More Morro Bay

I cannot imagine going to Morro Bay and not finding something to photograph.   Even though I have so many photos in my files, and some of them seem a little redundant, I still take my camera with me to this small area in hopes of seeing something a little different.

When you drive to to the town of Morro Bay, there is a strand that takes you out to the beach and the walk along The Rock.   To the right is the parking area where surfers and beach goers park.   We usually start there and walk along until we decide to turn around and walk back.   This is a view of the parking area.   Even on a busy day, people are pretty well organized in this area.   I've never been blocked in and it's quite civilized for an uncontrolled parking area.   There is also a decent restroom that's kept pretty clean.   California does a good job with its public restrooms in park areas and I appreciate that.   


To the left in this photo is the famous Rock.   It's too close to get a photo at this point because it's HUGE.   But walking down the beach and turning around....well, you can see that it's just spectacular.   A cloudy day makes the detail stand out much more than you can see in the bright sun.


This is a surfers beach.   They sometimes hold competitions here, but most days you can see people out on their boards.   It's a good learning/practicing beach because the waves aren't so big that they would be intimidating....in my opinion anyway.   When the waves are big, they crash up against this side of the rock and make for great photo ops.   I'm sure I've shown you many of those.

A closer view of The Rock.   It's always lined with birds and you can hear thousands of seagulls when you get close.   There are two peregrine falcon nests, one on the north side and one on the south.   


Walking from the parking lot toward the other side, you come to the little cove in the harbor where the sea otters live.   There are still a few mamas and babies wrapped up in the kelp, although not as many as I showed you a couple months ago.   The south side has a drive which leads out to the jetty.   There is a small beach on this side which is not always exposed due to high and low tides.   Looking back from the south side into town, this is the harbor and a view of the town.


And on this side there are prickly pear cactus growing into the rock.   They are in full bloom right now. I tried to get a few photos to show you these pretty flowers, but the rocks are covered in seagull droppings which ruins the shots.   Lots of cropping required.   I may try again this weekend.


Thanks for all your comments about the purple sand dollar.   Yes, that is the real color.   Here's another one I thought was worth a photo.   I've also included a little video I found online that shows a sand dollar moving along in time lapse.   Pretty cool.  



Comments

Tabor said…
Really lovely photos. You have a great eye for composition and you are good at giving a feel for how large this rock is! I would love to visit this place someday!!
Lynn said…
Holy crow that is an amazing video, I've seen lots of SD's but never moving (SW coast of Vancouver Island, BC, Can) this is so great to see. Super photos, beautiful spot.
Gorgeous photos! What a beautiful place to visit. I do envy you the beaches! We are surrounded by water here, mostly lakes and rivers and ponds and on and on, but I so love the ocean, the beach...sigh...

That rock is very impressive, and makes for a great image!
Anonymous said…
Love this set of photos today. Really shows off the beach area and great descriptions of it.
Unknown said…
Pictures of the 'rock' are incredible as are all the others. The sand dollar video is fascinating.
TexWisGirl said…
i would spend hours staring at that rock!
Lynne said…
The Rock . . . pics two and three . . . really ROCK . . .
That rock formation is outstanding...looks almost prehistoric!...:)JP
Comfypjs said…
Thanks for the description of what the beach area looks like at Morro Bay. I've always wanted to go but I have a sister who keeps telling me it's not what it used to be. Since I've never been I wouldn't have to worry about "what it used to be" and from your photos it looks to me like a great place for photography. I will have to plan a trip soon. Too bad my 4 week sabbatical ends this weekend. :(
Hi That rock is amazing and you do get the size of it in your photo as the people are so small great to see the video
CountryDew said…
Lovely shots! That is a big rock! Thank you for sharing this with us.
Beautiful shots, that rock is huge!

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