From camp we’ll take a short stroll out to the nearby bluffs, where the waves crash against the rocky shore in a beautiful, classic California coast tableau. At low tide the waves pull back and present us with a bounty of tide pools, small rocky beaches and inlets that are teeming with life. We’ll (carefully) walk out together across the rocks and pools, stopping to identify what we find, and gathering some of it for the table.
What we take home depends entirely on the season and on what the tide has left us, which is half the fun of it. There’s seaweed of one kind or another most of the year, shellfish, urchin when they’re about. What you’ll see is a great deal more than what comes back with us: anemones, bat stars, rock crabs, hermit crabs, limpets, turban snails, chitons that have sat in the same spot for thirty years, and the odd abalone if you know where to look. And if you’re feeling adventurous you can crack open one of the purple urchins we find and slurp it up right there in the water!
It’s a fun and informative adventure and it’s for all ages, with little ones alongside an adult. Please be warned though that the conditions out there are quite challenging. The rocks are slippery, there are pokey things like urchins, and it’s relatively easy to fall. So come prepared with strong water shoes, long pants, and a walking stick to help keep your balance, and bring a bucket, bag or container if you’re planning to take anything home.
This one only runs at a low tide. Once you’ve booked we’ll work with you and your group to find the best time to go out.
When we go
Low tide sets the time, so it moves around. These are the next days we can get out on the rocks.
| Day | Meet at camp |
|---|---|
| Sat 12 September | 5:55 pm |
| Sat 26 September | 4:48 pm |
| Sun 27 September | 5:29 pm |
| Thu 8 October | 3:28 pm |
| Fri 9 October | 4:14 pm |
| Sat 10 October | 4:56 pm |
