Montana de Oro State Park, California...

Might be smallish in size but it's large on views. Sporting a whole seven miles of rugged California coastline, it would be a developer's dreamland. 

Too bad for those greedy speculators. The state beat them to the table by purchasing the property in 1965. Score one for the masses.

This landlubber got his seaside fix by strolling along those beaches, bluffs and one 1,000' summit. All this with a less than energetic body and mindset. (It might have been that extra 8.5% IPA I drank last night.) 

I even went for a "Sambur swim." I dipped my toe in the Pacific Ocean. Why would anyone do a full-on immersion? There's fish and other creatures doing their bodily functions in that watery mix!

Good night from Moro Bay, California.

Southern-most Redwoods, Pacific Ocean and...

and bathing beauties.

Another species of big trees demanded equal hugs, so I drove to Big Sur.

Here lies the most distant southern outpost of the Coastal Redwoods. 95% of the original old growth Redwoods are a thing of the past seen only in photos. That outside deck/patio you are walking upon might be made of Redwood. The wood is tough, attractive and very resistant to wear and tear. 

I'm glad these specimens avoided the chopping block.

Here's a photo of a baby Redwood. Even the Mighty start out small. I am patiently waiting for my growth spurt.

Here's a gang of Elephant Seals after a long bender. That must have been some party. 

I hope they applied enough sunscreen.

I've run out of western movement. Barley can't swim. It'll be time to turn south and east soon.

Cheers!

Pinnacles National Park, California...

Welcome to America's newest National Park. This little known hard-to-get-to place began as a National Monument until it's upgrade in 2013. I would suggest vIsiting during the week. I believe it would be worth the effort to arrive here.

That is if quiet, low volume humans, sustainable space around your campsite and unusual (not take your breath away) landscape piques your curiosity. 

 I won't BS you, this isn't the Sierra Nevada, but it's nice. 

It's 7:47 pm and I'm already horizontal in Barley scratching out this post.

If you enjoy a swinging night life, don't bother to follow my wheel on this lifestyle I've chosen.

You would be bored beyond tears.

Ain't that tarantula photo something? They are pretty tasty once you sear the hair off of them. They are kosher too. 

Happy New Year II,

Jeff