Pirate’s Cove at Muir Seaside

Final weekend, Jade and I went on a hike at Muir Seaside to see Pirate's Cove for her birthday (by way of Coastal Path).  Though now we have finished this hike earlier than (greater than as soon as), it's a beautiful hike with ocean views that I'll fortunately do once more.  We did 4 miles out and again.  There are some steep elements (the start will get your coronary heart fee up fairly rapidly) and there are some “scrambles” in the event you resolve to descend into Pirate's Cove.  I understood there was an extended loop that features Tennessee Valley Path, however I'm trying extra intently on the map, and it seems like there are different trails that may shorten that loop.  I have not but gone as much as end the loop as a result of I wished to stay near the ocean views.  I did not assume I used to be prepared for a 6-8 mile hike.  I assume subsequent time, I can attempt persevering with up the steps exterior of the Pirate's Cove to see what these views have to supply.

This specific day, the fireplace division was doing an evacuation drill at 9 AM.  We might hear a number of sirens and an announcement — and we initially thought there have to be a hearth.  We turned to take a look at the multi-million greenback houses on the hill throughout the opposite aspect of the seashore.  There have been about 4 “rows” of roads on the aspect of the hill, every with a hearth truck on it with sirens blaring, asserting that it was a drill (you could not hear the phrases at first, so it was scary to start with; actually, some individuals behind us circled, and I do not know if it was as a result of they thought it was an actual evacuation, or if the uphill intimidated them).  It simply added to the journey for us.

The largest disadvantage to this hike is that there's virtually zero shade.  I do not know what I used to be considering however I didn't put any sunblock on.  I'm burnt to a crisp as we speak.  The morning had a bit haze however the solar was blazing by the point we have been finished.  So be sure to have a lot of water and loads of sunblock.

The second greatest disadvantage is the parking (anyplace close to Mt. Tam, parking is a matter).  If you're on Mt. Tam correct, then you may't begin later than 8 AM in the summertime; in any other case, there'll doubtless not be parking close to your chosen trailhead.  At Muir Seaside, the crowds appear to indicate up a bit later, however I might say to not likelihood coming after 9 AM.  The crowds are there establishing on the seashore and I really feel just like the parking is gone earlier than 10.  Then you definately're circling the parking zone like a shark, hoping somebody will go away.  

In any other case, it is a good spot to hike.  You get attractive views throughout your hike, then you may soak your sore tootsies within the ocean earlier than you head dwelling.  Muir Seaside does have loos, however no sinks, so deliver wipes or sanitizer.

The hike begins with an enormous uphill, then the path splits.  We selected to proceed straight forward to Pirate's Cove as an alternative of heading up any additional.  Pirate's Cove has a bit climb right down to the seashore.  I have been there when excessive tide has eliminated the seashore and you'll solely get to one of many cliffs.  I've additionally been there when its utterly out and you'll stroll out previous one of many massive rocks.  This time was someplace within the center.  You could possibly climb right down to the seashore however you could not get across the rock from the ocean aspect.  We walked to the opposite aspect of the seashore and there was this terrible odor.  I might see massive rib bones and vertebrae protruding of the sand.  Then I understand there may be primarily a “melted” whale proper in entrance of us.  I've by no means been so near a lifeless whale.  We took some photographs then sat down on the opposite aspect of the seashore, away from the odor.  

A couple of minutes later, a solo hiker walked as much as us and requested if we might seen the whale.  We stated we had however acquired as much as chat along with her and take photographs.  It seems our new buddy is visiting from Texas.  (We reconnected along with her later within the day and I'm planning to fulfill up along with her subsequent weekend to hike across the Golden Gate.)  So we went again over to see the whale.  She is a molecular biologist so she was tremendous within the whale's decomposition.  We noticed that one of many rib bones was up on a cliff.  She climbed up so I might take an image, and in some unspecified time in the future, it fell down.  Rating!  We picked it as much as take extra photographs.  Two issues.  First, it was loads heavier than I anticipated.  Second, it smelled so disgusting.  I really feel like I could not get that odor off me the remainder of the day.  I believed briefly about bringing it dwelling, however I wasn't certain if it was unlawful to take whale bones off a seashore.  Additionally, it might have been a tough two miles uphill with a heavy rib bone throughout my shoulders.  And eventually, the odor that may have crammed my automotive for the hour and a half drive dwelling could have killed me.  As we hiked out, lots of people have been heading right down to the seashore.  Apparently the whale is talked about a number of occasions in feedback on the AllTrails app, so many individuals have been particularly there to see the rotting whale corpse.

The stroll again was pretty uneventful.  I might say that we noticed much more individuals coming in than I ever had earlier than.  Undecided if that was because of the whale report, or the warmth drawing extra individuals to the coast.  We completed the hike by sticking our toes within the sand down on the seashore and chatting with our new buddy for awhile earlier than beginning the trek dwelling.  

The warmth within the East Bay is already stepping into the 100's, so it looks like the summer season hikes could need to be on the coast for the subsequent few months.  It was 84 levels whilst I left my home at 7 AM on Saturday.  I can not actually do many hikes right here as a result of most parks do not open till 8 AM and by then, it's already simply too sizzling.  

Whereas I do not really feel compelled to put in writing right here about each hike I'm going on, I do prefer to report on a number of the extra fashionable hikes which may encourage individuals to get exterior of their consolation zone.  You probably have any hikes you need me to attempt, let me know within the feedback!