Low tide at Moat Creek, December 2023

When I stopped along Highway 1 to check out the Moat Creek beach access in December 2023, it was not my first visit. But it was the first time I followed the trail up onto the bluffs above the beach. What I found was a neat little loop trail, although at the time I was slightly disappointed that it wasn’t longer. Still, if I’d had more time I could have followed the coastal trail south along the bluff for quite a ways to the very popular Bowling Ball Beach and Schooner Gulch. Even without that side trip, I had more than enough to keep me occupied as the sun began to sink below the horizon.

Two Rufous-crowned Sparrows on sentry duty

Minus tide at Moat Creek Beach