Looking east toward Highway 1

During our coastal trip in mid November, our rented house was just off Highway 1 in Mendocino County, and we had been told that Manchester Beach was only “a short walk” away. I could see the ocean from our front window, so even though it was already 4:30 in the afternoon I decided to take a stroll and discover whatever was out there. As I soon realized, the beach was quite a bit farther than I expected, and I didn’t make it all the way there on this walk, but there was still plenty to see.

State Park Natural Preserve sign

Heading toward the beach — with a surprise waiting in the trees

Bright red Rose hips

I noticed several wild roses near the lane as it curved toward tall pines draped in Spanish moss

This abandoned farmhouse looked rather eerie as evening shadows fell

Boarded up windows faced the ocean