Point Reyes National Seashore
I parked my car opposite the Hi Point Reyes Hostel and started trekking the Laguna Trail. This two mile trail would lead me directly to Coast Camp, where I’d be staying the night. The hike was pretty and easy—even with the 27lb pack on my back. I arrived at camp, setup my tent, then took a nice walk on the beach.
The beach, as far as I could see, only had 5 people on it. On top of that, I was just so happy that I had achieved my goal of backpacking at Point Reyes. Given how much energy I had left, I felt very capable—I really could go on longer backpacking trips in the Sierras.
Even after half a mile of walking on the beach, my elation had not subsided, so I just let it wash over me. I started jogging. I felt so free. The wind was carrying me forward and I could not stop smiling. After some time, I started sprinting as fast as I could. In that moment, I was in love with myself.
I then slowed down, took some pictures, and just enjoyed my own company. I also couldn’t remember the last time I had felt that jubilent. By the time I started walking back, that elation was gone, but I was content and a little bit hungry.
I found myself back at camp and cooked myself a simple meal. I wrote some diary entries and did the dishes. Afterwards, I went for a stroll on the bluff that overlooked the beach.
After sunset, I slept after watching a movie. I did notice some condensation on the tent before I went to sleep, like at Manresa State Beach, but I was warm and slept well. When I woke up, I hiked the Coast Trail back to my car, and drove back to civilization.
What I Learned:
Unlike at Manresa State Beach, I left one of the vestibules open the whole time, and yet condensation still formed. Next time, I will not use the vestibule at all, and see if that removes all condensation. If not, I think I should invest in a better tent.
I tried using hiking poles for the first time and it was absolutely magical. My arms took so much of the weight, and I could even push off the poles to propel myself forward.
The clasps I sewed on the sleeping bag worked wonderfully! It now acts like a sleeping bag or a quilt based on how I want to use it.
Babybel cheese kept well for a few hours while walking on the trail. I don’t trust it as much as I trust cheddar cheese, however.
I decided on the trail that I want a lighter backpacking pack. I’ll keep this current one as backup.
I froze my butt off on top of the bluff—I needed to keep the tripod stable in 15mph winds by keeping my foot on the tripod legs. I was wearing a sweater and a wind breaker. When I got back to camp, the thermometer read 55 degrees.
Someone brought a hammock that they hung on the giant bay tree next to the camp site. What a brilliant idea!
I should hike out even earlier next time. I hiked out starting around 9:15am. The sun came up for the last 30 minutes of the walk back to the car and it turned a sweater + long pants weather into a shirt + shorts weather.
7.4 miles, 4 hrs and 15 min, 434 ft of ascent
Camp Review:
Coast Camp is an absolute delight. Not only is it a stone’s throw from a unmolested beach, but it has tap water and a pit toilet (I didn’t use it though, so I’m not sure how clean it is).
I stayed at site #1, which had a gorgeous view of the path that led to the beach. The only downside is that the bushes between the sites is a little low, so site #3 had a great view of my entire campsite.
There were at least 4 different kind of birds I could see and many more I felt that I could hear. I also saw deer hanging out in the grass fields next to site #8b. The orchestra that was the surf and wildlife was idyllic.