For Kate’s 65th birthday this year we spent the weekend in Inverness on Tomales Bay, which is right next to Point Reyes National Seashore.
We stayed at the Motel Inverness. Good thing we were out and about most of the time cause the room was quite small, but appointed really well and the common areas were very cool. The main lobby we had access to any time, with a huge fireplace, pool table, books, game tables, awesome big leather chairs, telescope and binoculars, and then a nice big deck with tables and all the outdoor furnishings you would need. Then out in back there was a long walk way out into the bay with a bird watching shelter at the end. When we arrived the tide was in and actually just starting to cover the walkway. The other times we used it the tide was out but we saw some amazing herons, photos of which are below. Out on the lawn in the morning we saw a bunch of California Quail which were nothing like the ones we see at home. These were big fat colorful guys that were fun to watch. The hosts, Michael and Janice, were terrific and have done a wonderful job with the landscaping including a meditation type garden in front. Very friendly people.
On Saturday, after a late start, we hiked the Bear Valley Trail out to the coast but were not able to see the famous Arch Rock a the end since it recently collapsed, killing one person. So when we got to the coast we hiked a mile or so north to Kelham Beach which had over 100 stairs built into the cliff, which of course, we had to climb back up. Gorgeous hike as always, with such lush vegetation but really difficult to capture on camera. Total round trip was about 11 miles, so we were pretty bushed when we got back. We ended up sitting on the deck, drinking chardonnay and eating some awesome Marin French Cheese Factory Brie and Olive Brushchetta on Rosemary Sourdough bread for dinner while the sun went down. Truly an amazing explosion of wonderful flavors all combined. Mouthwatering just thinking about it. Of course we had our favorite BBQ oysters at Tonys near Marshall, and went into Pt. Reyes Station for dinner and breakfast. Culinary delights all around.
Weather was perfect Friday and Saturday, and then on Sunday, when we left, a big fog bank came in, which made for some interesting views. We drove out to Limantour Spit and walked around the beach a bit before leaving for home. The drive is about 2.75 hours.
What a wonderful place to spend Kate’s birthday. The herons are lovely especially when they spread
their wings, and there certainly appeared to be quite a few. Lovely shoreline scenes. The Bear Valley Trail
and the 100 stairs made an interesting hike. Nice weather, culinary delights, beautiful coastline, a great
hike, all in two days. A beautiful and pleasant weekend. Happy Birthday, Kate.
Mom
Perfect weekend my love. Thank you very much
xoxoxo
Hello Geoff & Kate
First, happy belated Birthday Kate. Sounds like you had a wonderful celebratory weekend in a gorgeous natural environment, accompanied by a perfect gentleman.
Geof, as usual I thoroughly enjoyed reading your great short story about the weekend. You always write with tremendous descriptive details & graphics, I actually get the feeling I’m with you on the journey. My mouth was watering as I could just imagine your delicious dinner out on the motel patio. You definitely sold me on the nice motel. All of the pictures turned out cool, especially all of the birds.
I look forward to your next trip & the travelogue plus photos.
Brother George
Las Vegas
One thing I am sure of is that you had great weather. Geoff, the photo of Kate enjoying a glass of wine and cheese there is a can on the table that looks out of place, just saying.