivision.
Trails abound around the entire ragged shore complex and are well-maintained by hard-working California Conservation Corps staff and volunteers. In peak spring growth, some trails may be encroached by the poison oak plant, which is found literally everywhere. That’s one reason why dogs are not allowed in the reserve; they can easily pick up the toxic oils from the plant or worse can encounter great harm by falling from the steep cliffs into the foamy coves.
If you like exploring with Google Earth, the Point Lobos coastline and splash zone features one of the better 3-D projections of Google’s aerial imagery. Just search Point Lobos in Google Earth, and you’re virtually there!
SLIDESHOW-GALLERY 1: SOME FAVORITES ALONG THE TRAILS
Photos by Barbara Swanson. Click on the little ⇒ arrow button lower right of the film strip for enhanced views of the photos.
SLIDESHOW-GALLERY 2: MORE FAVORITES ALONG THE TRAILS
Photos by Barbara Swanson. Click on the little ⇒ arrow button lower right of the film strip for enhanced views of the photos.
INTERACTIVE AREA MAP
Click on any photo for a popup enlargement (photo situated in the approximate area of the view). Try the full-screen option. Further suggestion: Check out the satellite imagery option—the detail of shoreline and water is great. Placeholder photos by Lee.
Love your posts Barbara and Lee!