January 22, Morro Bay

 January 22 Morro Bay area

After a nice breakfast of blueberry pancakes and oranges, we make the 15-20 minute drive to Morro Rock. The core of an old volcano, known as a “morro”, it was once even more impressive until it was quarried for years. It is preserved now as part of Morro State Park.  The rock is part of the Pacific plate and is moving about 2” to the northwest each year.  It is between 23 and 27 million years old!

We eventually found a parking area  - one of those where you can see where you want to be but have to figure out how to get there -and spent a while watching surfers and paddleboarders and walking around the rock which juts into Morro Bay. Quite a few surfers changing into or out of wet suits in the parking lot and riding the waves.  Someone told us the water temperature was a few degrees higher than the air temp this morning, but still a chilly 55.  Air temp 51.

Several sea otters were floating in the bay on the calmer side of the rock.  Theirs is a happy success story in that their numbers have been increasing after being hunted to near extinction.  On land, squirrels are enjoying the warm sun.

 Fishing for surf perch.

 I walked and spoke with a man who rose from a bench as I passed. He was a Californian who has lived near here ever since he got out of the Navy when he was 21 – 60+ years ago. He was a school teacher and administrator till a year or so ago and told me, smiling, that he is now a  god - G.O.D. – Grumpy Old Dude. 

From here we drove around a bit and finally found a visitor’s center that provided some much appreciated maps and suggestions for a few walks.  First stop was a small peninsula with a marina on one side and a marshy estuary area on the other.  Loons, willets, and several other kinds of water fowl.  

Next we drive to Montana de Oro, another park a little further south, where we stopped at several beautiful spots, a mix of rocky and sandy shore.  I particularly liked Spooner’s Cove.  We surely can see why people want to live here! What a great spot to sit and have lunch.

 About 4:00 we headed back to Wag-A-More .   We stopped by Lori’s house where she had a water hose to refill our fresh water tank, but never did see Lori – just some curious chickens! 

 

We were part way up this mountain on the right side.  The gnarly trees were behind our camp ground. Evening temperatures have been cool in the 40’s,  but that makes for great sleeping.