Spooner's Cove

A pebble, a shell, a polished piece of blue beach glass. I walk silently my eyes searching for more treasures from the sea. Each brings with it a new message from Mother Earth. Framing a moment in time, I assign remembrance to these found objects to indicate their sacred nature. Seeking balance and renewal hiking has become a form of spiritual practice. My one day pilgrimage to a power spot to receive wisdom and perform rituals. The pacific ocean's negative ions invigorate my body and mind, bringing a deep feeling of empowerment. At some point I stop walking and silently offer a prayer of thanks to the Spirits of this place, once a bustling Chumash village site. Chosen by many people as the perfect location to stage a family portrait, exchange marriage vows or scatter a loved ones ashes, Spooners Cove in Montaña de Oro State Park is an area of strong energetic earth forces. Rugged Monterey Shale cliffs and rocky outcroppings offer resistance from crashing aqua blue waves. Only expert surfers successfully ride these coastal waters. Reflecting how good it feels to be here I decide to sit awhile and watch the sun as it begins to set.

Hike Montana de Oro State Park

Oso Flaco Lake

Skinny Bear is the translated name for Oso Flaco Lake in southern San Luis Obispo County. Today a nicely built wooden boardwalk over the sand dunes to the Pacific Ocean allows hikers, strollers and wheelchairs quick access. All sorts of fine feathered friends are easily seen by bird watching enthusiast. Docent led tours and educational exhibits can be arranged at the non-profit Guadalupe Dunes Center. Beautiful to look at the enormous waves often result in strong riptides so exercise caution. Surf fishing is the big draw at this State Park and the entrance fee of $5.00 per carload helps maintain this natural wonder. Parking tickets are given out often by the ranger so do pay at the kiosk before you start the nature walk. Posted signs say: no dogs, no bicycles, no horses and no camping allowed and these rules are strictly enforced. Dune buggies and four wheel drive autos have a separate designated entrance called Oceano State Vehicular Recreational Area to the north at the end of Grand Ave. in Grover Beach.

Learn More About the Dunes and Estuary

Read an inspiring novel set in the Oso Flaco Dunes.

Elfin Forest

We loved hugging these 500 year old pygmy oaks for some Mother Earth comfort. All around us Spanish moss hung like furry chandeliers. Lime green luminescent lichens lit the forest floor and Chumash voices whispered from times past. Looking north from the 90 acre forest refuge we could see the estuary and Morro Bay State Park. A breezy boardwalk loop along the salt marsh made for pleasurable trekking and clam shell middens gave us archaeological dreams. We could almost smell the campfires from native settlements long ago; a paradise they must also have appreciated. With promises to visit again soon we called it a great 28th Birthday!

Visit the El Moro Elfin Forest

Montecito Hot Springs

A blanket of pure white fog spreads out moistly shrouding the ocean coastline making it the perfect day for hikers who crave sunshine to climb into the canyons seeking warmth and healing energies. Always a topic of conversation are the many wildfires that have scorched this vista. Still Mother Nature is confident in her skills to transform even the most deeply scarred landscape or human spirit. Feeling the delicate balance of life as I climb up out of the fog and into a lush oak lined canyon, croaking frogs and the occasional pungent wafts of sulphur let me know I'm nearing the healing mineral springs. Banana trees shelter vibrant turquoise colored water inviting me to sit and reflect how very lucky I am to know about this hidden medicinal gem. Ališhawi ‘O’ - is the traditional Chumash name for this thermal spot when once this was the commonwealth. Mother nature is doing her best to make me forget all about holiday shopping and the work a day world. As I sit in silence I can feel the vast emptiness of meditation tugging at my heart telling me things will be set right in the world and everything is still under Mother's divine control.

Save the Hot Springs