2006_0927_07_Surf

Miles and miles of surf on rocks.

2006_0926_01_US1

After leaving the Golden Gate Bridge in sunlight, I headed up the coast on US 1. The view to the west was of clouds or fog hanging over the ridges, warning of overcast conditions to come.

2006_0926_02_BodegaBay

Sure enough, Bodega Bay was in clouds and remained that way for several days. Still, it was a neat place to explore, and the fresh fish at the Sandpiper Restaurant was excellent.

2006_0927_BodegaBiosphere

From Bodega Bay, there is a road out to Bodega Head and a large area owned by the university for research purposes. There were loads of birds.

2006_0927_SouthPoint

The views from up on the head were fine. Harbor seals were on one of the rocks here. A sign on the docks warned of "assertive sea life." Apparently, large sea lions were frightening fishermen into dropping their fish.

2006_0927_NorthOfBodegaHead

One of the best bird sightings was of a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, "a rare visitor from Asia," according to Sibley. Both Brown and White Pelicans were striking as well.

2006_0930_TypicalViewOfRte1

Route 1 can be much more serpentine than this, but it's hard to find a place to stop for a photograph. I had no real trouble driving the RV, but moved very slowly.

2006_0930_06_SecludedBeach

So many glimpses of secluded beaches made it tempting to go down there. However, after a few of those, I tended to pass them by unless to capture a sunset or watch high tide come in.

2006_0930_07_RussianFort

A pleasant stop along the way was Fort Ross Historic Park, an early Russian settlement. Everything here was reconstructed but very well done.