N'kwala
Geezelle
Desperately Seeking Sula
Finally got out to try out the really nice Ranger II customisation that used to belong to the Ski3pins. I’m sure the camper feels it’s come down in the world—trip was pretty tame, but I enjoyed it, and was able to familiarise myself with its use. Just incredibly comfy and convenient! I’m promising it more adventuresome travel at a later date.
Camped three nights at Doran Park by Bodega Bay, and lucked out on weather. Even on the coast, it’s been unusually cold, but calm and clear. Bodega, as some may know, is also called “Blowdega,” and Doran Park, on a spit of land separating the harbour from the rest of the Bay, really does get the wind. But no, just chilly.
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I used to spend summer holidays at Bodega with my folks. Dad was an avid fisherman and we spent many days clambering around rock fishing and watching the tides and surf. Back then it was a quiet little fishing village. Today it’s condos, timeshares, golf courses and overpriced restaurants. Less crowded and hectic in winter than summer.
But the sea is still there, and this time of year the birding is simply amazing, which is what still draws me. The Headlands remain splendid coast,
with fine views of Tomales Bay to the south.
There had been a pair of blue-footed boobies (Sula Nebouxii) reported a bit south of Bodega – down by Mt. Tamalpais on Highway 1. I’d love to see blue-footed boobies – they seem to be moving north. So I drove south, past Pt. Reyes, and scrambled down cliffs investigating guano-coated rocks along the coast, where they’d been reported. To no avail, but I did meet a nice pair of ravens who studied me quizzically, then resumed their allopreening.
and saw some good scenery, including views of San Francisco, about as close as I ever care to get to any big city.
Locals around Pt. Reyes were lamenting the cold—frozen pipes don’t happen real often on the coast, it would seem.
Anyhow, a nice drive, along coast I’d not explored for some years.
Back to Bodega and a good dinner and comfy evening enjoying the warmth of the Flame 3 heater.
Next day just walked the two shores of Doran
and took bird pictures.
I was really excited to get a good look at a Marbled Godwit. Took many photos. Walked around a point only to find about 80 more godwits.
Back to camp, a nice spaghetti dinner, and fell asleep to a serenade of surf, seals, and really noisy and weird-sounding brant geese. http://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/135484
Bought fresh crab for rellies back inland the next morning and left, reluctantly. Camper passed its maiden (after three owners? Really…) voyage with flying colours.
Fresh crab was welcomed and absolutely beyond scrumptious.
Finally got out to try out the really nice Ranger II customisation that used to belong to the Ski3pins. I’m sure the camper feels it’s come down in the world—trip was pretty tame, but I enjoyed it, and was able to familiarise myself with its use. Just incredibly comfy and convenient! I’m promising it more adventuresome travel at a later date.
Camped three nights at Doran Park by Bodega Bay, and lucked out on weather. Even on the coast, it’s been unusually cold, but calm and clear. Bodega, as some may know, is also called “Blowdega,” and Doran Park, on a spit of land separating the harbour from the rest of the Bay, really does get the wind. But no, just chilly.
[
I used to spend summer holidays at Bodega with my folks. Dad was an avid fisherman and we spent many days clambering around rock fishing and watching the tides and surf. Back then it was a quiet little fishing village. Today it’s condos, timeshares, golf courses and overpriced restaurants. Less crowded and hectic in winter than summer.
But the sea is still there, and this time of year the birding is simply amazing, which is what still draws me. The Headlands remain splendid coast,
with fine views of Tomales Bay to the south.
There had been a pair of blue-footed boobies (Sula Nebouxii) reported a bit south of Bodega – down by Mt. Tamalpais on Highway 1. I’d love to see blue-footed boobies – they seem to be moving north. So I drove south, past Pt. Reyes, and scrambled down cliffs investigating guano-coated rocks along the coast, where they’d been reported. To no avail, but I did meet a nice pair of ravens who studied me quizzically, then resumed their allopreening.
and saw some good scenery, including views of San Francisco, about as close as I ever care to get to any big city.
Locals around Pt. Reyes were lamenting the cold—frozen pipes don’t happen real often on the coast, it would seem.
Anyhow, a nice drive, along coast I’d not explored for some years.
Back to Bodega and a good dinner and comfy evening enjoying the warmth of the Flame 3 heater.
Next day just walked the two shores of Doran
and took bird pictures.
I was really excited to get a good look at a Marbled Godwit. Took many photos. Walked around a point only to find about 80 more godwits.
Back to camp, a nice spaghetti dinner, and fell asleep to a serenade of surf, seals, and really noisy and weird-sounding brant geese. http://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/135484
Bought fresh crab for rellies back inland the next morning and left, reluctantly. Camper passed its maiden (after three owners? Really…) voyage with flying colours.
Fresh crab was welcomed and absolutely beyond scrumptious.