Schooner Gulch State Beach
After parking beside Highway 1 just south of Point Arena, I walked a short way through trees, plants, and flowers down to the beach.
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| Broad-Leaved Sweet Pea |
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| Memorial Rose |
Upon arriving, I crossed a narrow streamlet that flowed out of Schooner Gulch and into the ocean.
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| Schooner Gulch |
Schooner Gulch State Beach was fairly small with the sand virtually free of small rocks, shells, or debris.
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| Looking Southward |
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| Looking Northward |
The rocky cliffs, some carved into interesting shapes, were topped with hardy plants and trees.
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| Rocky Cliffs |
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| Rock Looks Like an Iguana Climbing the Cliff |
Bowling Ball Beach
From the same parking area, a second trail led northward to another beach which is popularly called Bowling Ball Beach.
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| Bowling Ball Beach |
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| Frothy Waves Under Scattered Clouds |
Rugged cliffs rose along the beach's eastern edge. In one area the sand gave way to a striking shelf or strip of rock.
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| Stark Cliff Face |
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| Sand Gives Way to Rock |
As planned, I arrived at low tide. While the water level was not as low as it is at other times of the year, I was still able to see the smooth rock spheres that give the beach its name.
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| Bowling Balls in the Surf |
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| Closer View of the Bowling Balls |
I had the beach mostly to myself. However, there was one visitor who took the opportunity to bask in the sun and doze a little.
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| California Sea Lion Looks Out on the Restless Pacific |
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Sea Lion Rests
(despite the photographer taking pictures) |
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