Luck of the Californians

Point Reyes, California

Adventure #4: Abbot’s Lagoon, Point Reyes National Park

Intention: Get acquainted with our professors and classmates. Let the day unfold without set plans.

This adventure took place on stolen Graton Rancheria  and Me-Wuk (Coast Miwok)  land.

Our social bubble for the month, enjoying the sunshine.

This was our first class-sponsored adventure of January. Lucky for us our professors are well seasoned on the Bay Area trails, and have given us great recommendations and trip ideas. Today, we hiked as a group at Abbot’s lagoon. We hit a wonderfully sunny day in the Northern Marin area at the Point Reyes National Park. How lucky are we to live within an hour and a half of such a wonder?

The Abbots Lagoon trail is a short one, a 4 mile (out and back) level hike towards a deserted stretch of beach. The hike felt like something in Scottish highlands, accompanied by the unique wildlife native to Northern California. As we looked for rubbish on the trail to fulfill our eco warrior challenge (really, picking up rubbish should be a part of every trip), we also came across countless bones! These belonged to a wide range of species, including deer and ground squirrels. We even found a full set of antlers. I’ve never seen so many on a hike, and with the company of our professors, it became quite the educational experience. We learned about identifying tracks, bones, and also the living fauna around us. Hawks nested near the lagoon, whale bone washed up on the beach, and a close encounter with an old haggard looking coyote were good practice. Leaving the beach, and taking the long way around the lagoon, back to the original trail, felt more like a safari walk. This animal filled route was a detour from the original plan, but we had strength in numbers so we charged forward through our obstacles.

Domi sporting our full rubbish bag

Halfway back, we came across a barbed wire fence that we needed to cross. We were way more than halfway through the lagoon Trail and would have had to backtrack about an hour unless we were willing to cross the fence (no worries, both sides were public land!). My favourite part of the day, was holding up the lowest rung of barbed wire with Courtney, so our classmates and professors, of all ages, could army crawl under the fence. Obstacles lead to team work, and really the best of times. We laughed our way through and this communal spirit was felt the rest of the beautiful hike, muddied clothes and all.

Whale (left jaw?) bone washed up on the shore

While walking with new friends, classmates, professors and wildlife, I especially enjoyed the company of our elders. As we still live in a Covid-19 world, it is hard to fathom creating new relationships. However, from a masked distance I was able to meet some classmates and connect with each of my professors and their partners. I connected easily with Craig’s wife, a retired school teacher and informed botanist. We spoke about education in these times, passing on lessons of the outdoors onto grandchildren and her travels abroad. It was so lovely to walk alongside someone with so much wealth of knowledge to share. 

It reminded me of walking alongside my own parents on the trial. In my childhood I was blessed to learn a connection with the outdoors, knowledge of plants and animals and the beauty of being with others outside. The anecdotes and obstacles shared on the trail are ones that I will never forget and look back on often. To share the trail and all that comes with it is the greatest gift.

After our hike through the rolling green hills, we drove past the lagoon to an elk lookout and captured some amazing shots of the coastline. We also grabbed a bite to eat at Point Reyes Village, another must see when in the area.

The Point Reyes area is greatly untouched and holds a wild and vibrant quality. The day was a perfect escape from city life and such a refreshing, group experience. Looking forward to our next class trip.