DAY 40: CARPINTERIA BLUFFS

DAY 40: CARPINTERIA BLUFFS

Miles:  3.5

Elevation Gain:  50 Feet

Time: 1.75 Hours

Difficulty (1-10):  1

Reward (1-10): 6
Description: Harbor Seals reside along the beach between December and May

Where?: Carpinteria, CA
Directions: From the 101 Freeway in Ventura, drive North to Carpenteria and exit at Ballard.  Turn left and the street dead ends at the parking lot.

***MY 40 DAY SUMMARY:  142.25 Miles  +21,625 Feet***

I wanted something close.  I wanted something easy to do with my son.  It was an astonishing surprise when we discovered the Harbor Seal Sanctuary!

The city of Carpinteria has protected this land to ensure that the bad man does not develop it.  Good thing!  There were many possible trails to hike but we took the most obvious one toward the ocean bluff and to the right.  After a dangerous train track crossing we reached the seal view point.  Now, I've been up by Hurst Castle before and there is a spot where the larger Elephant Seals gather.  There are many more of them there compared to this spot, but the discovery today was most gratifying and I will bring back Alyssa before their season is over.

Alyssa loves animals but she is not too fond of hiking through nature to reach them.  This hike is actually quite simple.  Ayden, Sammi and I tackled the entire northern route up to the State Park.  There was more coast line to explore after that.  It was probably high tide when we went because there was not much beach to trek, but others were doing it.  The beach where the seals congregate is prohibited and yes, I kept Sammi on a leash!

Merry X-Mas all!  I still don't have photo capability with this blog but you can check out my Facebook page for pics of this awsome hike!  Also,  I hope to have a video complete before this long weekend is over.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001863181396%20