Santa Maria Rivermouth

Morning light yawns

Bird feathers float

Driftwood scatters

Seagulls fish surf

Rain clouds ripple

Sand on the beach

Ocean tide rearranges

Rocks after the storm

Beachcomber sifts

Shells between toes

Blown out to sea

Hair arches skyward

Leaving the ocean

Dunes waving

Incoming tide refills

Footprints disappear

-Andra Rubcic

Surf Forcast

Snowy Plover Habitat

It was Snowy Plover all over! Signs, signs, everywhere were signs. Stop signs blocking out the scenery, crowding my mind, they hung at predictable intervals along the winding wooden dune path. Securely partitioned, parts of the dunes are closed between March and October with metal link fences creating a California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover sacred bird sanctuary. A no trespassing area where these endangered birds are given a second chance to nest in the sand and repopulate. The Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area is expertly managed by California State Parks and together with adjacent Guadalupe–Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, this protected area forms the most intact coastal dune ecosystem on the entire West Coast. We are lucky because we can still enjoy hiking along this amazing riparian corridor to the Pacific Ocean. Wild flowers, native scrubs and trees grow in abundance along the path offering a nurturing habitat for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians...So keep your eyes open! An interesting fact for film buffs...The Preserve was also the location used in the 1923 film, "The Ten Commandments" by Cecil B. DeMille.

Visit the Guadalupe Dunes Center

Learn More: Watch a Video about the Western Snowy Plover

Morro Rock

Mariner Park

The air was moist and the ocean calm with sea otters drifting leisurely atop briny waves. Boats safely anchored floated serenely on liquid resembling crystal blue glass. Morro Rock sits solid and Buddha-like in this safe harbor. Long ago its seaward side was dynamite blasted to make the breakwater. Morro Rock was named by explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo during his 16th Century voyage and the first glimpse will take your breath away. Wow!!! That is one massive ROCK!! Drive closer and you will get a true idea of the scale of Morro Rock, the last in a chain of extinct volcanoes, covering 50 acres at its base and towering 576 feet above the entrance to Morro Bay. See those little specs at the rock's base? Those are tourists campers and cars allowed to park, hike, and surf up close. Strong winds often make the beach area perfect for windsurfing and kite flying enthusiasts. Morro Bay's charming Embarcadero has many fine restaurants and shops with a mariner theme. For excellent fish and chips I recommend Giovanni's Fish Market with its casual outdoor atmosphere and view of the rock. And don't miss the Shell Shop, my personal favorite still drawing crowds after 61 years in business. If you love earthy succulent plants and elegant garden statuary the Garden Gallery is the shop for you. Wherever you wander you will find friendly fishermen and easy going locals who have time to chat in this cozy seaside paradise.

Morro Bay California the Home of Morro Rock

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.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Like graceful ballerinas ruffling their tutus these jellyfish put on a show. Living happily in a rotundas tank at the Monterey Bay Aquarium they capture the attention of both young and old. Viewers gaze with gaping mouths and delightfully squeal as the jellies open and close, slowly they float up and down in a natural syncopated rhythm. Perfectly choreographed to natures silent symphony translucent forms dance endlessly. A must see for anyone visiting California, this world class aquarium offers an entire days worth of marine life observing. Watch as divers feed albacore, sunfish, and sharks; while knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to offer scientific answers to your marine biology questions. Amateur photographers are sure to come away with exceptional National Geographic-esk snapshots and videos of sea life. Set in the historic seaside town of Monterey, this coastal wonder will quickly become one of your favorites places to revisit.

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Semana Nautica

Are you the type of person who likes a leisurely walk in the sun, people watching, and fresh local seafood? Well, this is the place! You'll never be at a loss for things to see and do at the Santa Barbara Harbor Marina. But if you're more the active sort, then don't miss this week's 75th Semana Nautica. A multi sea and sand sports festival with over 20 events; ocean swimming, water polo, volleyball, baseball, tennis, 15k road race, cycling, sailing, sandcastle building and the very soggy Kardboard Kayak Race. Fun happens: June 30 - July 9.

www.semananautica.com