Adventure 008, Hike 076 - North Shore Trail

 Capture California, the Game-2012

Adventure: 008, Hike 076 – North Shore Trail

Team: Thing One, Thing Two

Date:  August 31, 2012

Location: Pt Lobos State Reserve

Hike Info:

Trail: North Shore Trail

Distance: 1.2

Duration: 0:34

Elevation Rise: 289'

Description:
The North Shore Trail starts right where we had lunch—Whaler's Cove. This is where the whaler's in yesteryear would launch their boats to harpoon whales which wandered into Monterey Bay. It starts with some steps to get to the top of a ridge, which Cannery Point. At this point, we look around out into the bay, looking for whales. We did find some seagulls, cormorants, and a couple or three seals. But did we find any whales before we moved on? Stay tuned for more!



But on we went, along the coast, looking at several overlook points. Lots of great looking areas. We get to see lots of poison oak along the trail, but a safe distance from us—we hope. The skirts Bluefish cove before it loops around towards tge Sea Lion parking lot. We stop before then to return back to Whaler's Cove via the Whaler's Knoll Trail. When we meet up with the North Shore Trail, we see a couple of young deer. Then head back to our car.



According to the Pt Lobos Brochure, this trail is:



Between Whaler's Cover and Sea Lion Point Parking Area, .75mile, 40 minute, one way. Woodsy, with open views of coves below.



Exposed to prevailing northwesterly winds and seas, this rugged headland of sheer-walled coves and changing plant communities offers surprises at every turn. Near the west end of the trail, a short side-trail leads to aview of the strikingly beautiful Old Veteran Monterey Cypress tree—we did not go this far.



Midway on the trail, a side trail leading to a view of Guillemot Island passes over a sea cave. Part of this cave has collapsed, leaving a hole where the sea surges unexpectedly. Just to the east is Bluefish Cove, where harbor seals tend to haul our, and where both Snowy and Great Egrets fish from the kelp canopy. Spectacular views from Cannery Point mark the eastern end of this trail.