Bolinas & Bass Lake

The good news is that we have found a vehicle. The bad news is that it is taking longer then anticipated to fix it up ready for our trip. Still, we have been lucky enough to find a deal that is too good to miss, so we will wait another week before leaving California. In the mean time we have had an opportunity to explore some more of the scenic gems which are available around the bay area.

With this in mind, we headed to probably my favourite spot on the Marin County coastline with Michael and Tom.

Bolinas is a remote coastal community that is known for its peaceful, artistic and reclusive inhabitants. Historically, it has only been accessible via unmarked roads; as any sign erected along the nearby Highway One has been torn down by local residents eager not to dilute the character of their community with bland and unwanted tourism. Despite this, once you are there, the locals are friendly and welcoming in each of the small number of local businesses. There is a perfect little bar, two grocery shops, a couple of Hotels and possibly the cleanest beach in Northern California. It's most famous current inhabitant is a personal hero of mine, Joel Coen. I can see why he has settled here. Peaceful picturesque streets hug a beautiful coastline frequented by surfers and seals. What is not to like about this little pocket of paradise?

View From Bolinas

After picking up a few supplies from Bolinas and taking a few photographs of the immediate coast line, we drove a couple of miles north to some of the high cliffs that stand firm against the vast Pacific Ocean. Then, with rucksacks packed we hiked through the morning mist along the coast and into a dense forest that was dotted with pristine fresh water lakes. Eventually, we emerged at an isolated little cove, where a stream appeared and fell onto an exposed sandy beach. After a spot of lunch, the sun burnt through the thick low-lying mist and we headed back into the forest in search of the clean but opaque waters of Bass Lake. What a perfect place. Tall and lush green trees hugged this wide lake, and inviting rope-swings encouraged us to strip down to our bathing suits and dive in.

Marin Coast & Mist

Hiking To Alamere Falls

Lunch On The Beach

Bass Lake

Rope Swing

© All Images By Paul
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