Screw The Fog It's Summer Time
Sure we can easily forget the amazing weather we just have and will have now that the sky is grey and cloud cover is returning. But not this time. No sir. We weatherists are doing some non-scientific gut forecasting and preparing for some more super weather. Of course our Far East and Deep South Bay readers wonder when the good weather possibly could have stopped, but much of us sat under clouds and fog most of Thursday of the day.
So with no further ado we present our top-five beaches and swimming holes. Add yours in the comments and we can keep the list going.
#1 Black Sand Beach. After Alexander Avenue becomes a one way in the Marin Headlands pull into the first parking area on left. Walk right by the sign that says "Beach Closed" but wear sturdy footwear. Once down, enjoy the multi-colored sand and go the left. Dogs get tickets but clothing is optional. Southern facing and wind protected so warms up well...
#2 Heart's Desire Beach. Even from the North Bay this is a decent drive, but it's what your heart desires. Head into Point Reyes Park and then go up the western shore of Tomales Bay. Hearts Desire beach looks east and is rarely crowded. There is a campground nearby which is often full on the weekends. There is a more bulk campground back outside the entrance of the park.
#3 Anywhere between Pacifica and Santa Cruz. Just drive down and pull over to the beach that calls you. State beaches have a nominal parking fee. Usually a coastal breeze so not as warm as by the road.
#4 Bass Lake. This is an honest to goodness lake. Head towards Bolinas and follow the direcs here Hike in is about 2.5 miles. Hopefully the rope swing is still there.
#5 The Inkwell. This is guaranteed to never have fog as it's in central Marin on Sir Francis Drake. It puts the hole back in swimming hole as it offers a shallow creek boasting a 6'x6' hole that is very deep. Bring beach chairs and thrill with the Acapulco diving. Nudie friendly. 1.5 miles after Lagunitas you'll come to the green Shafer Bridge. Park and walk north 150 feet.
We're off for Lake Mississippi east of Morgan Hill this weekend. The 12 mi. hike in is all up and down, but as Porgie never said, the swimmingssssss eeeeeeeasy.