January 31, 2023
Four of us, two Vermonters, one New Yorker and me, decided to drive up the coast to check out the San Simeon Creek Trail. We parked at the Washburn Day Use Area off the 1 near Hearst San Simeon State Park. The trail starts off from the free parking lot. The trail is a 3.5 mile loop taking you from the coast, through a wetland, Monterey pine forest and grasslands. We did not complete the loop, but instead headed back about a mile in. We spotted a few monarch butterflies flying among the trees. They found it easy to ignore us. The trail is quite pretty with great diversity of plants and terrain.
Next time our goal is to complete the entire loop. I feel we really missed out not doing so.
We walked back to the parking lot and followed the creek to the ocean. After crossing under the highway we encountered a lagoon where birds enjoyed the fresh water. We spent quite some time identifying the birds and observing them.
After a short walk on the Estero Bluffs we returned to town. We decided to try a different eating establishment. The Cayucos Gas & Mini Mart is a nondescript gas station at the corner of Cayucos and Ocean. It has a Mexican deli inside where you can order takeout. After a little reconnaissance, we discovered that the menu was extensive. We decided to give it a try and were quite satisfied.
Los Angeles Excursions 