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01.15.09

Good Migration

They spend nine months of the year migrating nearly 11,000 miles, and the next few months are the best time to spot them off the Northern California coast. Yes, the California Gray Whales are back in action, making their journey from Alaska to Baja. Spot them while you can!  

Owl Trail Marin Whale Watch

Owl's Eye View

The Owl Trail, Marin's swooping seashore tramp, offers a special bonus in winter and spring: the chance to see migrating Gray Whales offshore. The 2-mile round-trip trek­—not for those with a fear of heights—parallels Highway 1 between the Muir Beach Overlook and Slide Ranch. Pack your binoculars and your patience, and keep an eye out along the way for swashes on the Pacific, signaling spouting whales in the distance. Bonus sightings include the trail's namesake Great Horned Owls, along with a flock of curious sheep that live at Slide Ranch, a nonprofit teaching farm that's a crossroads destination on the trail. Upon reaching the ranch, continue past the office building and take the path—steep at one point—down to North Beach. Explore tide pools and take a breather on a giant rock, keeping your eyes peeled for those large gray wonders of the sea.

The Owl Trail starts from an unmarked trailhead at the north end of Muir Beach Overlook parking lot. Take this north all the way to Slide Ranch, and return on the same trail. No dogs.

Activity
Hike, Winter
Region
North Bay
Whale Watch out of Half Moon Bay

Super Highway

For those who don't want to wait patiently for the action to come to them, catch a ride aboard a whale-watching expedition out of Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay. What's so special about Pillar Point? It's the launch pad for a winter giants twofer: whales and waves. Six to 8 miles off its shore is the Whale Highway, a prime route for the Grays. Sightings are not guaranteed—they peak between now and April—but if it's rush hour, the payoff is great. The bonus feature of the charter trips is the chance to get up close to the world famous Mavericks surf break. Tour boats typically cruise by the break when it's active on non-competition days (on competition day, the price of a seat on these tours skyrockets). Brace yourself—if you think Gray Whales are large, wait till you see these waves.

TIP: Pick up the freshest and tastiest Dungeness crab from one of the many fishermen at Pillar Point Harbor. Prices run about $6 per pound. Take your fresh crab to the nearby Princeton Seafood Company (next to the Harbormaster) where they will cook, clean and put your crab on ice for $2 each.

The Oceanic Society's Half Moon Bay Whale Watching Trip happens every Saturday and Sunday through the season. The cost is $45 per adult and $40 per kid (reservations: 415-474-3385.) A naturalist is on board to point out the wildlife and answer questions.

Activity
Water, Relax, Winter
Region
Peninsula & South Bay
Whale Watch from Mori Point in Pacifica

That's A Mori

For a good time while watching for whales, grab some lawn chairs, a thermos of hot cocoa (and Baileys), and binoculars, and head to Mori Point in Pacifica. Famous as the setting for the final scene in the '70s cult film Harold and Maude (Harold drives his car over a cliff), Mori Point was privately held for decades and only recently became an addition to the Golden Gate National Park system. What it lacks in official trail systems, Mori more than makes up for in stunning ocean views, thanks to the exposed promontory. Plant the lawn chairs at the base and scan for 50-foot Grays in the distance. A short and easy trail leads up to the promontory, but be careful, there's no fence and the cliffs are more than 100 feet in places. Strolling south leads to 105 acres of open bluffs to explore.

Going south on Highway 1 in Pacifica, look for the "End Freeway 1/4 Mile" sign. Make a right onto the second unmarked street after the sign (across from the Orchids Gift Shop Gallery). Drive 100 feet and park. Walk west past the gate on a wide dirt fire road for .25 mile. Go left and uphill on the new trail up to the promontory.

Activity
Hike, Relax, Winter
Region
Peninsula & South Bay
Hike Adventure Team In Training

Hike an Icon, Help a Cause

Hiking never felt so good. Join Team In Training (TNT) on a hiking adventure in some of the world's most beautiful places, all in the spirit of helping a good cause. TNT is kicking off its hike program with a trek into the Grand Canyon and a hike in Yosemite. Experience amazing views, hidden spots, and plenty of fun explorations with like-minded new friends. TNT hiking coaches are certified in partnership with the American Hiking Association (AHS), so they know how to gear you up, get you in shape, and keep you inspired. And every step you take with Team In Training makes a difference in the fight against blood cancers, a lifesaving cause. Now that's putting your best foot forward in 2009! Learn more at a TNT Information Meeting (some are listed below).

About Team In Training: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training is the first and largest charity sports training program. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned athlete, TNT will train you to achieve your best at a marathon, half marathon, triathlon, century bike ride, hike adventure.

San Francisco
Saturday, January 24, 9:30 a.m.: Presidio Sports Basement

Marin & North Bay
Saturday, January 17, 9:30 a.m.: Mill Valley Community Center, Mill Valley
Thursday, January 22, 6:30 p.m.: Fleet Feet, Santa Rosa

East Bay & Solano
Thursday, January 15, 6:30 p.m.: Fairfield/Cordelia Public Library, Fairfield
Tuesday, January 20, 6:30 p.m.: San Ramon Valley High School, Danville
Saturday, January 24, 2:30 p.m.: Pleasant Hill Community Center, Pleasant Hill

Peninsula & Silicon Valley
Saturday, January 17, 9:30 a.m.: REI, San Carlos **Hike information only
Thursday, January 22, 6:30 p.m.: Embassy Suites, Burlingame
Saturday, January 24, 10:00 a.m.: Willows Senior Center, San Jose

Monterey & Santa Cruz
Tuesday, January 20, 6:30 p.m.: Hilton Garden Inn, Gilroy
Saturday, January 24, 10:00 a.m.: University Inn & Conference Center, Santa Cruz

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