It was another weekday, so I wanted to go somewhere that would typically be packed with people on a weekend. Pomo Canyon Campground from Shell Beach was an attractive option. About an hour and a half from where I live, the trailhead was right on the beach. I parked, crossed the the road and was on my way uphill.
Not a soul on the trail... Very peaceful and quiet with distant sound of occasional car passing by. The views of the ocean were incredible as elevation gain increased.
Quickly enough the trail continued inland, and the views of the meadow (that might have been lusciously green at some point, no more) unfolded ahead for the next few miles.
Fully exposed to the sun, the trail continued to gain elevation, and it was getting pretty warm. The trail was overgrown in some parts, and the insects a bit annoying, but shelter from the redwoods was coming shortly. Soon I was surrounded by dense forest of tall trees.
It was now comfortable to hike. I was yet again amazed how the Bay area landscape could change so quickly. After a bit of walking downhill, I reached the closed campground. It was a bit eerie to see what looked like abandoned picnic tables and chairs in the season of camping and backpacking. I was not sure why the campground was closed, but certainly welcomed this lack of people. As I turned back (it was an in-and-out trail), I noticed this tree that probably fell down and was cut to allow hikers to pass by. I put my hand to reference the size of the trunk, and that was not even the largest tree in the area!
As I hiked back, more people were just starting the trail, and even more were parked on the beach. Yet again, I was glad to have chosen to come early. This trail must be packed during the weekend!
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