Goat Rock State Beach

 Sara and I enjoyed a gorgeous drive to Goat Rock State Beach on Sunday afternoon.  We drove out route 116 through the redwoods and hills of  Forestville, Guerneville, Duncans Mills and finally out to Jenner where we joined up briefly with Highway One and entered the area known as Goat Rock.  We arrived there around 4:30 PM, just in time for the 'almost winter solstice' sunset, and we were treated to a GLORIOUS sunset!


While we walked along the beach the sunset just got brighter and more colorful....and everything got more beautiful.   I felt lucky to live in a place where we can enjoy such natural beauty.   

Goat Rock beach is right next to the mouth of the Russian River, and is home to a colony of harbor seals that haul out to rest on a daily basis.  They also have pupping season here between March and August.  It is important to leave a great distance between yourself and any seals - at least 50 feet.  This is their home, they are very shy, and we don't want to chase them away or make them feel unsafe.  They are actually protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and a Ranger or other official could levy a fine of up to $10,000 for harassing a marine mammal.  Can you tell I used to be a docent at the Marine Mammal Center?

Goat Rock itself (pictured below) is a popular place to rock climb as well.  My girls have been here with a rock climbing camp in the past.  They loved it!   


There is lots of hiking, beach combing, and kayaking possibilities here.  Swimming and surfing are a bit tough though - there is a seriously rough undertow at this beach, so swimming is not allowed.   I have, several times, kayaked down the Russian River and got out at Goat Rock to hang out for a while before padding back.  Its just an all around beautiful beach to go to at anytime, but particularly on this night!  Here are some more crazy beautiful photos of the sunset:







Notice the crescent moon in the sky:




We then drove back going South on Highway One, enjoying the dimming light and the changing sunset, until we headed back to Sebastopol via Bodega Highway -- this is the incredible loop!  The journey is as beautiful as the destination!  


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