Gaviota Coast - Not a secret spot!

[billie_morini]

Roxy Ridgeback, Mrs. Morini, and me went out for some fresh air and warm sunshine. This afternoon we went to a Gaviota Coast location that is not a secret spot. Many people visit this location daily. Fishermen fish in the surf. The Amtrack Pacific Surfliner train runs by a few times a day. Pelicans rest on the rocks. Dolphins swim slowly by.

The location is named Arroyo Hondo Preserve. The preserve begins at the coast and runs north up the Santa Ynez Mountain foothill slopes. There is a vista and rest area accessible from US Highway 101 Southbound. Here are a few photos. The elevation bench mark sits atop the cliff.

[billie_morini]

There is sea life in the elongated tidal pools.

[billie_morini]

1948 benchmark placed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Valuable for evaluating if the cliff surface elevation is increasing or decreasing. This is important for maintaining train rails and US Highway 101. Also useful for measuring tide highs and lows, as well as sea level.

[billie_morini]

This is a panoramic view from the rocky point looking back at the train rail bridge and original California Highway 1 bridge. The original bridge is not in service and provides a vista point for walkers.