We were packed for a Bolinas outing.  We’d planned to paddle the lagoon, check in on the nesting herons and egrets, maybe snag a few waves at one of the surf spots.

The sleepy little town of Stinson Beach is set against the steep western flank of Mount Tamalpais.  It’s really quite the treat just standing at the shore looking out to sea, or up the coast toward Bolinas, or over your shoulder to the massive mountain that holds this little town so carefully.

We had a great breakfast at Parkside Cafe, scouted the surf for long enough to know that there might be waves at Bolinas, then hit the road for the last stretch.  But by the time we got there the beach was packed, the town was heading toward bumper-to-bumper traffic and it was already 75 degrees.

We paid a short visit to Audubon Canyon Ranch.  At least we could see the heron and egret rookeries.  But there were none this year.  There’s speculation that an increased population of bald eagles may be the culprit.

Onward to Point Reyes Station where we put in to paddle up a creek.  Lagunitas creek to be precise.  What we found was quite stunning.  Maybe a half mile of water just deep enough to paddle.  There were cormorants, turtles, and the odd cow in the rolling meadows beside the water.  A few fish jumped along the way.

If only I’d brought along the GoPro.  But we did visit Spirit Matters, the lovely little shop in Inverness Park that hosts so many treats for the spirit.  Donna found a Kwan Yin seated on a turtle, just like the ones we saw in the creek.

The next day, back in Pacifica, I snagged a few little waves right out my own front door.  Check it out, all set to some nifty little jazz.  Hey, it’s only a minute.

Linda Mar Maestra from Tom Adams on Vimeo.