Ahh, off-season at Point Reyes National Seashore. Swirls of fog wrap around twisted cypress and deer dart amongst the trees; offshore, seabirds circle, seals surf the waves, and gray whales migrate along the coast.In a past article for Sunset, I wrote: Point Reyes is a poem; complex, untamed and raw, yet elegant. That’s still true today. I love a Point Reyes fall/winter trip; days are spent on the park’s vast network of trails, looking for wildlife like tule elk and fallow deer; evenings usually end luxuriating in a quiet inn, with a hearty Zin by the fireside.
The waters of nearby Tomales Bay and Drakes Bay are home to some of the most productive oyster growing spots in the country, and on sunny days my favorite thing is to get a beach bonfire permit at the Bear Valley Visitor Center (its free), then grab some fresh local oysters and grill ‘em up on Limantour Beach.
Three commercial oyster operations are open to the public: Drakes Bay Family Farms Oysters
Hog Island Oyster Company and Tomales Bay Oyster Company .
Now, there’s added incentive to visit, with Point Reyes Lodging’s Whales and Wildlife promotion (November 15, 2009 —Wednesday, March 31, 2010). Stay two nights midweek (Sunday through Thursday) and get the third night free at any of the Point Reyes Lodging bed and breakfast inns.
Details: To make a Whales & Wildlife reservation, visit www.ptreyes.com and contact the inn or cottage of your choice. Mention Whales & Wildlife when you make your reservation. Holiday periods are excluded and advance reservations are required.
Photo Credit. Steve Wyrostock (Bear Valley Inn)
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2 comments:
Ooh I love pt Reyes! Now to find a sitter for 3 nights...
Late fall and winter is great time to visit Point Reyes. The wildlife viewing is wonderful, the weather (between storms) can be ideal and on weekdays you can have beautiful beaches all to yourself. For a brand new Point Reyes lodging option we invite you discover Frank's Place on Inverness Ridge!
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