Montana De Oro State Park

May 11 2010

We have a no-gift policy. Especially for birthdays and Annivesaries. But what we do have is a travel-together policy around our anniversary. If time doesnt permit - atleast a day trip on one of the weekends before or after and that's exactly what this trip was about. Celebrating 2 years of being together and toasting to a lifetime ahead!

The chosen location - Montana De Oro state park. Located just 7 miles away from Morro Bay, past the Paso robles wine county. We were a all set for the rugged cliffs, the pacific waves crashing in, a hike up Valencia peak and to enjoy the signature yellow gold flowers that bloom during spring time giving the park its name "Mountain of Gold"

Day 1, Saturday

Lunch at Morro Bay:

After departure on a saturday morning and a peaceful drive through Paso Robles, we were reach Morro Bay just in time for lunch in "Sunshine Foods". If you're vegetarian / vegan & live in california - you HAVE to try this place! We both had the "Famous Tempeh Tacos" - seasoned tempeh, quinoa and fresh veggies in a sprouted grain tortilla topped with cilantro dressing, avocado and housemade salsa. ( I am hungry as i type now and it's not helping that i am picking the right picture to post along with it)

Valencia Peak:

We were all fueled up and ready for the hike up valencia peak. It was just 2 miles up to the peak , but the elevation gain , quite rapid. It's not strenuous though. very comfortable & the views just keep getting better with every turn.

The First part of the hike:

So there are 2 hillocks we had to climb over before getting on top of valencia peak ( as the right above and on the left suggests). The first hillock seemed quite flat. There were multiple burrows and we did encounter some wildlife - mostly lizards and wild rabbits. The bushes that we had to navigate through wree taller than us.

The View from half way up:

Even reaching the top of the first hillock was immensely rewarding. But the way ahead seemed intimidatinrg - it did not feel like it was just a mile and a half ahead. We could see the entire bay all the way up to Morro Rock ( Thank you, weather - for playing nice).

Soon the terrain changed. The sandy path was interspersed with rugged patches of chert and there was a splash of colour all around. Bunches of lilac flowers ( i wish i knew what they were called), some red flowers and the bright orange Californian Poppies!

The Peak!

After another 30 minutes of ambling up the slopes, Voila! We were there! - with the vast ocean on one side and sprawling green hills on the other! We spent some time on top reflecting on life. I remember thinking - i was getting back to India in a bit. On one of those days when i am stuck in traffic, with the sounds of horns bellowing all around and sand being kicked up from the road - I am going to think of this moment. Not to feel worse, but to just feel glad i had that experience.  

The Way back down:

The way down was even better in some ways. Apart from being easier , we were actually walking towards the ocean instead of away from it. We could see it all the time and feel the wind in our faces. It was one of my favourite days ever already.

The Bluff Trail:

After we reached the parking lot, we went right across the road to start off on the bluff trail. This is again a 2 mile trail, but flat - all along the bluff. With every turn, we got to witness brilliant rock formations, with the yellow flowers in the foreground. I wish there was a way to reproduct the sounds and smell of the place as well. i should just tape these and use it in my car during one of those trafic jams.

We could see Valencia peak from this trail and at this point there was a little cloud on top - exactly where we were standing just a while ago!

Sunset:

Right after. it was that time of the day - to enjoy a sunset. We  did that from Embarcadero Inn and watched tha sun set behind morro rock & ate Thai Food (Yumm!)

 Day 2, Sunday

The PG & E Trail 
This pristine area is located just south of Coon Creek & the Montana-de-Oro state park and is private property. It became open to the public only in 2007 with the creation of the Point Buchon trail. This one is not a part of the park & is not to be missed. It closes pretty early (5pm in Summer) - so plan accordingly. We got spectacular views of the coast, spotted a sea-bird-poop-rock and a well into which water was crashing. We were the only ones on the trail and it did feel like wilderness.

There are some sections in the trail that take you down to the beach and in one such beach we saw a wounded seal. It was literally twisted and was taking shelter under a sea-cave like structure. It was all alone and honestly, quite depressing to watch. The only thing we could do was inform park authorities. 

 

Spooners Cove
We drove back in the direction of the park to Spooners Cove , a little beach right next to the visitors center.
Prashant was doing his usual sea-bird photography & i watched a kid chase a bird - for some reason the bird played along and always stayed within arms reach - like it was teasing the kid.

Paso Robles Wine County

It was time to drive back. The drive was very scenic - vineyards on both sides and the yellow flower on hill slopes. Picture perfect. We decided to stop by at Rotta Winery ( Website / Reviews )- Known for it's Pinot. You wont believe - Wine tasting is just $3 for 12 samples!!! Our host was also incredible. This was the most 'fun' experience i have had. She handled the whole session like she was a rock-star bartender.  I would definitely recommend this place. Also did i mention - the wines are fantastic. I suppose that's their business model. charge $3 for tasting and make sure people try as many as they can so they can go back home with at least 5 bottles.

The last part of our trip was just the drive back. It was rather uneventful. But when we reached the south bay - we saw those beautiful dark-grey moisture laden clouds with the sun streaking through a few spots to illuminate the hillsides. It was beautiful. sharing one pic:

What a great weekend it was. Happy Anniversary to us!