Recap of 4th Hike - Saturday, 12/29 - Pt Reyes

An intrepid group of ten hikers braved thick fog and drizzle to take the 4th Spirit Walk at Pt Reyes National Seashore. We met at the Bear Valley Visitor's Center parking lot at 10 am. Leaving some cars there, we shuttled over to Limatour Beach, left a few cars there, and then returned to the Sky Trail parking lot where the hike began. During the long uphill trek to Sky Camp the fog thickened. The hike along the Innverness Ridge through old growth forest was magical. Fog partially obscured the trees creating a serene landscape worthy of a Japanese print. The fog also dampened sound. All was quiet, shrouded, mystical. We turned onto the Woodward Trail and wound our way through dense forest. The grass beneath was a lush, psychedelic green. As we emerged on the open hills we saw three chalk-white Fallow deer across the way on a hillside. We descended to the Coast Trail and followed it north to Coast Camp where we had lunch. A raucus group of sparrows and Towhees gathered around us. Proceeding on we left the Coast Trail as it bends to the right to go up the ravine to the Youth Hostel. We turned left and walked along the beach, returning to the Limatour parking lot about 3 pm. We shuttled back up the hill to Sky Trail parking lot and parted company, a somewhat damp and weary group, but in high spirits after a very special hike under special conditons. The entire hike was about 7.5 miles and lasted about 4 hours.