Archive for Coastal Trail
A Walkabout on the Coast, Part 4
Looking out toward Prisoner's Rock from Whaler's Cove. Photo (c) Karl Kroeber
By Megan Hansen, Communications Associate
Mel’s Lane
I arrive at the last stop on my journey, and I find that I have Mel’s Lane all to myself.
Mel’s Lane is a quick, quarter-mile jaunt from tip to tip, but its views of Pigeon Point Light Station and POST-protected Whaler’s Cove are anything but diminutive. Mel and the lighthouse have both been guiding lights for the coast, and I am happy to have this quiet cove in which to reflect on my day.
Walking down the stairs to Whaler’s Cove beach, I spread out my mat on the sand and remove my hiking boots. I soak my feet in the chilly water. I watch the waves wash against Prisoner’s Rock, imagining the activity that has bustled along this shore and sea. The cool breeze and warm sun lull me, and it isn’t until the waves touch my mat that I am broken from my reverie, grateful for this calm respite.
As I climb the stairs to go back to my car, I can no longer see Pillar Point in the distance, but it is easy to envision walking toward it along this stretch of coast and beyond, catching peek-a-boo glimpses as the miles go by under my boots.
A Walkabout on the Coast, Part 3
By Megan Hansen, Communications AssociatePart 3 – Cowell-Purisima
There is a feat of engineering and grace in the making at Cowell-Purisima, south on Highway 1 from Wavecrest. Tim Duff, project manager with the California Coastal Conservancy gives me a tour of the coastal-trail-in-progress. It’s clear that Tim is proud of the work: “I know I’m fortunate to call this my office, and I’m excited to be one of the first people to walk down the completed trail,” says Tim.
Cowell-Purisima Trail Construction (c) Chris Detwiller
Riding across the newly packed trail, the contrast between the hefty machinery used to create this 3-mile trail and the peaceful lushness of farmer John Giusti’s artichoke fields is striking.
Part way along the new trail segment, I find myself looking back at the lookout above Cowell Ranch Beach, the telescope glinting in the sunlight, Pillar Point still visible in the distance. At that moment, the importance of this project becomes clear. What was once an out-and-back trail will now continue curving gracefully along the coast, and I can easily picture the future trails that will rise up to meet it.
Cowell Ranch Beach (c) Robert Buelteman
This project was put on hold by the state bond freeze, but is back on track now that the freeze has been lifted. We will let you know as soon as it is open to the public. In the meantime, you can visit Cowell Ranch Beach on Saturday and Sunday, from 8AM to sunset. Beginning on May 1, Cowell Ranch Beach will be open 7 days a week.
If you missed them, here are Part 1 and Part 2 in the series. Check back for the final part, a stroll down Mel’s Lane.
A Walkabout on the Coast, Part 2
By Megan Hansen, Communications AssociatePart 2 — Wavecrest
After picking up a sandwich at San Benito House in downtown Half Moon Bay, I head to Wavecrest. There are men tending the ball fields and a group of birders with their cameras and binoculars. With my own binoculars, I can easily see the dome of the Pillar Point Air Force Station to the north, and I imagine the Coastal Trail winding along Wavecrest’s curves, back to where my journey began.
Red-tailed Hawk (c) Peter LaTourrette
White-tailed Kite (c) Peter LaTourrette
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Jeff Powers
Paul Ringgold
Meghan Scanlon
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